Bolex H-16 Supreme (1953–1958)
A precision 16mm spring-wound motion picture camera with reflex viewing, three-lens turret, and built-in filter slot, produced from 1953 to approximately 1958.
Overview
The Bolex H-16 Supreme is a 16mm motion picture camera made by Bolex International SA (formerly Paillard-Bolex). It was introduced starting with serial number 94201 in 1953 and marketed as the "H16 Supreme" in 1954, remaining on sale in the United States until around 1958. This model stands out in the H-16 line for its enhanced turret design and inclusion of a built-in gelatin filter slot, features aimed at improving usability and optical flexibility for filmmakers. It was sold alongside the less expensive H16 Leader, which lacked the filter slot.
Specifications
| Film format | 16mm |
| OVERALL DIMENSIONS | 8 1/2" x 6" x 3" |
| WEIGHT | Approximately 5 1/2 lbs (no mag) |
| 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. |
| Power | spring-wound clockwork motor (mechanical) |
| Lens mount | Rotating turret accommodates three interchangeable C mount lenses |
| TURRET | Rotating turret with folding lever; 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. |
| Viewing system | reflex viewing system |
| FILTER SLOT | Built-in slot holds a gelatin filter behind the taking lens and in front of the shutter. |
| 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 | 144 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. |
| The camera is backwindable | Yes |
| TRIPOD SOCKET | 3/8" thread |
Design
The H-16 Supreme was the first Bolex camera to feature a built-in gelatin filter slot, allowing behind-the-lens filtration without adapter rings. Its rotating turret includes a folding lever and a three-position click-stop mechanism, enabling lens changes without disturbing focus or aperture settings—a refinement over earlier two-position turrets. The tripod base includes a small angled slot for secure attachment of the Surefire Grip.
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