Bolex D8La - 'Leicalike' 8mm Film Camera

R

Rich Silfver

Guest
Bought one of these recently (about 70 dollars) and am hoping to put some double-8mm Tri-X through it next week.

It resembles the Leica M-cameras, to me, in build quality, apperance - even size.

(Coke can added for scale)

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Bolex D8La
The Bolex D8La was the last version in Bolex' regular/double 8mm film camera line. It's an all manual 8mm film camera with variable shutter speed. Film and development options are still available, over the counter in some cities (like San Francisco) or from the internet.

Could be fun.

Sorry, not a rangefinder camera.
 
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I've shot some 8mm recently. I had it processed at a lab in Burbank -- I think it was Pro8mm labs -- did a great job and it was modestly priced, but I think you will find Super 8 or 16mm more practical.

One problem with standard 8mm (also called double 8) is that it is very prone to light leakage as one has to turn an exposed daylight load (spool) over and expose the other half again.

FYI you might like the Bolex 16mm cameras. The movie Endless Summer was shot with two of them. This excellent movie still shows on TV and even theatres from time-o-time and is on DVD. Talk about return on the dollar, Endless Summer was made by a couple of surfers with two Bolex 16mm cameras, a couple of lockers full of film, surfboards, and some plane tickets.
 
cool, I've been writting a script for an 8mm silent film. Although i plan to use something a little more modern like a canon 814.
 
Joe,

I really think the best way to do a small film these days is to shoot 16mm and have it transfered immediately to video by the lab developing it (then edited digitally with, for example, Final Cut Pro). The quality of 16mm is much better than Super 8 or regular 8mm, and the costs can be kept under control buy buying surplus film stock on eBay (or some Internet dealers specializing in short-ends) -- with patience you can build up a good bit of film at modest cost. There are a few labs in the US today oriented towards the small film maker that will process 16mm at reasonable per foot rates and including transfer to video -- e.g. in NY and LA.

The quality of film shot with something very basic like a Bolex 16 or a Bell and Howell Filmo (16mm) greatly exceeds the very best from video. An Arriflex 16 is veering towards Cinematic quality. These cameras are now sold on eBay and modest (but not *that* cheap) prices.

-- David
 
I had one of these Bolex 8mm cameras that was stolen in the early 1970's. That was not the last Bolex 8mm model. They made some bigger models with integral zoom lens, but the same internal mechcanism. They truly are ultra-high-quality pieces of gear, and I think superior to the Leicina movie cameras.

In the 1970's, when I worked for an advertising agency, we used Bolex Rex 5, 16mm cameras for shooting TV commercials and industrial films, and these were incredible cameras, with all sorts of accessories,such as large film magazines, sync motors, power-zoom lenses, etc., and all at much cheaper prices than Arriflex or Eclair products. (other brands available at that time).
 
I see your Bolex D8 has the built-in behind-the-lens exposure meter for stop down metering. You push the little lever down (on top the viewfinder) and a meter cell swings down behind the lens (like on a M5 or CL), you adjust the lens aperture, lining up a meter needle in the viewfinder, then the cell pops back up, can't remember how, perhaps when you press the trigger to start filming.
 
Yeah, 8mm cameras are just simply cool! Just look at my avatar: a russian mechanical ds8 camera!

Recently my favourite one is my canon 814 - unbeatable.
16mm or s8mm? I think super 8mm (or regular 8, double super 8, single 8) better because of the special look of the final result. For me 16mm is a professional thing, you can do with it what you need from commericials to short movies. Super 8 is different and more valuable and interesting technique for me - and the cameras are lighter.
 
Thank you for the links Rich.

David,
I've actually put thought into using 16mm as well. It will probably depend on what I can find that will suite my needs. Super 8 appeals to me because of its ease of use and cheaper film stock which sounded good for my first film production. Before now everything I have done production wise has been digital. Yes I do plan to have the film transfered to a digital medium so I can edit on my computer. That way I can put the sound track and movie in one package on a DVD.
 
Superbus_ said:
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16mm or s8mm? I think super 8mm (or regular 8, double super 8, single 8) better because of the special look of the final result. For me 16mm is a professional thing, you can do with it what you need from commericials to short movies. Super 8 is different and more valuable and interesting technique for me - and the cameras are lighter.
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I agree with you about the benefits with 8mm vs 16mm - but when seeing the results you can get with a 16mm it blows your mind. :)

I'm excited to get mine to shooting-condition (the gears need some lubing after 30+ years of non-operation and it appears as if the meter is shot) - and it will be great fun to a) scan some 8mm frames on my scanner to see what effect I can get as I have some ideas there - and b) to use a projector again for the first time in about 20 years :)

Edit: Noticed I by mistake put this thread in the 'Other' forum instead of 'Off Topic'. Thanks for moving it.
 
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Very good points Murphy. Endless summer is a cult moovie, I have the DVD and have seen it many times.
I considered buying a 16 mm (now there is super 16 too!) by Bolex and inquired them (they are still active!)
http://www.bolex.ch/NEW/index.php
They were very kind and provided all possible advice. It is also possible to buy from them direct (Alas! Switzerland is ouside EU)
I was discouraged though by a number of problems. First and foremost buying film and having it processed. And the associated costs.
Incidentally Bolex and Alpa have common roots:
http://www.alpa.ch/alpa/history.html
Both Bolexes and Alpas are very fashinating cameras. And take very good pictures/moovies.!
Unfortunately the ruch to digital makes so uneasy using movie cameras, whereas the quality is far superior.
I instead own a nice Single 8 (the Fuj version of Super 8) : The Fujica ZC 1000. But I have yet to find the time and courage to test it. The film can be bought e.g. in Germany and sent for processing to Fuji in Japan
 
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