Bolex H 16 DELUXE (c. 1950–1953)

A 16mm non-reflex movie camera with automatic threading, variable speeds up to 64 fps, and a parallax-correcting Octameter viewfinder for precise framing.

Overview

The Bolex H-16 Deluxe is a 16mm movie camera made by Bolex (Paillard-Bolex) in the early 1950s. It is a non-reflex model. Exposure and frame rate are both set by hand. In the US it was sold as part of the H16 non-reflex series, and "Deluxe" meant a specific configuration with an eye-level focuser and the Octameter viewfinder. It takes 50ft and 100ft daylight spools and threads automatically. A side release and an I-T lever let it do single-frame animation and time-lapse work.

Specifications

OVERALL DIMENSIONS	8 1/2" x 6" x 3"
WEIGHT	Approximately 5 1/2 lbs
OUTER CASE	Highly polished duraluminium body, covered in genuine Morocco leather. Metal parts are chrome-plated.
FILM CAPACITY	100ft (30m) and 50ft (15m) daylight loading spools of 16mm film.
THREADING	Automatic threading and loop forming.
MOTOR	Constant speed, spring motor mechanism; governor controlled. 8:1 external drive shaft permits the attachment of an electric motor.
TURRET	Rotating turret accommodates three interchangeable C mount lenses.
VIEWFINDER	Eye-level focuser allows for critical focusing through a groundglass screen. Parallax correcting Octameter gives an exact viewing field for lenses of 8 focal lengths: 16mm, 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 63mm, 75mm, 100mm and 150mm.
VARIABLE SPEED	8, 16, 24, 32 and 64 frames per second
RELEASE BUTTON	Provides for the making of continuous exposures by a finger-tip release on the front of the camera. A side release allows for locked, hands-free running or single frame exposures.
SHUTTER	190 degree aperture shutter
FOOTAGE COUNTER	Adds and subtracts accurately in forward or reverse motion and automatically returns to zero when film is reloaded into the camera.
AUDIBLE FOOTAGE INDICATOR	A distinct click announces the passing of each 10 inches of film through the gate.
FRAME COUNTER	Twin dial counts frames individually and in total; Adds frames in forward motion and subtracts when film is wound backwards.
SINGLE FRAME	Time lapse and animation is possible by using the side release button or an accessory cable release and adapter; I-T lever allows for timed or instantaneous single exposures.
MANUAL REWIND	Clutch disengages spring motor and permits forward movement and backwind without running down the spring; allows for dissolves and superimposition.
TRIPOD SOCKET	3/8" thread

Design

The top position on the lens turret lets you focus critically through a magnified groundglass screen. The Octameter viewfinder needs a special bracket on the film door. On the H-16 Deluxe and later H models, that bracket was installed at the factory. The body is highly polished duraluminium covered in genuine Morocco leather, and the metal parts are chrome-plated.

Context

The H-16 Deluxe shipped with an eye-level focuser and the Octameter viewfinder, which was introduced in 1950. It is considered a basic H16 non-reflex camera, and "Deluxe" is a US marketing designation. The camera saw professional use. A 1958 AACC article describes it in film production.

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