BOLEX H16 Reflex Cameras.
The early reflex cameras have round bases, a round base surrounding the tripod fixing screw in the bottom of the camera, more recently the factory introduced a flat base.

A flat base adapter is available for fitting to round base cameras. Later versions were fitted with a plate to accept the Bolex matte box rails. The same adapter can be fitted to flat base cameras.

They, with the exception of the H16 SBM, have a three lens turret. The turret accepts ' C ' mount lenses.
The SBM has a special Bolex single lens bayonet port. An adapter for ' C ' mounts lens is available.

The beam splitting prism is immediately behind the taking lens and a portion of the light is reflected to the viewfinder optics on the top of the camera. This arrangement allows the flicker free parallax free viewing and critical focusing, these features are particularly useful while filming close-ups and using zoom or long telephoto lens.

A supplementary viewfinder is available, it clips on to the door. It has provision for parallax correction and adjustable masking matching for different taking lens focal lengths.

This range of cameras has an I/T lever, ( Instantaneous and Time ) and single frame on the side release. Later models are fitted with a knob rather than a lever. Early models were fitted with a 8 picture turn shaft, later models are fitted with two shafts, one 8 picture per turn, one single picture per turn.

The footage counter resets to zero when the camera door is opened. Actually the counter resets back past zero to allow run up in an attempt to containing fogging that is inevitable when using daylight load spools. The frame counter has to be set by hand.

Electric motors were made for the range and various single frame electric drives are available. If an electric motor is being used and pilot tone or crystal sync is required, the appropriate accessory must be used, even though 'SYNC ' is marked on speed dial. Electric motors require 12 volt DC supply.

Functions and features.

* Spring driven ( clockwork ) hand wind. All models accept electric motor drives.
* Semi-automatic threading.
* Daylight load, 100 and or 50 foot daylight spools. Some models have fitting for 400 foot magazine. Magazine requires electric motor for take-up and so electric motor must be used to drive camera. * Trailing claws, both forward and wind back.
* Shooting in reverse NOT possible.
* Later models have single run sprockets.
* Normal running from release on front of camera.
* Single picture and continuous running from release on side of camera.
* Special cable release accessory available. Cable release must have parallel thread rather than the usual tapered thread as seen on still cameras.
* Footage and frame counters. Footage counter resets when door is opened, frame counter must be set by hand.
* Some models have variable shutter. On the spring driven camera the shutter normally stops closed, except when spring is allowed to run fully down.
* Provision to disengage spring drive to allow use of external electric motor. Winding handle can be removed.
* With the spring drive disengaged the camera can be wound by hand, forward or reverse. Special winding handle available.
* Maximum run on one full winding, 18 feet, except when using electric motors. Some models accept 400 foot magazines and the full magazine can be exposed without stopping if so required.( Electric motor needs to fitted to winding side of camera.)
* As always with the spring drive it is not possible to wind the camera while it is running.
* Running speeds can be set: 8, 12 16, 24, 32, 48 and 64
* On spring drive cameras an audible indicator clicks as camera is running, this feature can be disengaged.
* Three lens turret as standard.
* Later models have single bayonet lens port.
* External viewfinder which clips on to door. Viewfinder has parallax adjustment and set masking for a range of focal lengths.
* All models have continuous viewing reflex prism which is fitted immediately behind the taking lens. Exposure compensation must be made for light loss.
* Reflex prism allows precise alignment and focusing.
* All cameras have a carry strap.
* Electric motors are available but not for high speed filming.
* Various single frame electric drives available.
* If an electric motor is being used and pilot tone or crystal sync is required, the appropriate accessory must be used, even though 'SYNC ' is marked on speed dial.
* All electric motors require 12 volt DC supply.

E and O excepted.
For further information and question please email me first-camera@aliceadsl.fr