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 started with serial number 94201 in 1953 and was marketed as the "H16 Supreme" in 1954. It stayed on sale in the United States until around 1958. In the H-16 line, it stands out for its enhanced turret design and a built-in gelatin filter slot, both aimed at making the camera easier to use and more flexible optically. It was sold alongside the cheaper 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 with a built-in gelatin filter slot. That allows filtering behind the lens without adapter rings. The rotating turret has a folding lever and a three-position click-stop mechanism, so you can change lenses without disturbing focus or aperture settings. Earlier turrets had only two positions. The tripod base has a small angled slot for attaching the Surefire Grip.
Similar items on eBay
No exact Bolex H 16 SUPREME listings are live right now — these searches show current Bolex and similar vintage camera gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- Bolex H 16 DELUXE
- Bolex H 16 REX
- Bolex H 16 S
- Bolex H 16 STANDARD
- Bolex H 8
- Arriflex 16 BL (1965)
- Arriflex 16 SR (1975)
- Arriflex 16 ST (1952)
- Arriflex 16S (1952-)
- Arriflex 16SR2 E