Equipment

Posted by icrewzbot

BEFORE you contact me: My zip code 10536. Please calculate your distance. CASH sales only. This is a Paillard Bolex H16 non-reflex 16mm movie camera, made in Switzerland in 1946. Includes three lenses and multiple accessories. The camera's spring drive both winds and runs (I can send you a video if desired), shutter opens and closes, drive mechanism seems to work (though only tested without film), however there are definitely some mechanical issues with other parts of the camera. Specifically, I could not turn the variable speed dial (governor) from around 16 fps to any other speed. Also, the lever for switching between "Motor" and "0" seems stuck on Motor. The take-up spindle isn't turning when the motor runs (though I didn't have a reel mounted, so I don't know if that's why it isn't turning or if it's stuck). With the external viewfinder set to the default lens, I wasn't able to focus it (I'm not actually sure how to focus it), yet it looks very clear when engaging the 75mm switch. There may be additional currently unidentified issues with the camera, it is 79 years old and likely hasn't been used in over 50 years. You will definitely need to have some servicing/repair done first if you want to use all of the camera functions. Serial number 33540, therefore most likely manufactured in 1946. Number 33200 was the first made in 1946, making this copy the 340th made that year. Included lenses: • Kern Paillard Bolex YVAR f/2.8 75mm AR, C-Mount. Swiss made. Seems to be in quite good condition, the glass looks very good, aperture works (though some discoloration on the surface of the metal blades, see close-up photo, doesn't seem to affect function at all), focus is very smooth (no binding/stuttering), but probably has higher than normal turning resistance (I'm basing that opinion on my experience focusing old 35mm camera lenses). Includes removable screw-thread lens shade, leather lens case, and original lens cap. • Kodak Anastigmat f/1.9 25mm, C-mount. Glass looks good, aperture works (same discoloration on aperture blades as the 75mm). Focus is a bit stiff, and while it does turn it also binds/stutters, so the focus could use cleaning and re-greasing. No lens cap. • Kodak Anastigmat f/2.7 15mm, C-Mount. Glass looks good, aperture works (same discoloration on aperture blades as the 75mm and 25mm). I am uncertain how this lens is supposed to focus, so either the focus mechanism is jammed, or I'm just doing the wrong thing. It did take me quite a while to realize that the aperture ring is the scalloped protruding front facing ring, and not any of the rings on the side. So I may have just not identified the focus mechanism yet. Includes original lens cap. Included Accessories: • Original user manual for Paillard Bolex Camera H9-H16 H8. • Emmet leather hard case, with suede interior. Still pretty strong, though lots of wear visible and exterior is shedding particles. Really better off as a shelf-display item than an every-day-carry case for the camera. • Original Bolex winding handle (for hand-winding or re-winding for double-exposure). • Kern Bolex press-fit eye-cup (for use with the down-facing built-in TTL viewer). • Kodak Kodachrome Type-A daylight filter in W mount, with original screw cap canister. • Kodak Kodachrome Haze filter in W mount, with original screw cap canister. • Two small empty aluminum canisters with black screw on lids. Don't know their purpose. • Two empty 16mm metal film reels that fit the Bolex camera. • Box of Kodak Kodachrome II 16mm film, unopened, expired in 1971. Note: I don't know how to use the two Kodak lens filters, so they may or may not be compatible with any or all of the included lenses.

Mar 27, 2026 $450.00

Location: New York, NY

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