Overview
The Bolex H-16 REX is a 16mm motion picture camera that uses 100ft daylight spools. It uses automatic film threading and loop formation mechanisms to feed the film from the loading spool to the take-up spool. It uses a wind-up motor, the handle for which is on the side of the camera. The reflex viewfinder system permits viewing through the lens at all times, and thus enables focusing and zooming in real time. The eyepiece also has a diopter that can adjust to provide clarity of vision to people with different eye prescriptions while looking through the camera.
The Bolex has a turret with three lenses of different focal lengths, which lets the user swap between them quickly. The gel holder right behind the turret enables the user to use filters. A lever on the side allows the user to open and close the shutter, for effects like fade-ins and fade-outs. Film can be rewound within the Bolex by disengaging the motor and using a rewind key.
The Bolex can shoot at 12, 16, 18, 24, 32, 48, and 64 frames per second. It can also be used for single-frame shooting, using the slider at the bottom. The camera allows users to pick between “timed” and “instantaneous” exposures. Timed exposures are usually used for long-exposure shots, such as in low-light situations. Instantaneous exposures ensure the exposure time follows the set frame rate.
The Bolex H-16 REX has a 135-degree effective shutter angle, which means its shutter speed needs to be adjusted for this angle. Usually, it means the shutter speed needs to be slightly above what the shutter speed would be for a 180-degree shutter at the same frame rate. The manual accompanying the Bolex has a table showing the adjusted shutter speeds for various frame rates on page 13. This adjusted shutter speed is what should be referenced on the light meter when taking readings.
The Bolex is vended along with a blower brush and a manual in a hard case.
Required Media:
The Bolex uses 100ft daylight spools of 16mm film.
Table of Contents
- EDC Bolex H-16 REX 3/4/5 Component Guide
- Quick Start Guide
- Troubleshooting
- Compatible EDC Accessories
- Tips & Tricks
EDC Bolex H-16 REX 3/4/5 Component Guide
Quick Start Guide
First Steps
Identifying Items
Loading the Film
- Film Loading Prep
- Cut the end of your film on diagonal between two perforations.
- The sprocket holes should be facing down when loading.
Loading Guide
Operations
- Ensure the Viewfinder is OPEN by toggling the switch to the horizontal position.
- Adjusting the Diopter
- To adjust the viewfinder to your eye, slightly loosen the locking gear on the viewfinder.
- Look through the viewfinder.
- Turn the adjustment knob on the viewfinder until the black specks in the viewfinder are in focus to your eye.
- Lock the locking gear to secure.
Settings
- Motor Operation
- Turn the Motor toggle to M to engage the motor.
- Frame Rate
- Turn the Frame Rate Knob to adjust your frame rate.
- Line up your preferred frame rate number with the upper red dot.
- DO NOT RUN ABOVE 24FPS IF IT IS NOT LOADED WITH FILM.
- Line up your preferred frame rate number with the upper red dot.
- Turn the Frame Rate Knob to adjust your frame rate.
- Running the Motor
- Press the Front Release in for continuous filming.
- Slide the Side Release towards M for continuous filming.
- Slide the Side Release towards P to expose a single frame.
- Press the Front Release in for continuous filming.
- Footage & Frame Counter
- The footage & frame counters will move and show you how much film you have exposed.
- The counters reset when you open/close the camera's back cover (that accesses the daylight spools/film).
- The footage & frame counters will move and show you how much film you have exposed.
- When measuring for focus, line your end of your tape measure to the Focal Plane for an accurate measurement.
If the motor stops, wind it up again.
Variable Shutter
The variable shutter allows you to reduce exposure time without changing camera speeds as well as create fade ins/outs. The shutter's aperture can be varied both when the camera is running and stopped.
See Page 20 of this Manual to learn more.
If the shutter is NOT fully open, you will loose light. A small triangle will appear in the viewfinder when it is NOT fully open.
To fully open, make sure the Variable Shutter lever is in the upright position. See below:
Lenses
- Changing lenses
- On the front of the camera, slightly loosen the small silver gear and adjust the turret lock to Position 1.
- Twist the Turret to cycle through the lenses.
- Once you have landed on your preferred lens, adjust the turret lock to Position 2 (see above) and tighten the small silver gear to lock.
- On the front of the camera, slightly loosen the small silver gear and adjust the turret lock to Position 1.
Unloading Film
- Once you have exposed and ran through all the film, open the back of the camera.
- Press the tab between the two daylight spools to release them.
- Take out the bottom daylight spool - this is your take up spool.
- Secure and leave the top daylight spool for the next user.
- Place the daylight spool in the white plastic container from your film box.
- Slide the white plastic container into the film box.
- Tape the box shut.
- Label it with:
- Your Name
- Your Professor's Name
- Date
- Bring it to the EDC for processing.
Troubleshooting
DISCLAIMER: The Bolex is a delicate camera, with parts that are not easily replaceable. If there is something wrong with your camera beyond the quick fixes listed below, please bring it into the EDC for us to repair.
Q: Loops are forming incorrectly.
A: While threading the film through, ensure the loop formers are closed. There is a lever in between the two sprockets that controls the position of the loop formers. They should be in the closed position when film is initially being threaded through the camera. After this, they can be brought back to the open position by pressing the button in the middle of the lever.
Q: Film keeps jamming in the camera.
A: First, make sure the film can run through all the sprocket mechanisms easily and without obstacles. There may be bits of dust or old film trapped in the mechanism which need to be carefully taken out Bring it to the EDC if you need any debris removed of the mechanism.
If the film is running through smoothly initially and only jamming later, this may be due to a defect in the take-up spool. Try putting a different empty daylight spool on the take-up side and see if it functions properly.
Compatible EDC Accessories
Access is dependent on class equipment allocations & availability
- Libec Tripod
- Rewind Key
- Bolex Pistol Grip
- Single Frame Plunger
Tips & Tricks
- Be gentle. These cameras are old and delicate.
- Do NOT overwind. Once it stops, do not force it more.
- Always unwind when storing.