Around 50 years ago, yes 50, Bolex sold their beautiful range of 'pocket' cine cameras. The B8, C8, D8... and then the design got rather less pocket-sized when they started adding reflex-zoom lenses. You still see these classics for sale. In their day, they gave excellent results with standard 8mm film. Like my beloved Bolex B8 (try saying that fast) that I told you about last time. But can you expect the same today ?
Standard-8 film (or Regular 8mm as it's also called) is still available, in colour and black and white.... see below. Even the great new Ektachrome 100D emulsion. If you are shooting with digital as the end product, it makes alot of sense to use standard-8 film. It can be scanned just the same as super-8. And as film has improved, potentially the results may be better than in the old days.
How Versatile ?
Many of the Bolex's have a wide choice of filming speeds, more, usually than super-8 cameras. And the Bolex lenses are legendary. And interchangeable, so lots of different kinds available. Arguably, with the precision gate you might get better results than super-8, even if the image area is smaller. Loading the Bolex is child's play, though not as quick obviously as a super-8 camera. Mustn't forget also to turn the film over halfway for the second run. Using a non-reflex camera for close-ups can be hit-and-miss, so Bolex offered a neat little set of prisms that correct the viewfinder parallax. You can also get the Som Berthiot Pan-Cinor zoom lens that provides reflex viewing, but will add bulk. Make sure it's the D-mount version. They also did them for 16mm cameras with C-mount screw. Some Bolex pocket-size cameras offer backwind and fading for special effects like in-camera dissolves. Highly versatile then, as well as giving beautiful images.... and currently very affordable.
However, 50 years is a long time for a movie camera. Even when new, Bolex recommended frequent oil checks. So many of the ones you see around today are probably crying out for a good service. This B8L for example. It looks in pretty good nick, you'd agree ? And the light meter flickers nicely, alive and well. But when I loaded up some old film it clearly doesn't like the faster filming speeds. (IMPORTANT ! ALL cine cameras: NEVER run at the very fast speeds without film loaded.) There are also signs of weaving in the gate when examined with a magnifier. In short, this Bolex needs a good overhaul if you intend using it. Enjoy delving into the innards of cameras ? Do it yourself perhaps... For how to oil a Bolex take a look at www.filmshooting.com/scripts/forum
So don't expect miracles from an elderly cine camera that's spent nearly all its life in a cupboard or attic. When cared for though, there is little reason to doubt these Swiss marvels could be in use for a long time yet. Like their watches.
Film Supply ?
Here are two UK suppliers of Standard 8mm Film.
PHOTOWORLD 7a Victoria Street, Craig-y-don, Llandudno LL30 1LQ (phone 01492 871818)
www.widescreen-centre.co.uk
You'll find them both helpful, and they offer processing too.
