H16 -barn find.... serious oxidisation..

[Gareth Blackstock]

Hello,

So I recently came across an H16, reflex I think.... and I do not think I have come across a camera in worse condition.... I suspect the previous owner may have dropped it in the ocean? The oxidisation is pretty bad.... I like a challenge though, and it was cheap.... And after I clean up the outside I may dismantle to see if the inside is too far gone.... 

The lenses look shocking.... but I curious how they will come up with a gentle non-abrasive clean...

Gareth

Edited January 20 by Gareth Blackstock

[Gareth Blackstock]

[Gareth Blackstock]

[Gareth Blackstock]

[Simon Wyss]

Wonderful, I’m awaiting an order in order that I can note six grand on the bill.

[Simon Wyss]

Joking aside, the lenses look worse than they probably are. Wrap each in a plastic bag, and put them in protective boxes. A pro can work them up.

The camera body may need to be replaced. Decisive is the state of things inside, how much rust there is and where, quality of mainspring, wear on gear train. The rest can be groomed.

It’s a REX 1 from between 1956 and 1960.

[Gareth Blackstock]

Yes, it will certainly take some hours.  I do not think replacing the body is possible as I reckon there are no such part available.  Some vinegar and then baking soda will work well.... and CLR... etc etc.

The screws in the film chamber look like they have never been undone so perhaps the camera has never been serviced.... imagine that.. After I clean things up I will send it in for a service....

G 

[Bill Hunt]

11 hours ago, Gareth Blackstock said:

Yes, it will certainly take some hours.  I do not think replacing the body is possible as I reckon there are no such part available.  Some vinegar and then baking soda will work well.... and CLR... etc etc.

The screws in the film chamber look like they have never been undone so perhaps the camera has never been serviced.... imagine that.. After I clean things up I will send it in for a service....

G 

Gary, you may have one already, but I find my ultrasonic bath (which can be bought quite cheaply these) does wonders for these types of items with no abrasion necessary.

It really puts the vinegar to work.

[Gareth Blackstock]

Hello,

Yeah I have an ultrasonic bath and use it frequently.  I have never disassembled a Bolex so I am unsure how deep into it I will go.  I am hoping to clean it up, have a peek under the bonnet to see if it needs rust removal, and send it off for a service.  Seems Bolex's are on ebay for around $5000 so i might try sell it for those crazy prices!

Gareth

[Aapo Lettinen]

yes looks like mid-50's Bolex like Simon said. I have RX0 which is pretty similar looking. serial number would indicate when it was made if the number is still possible to read 😅

if you would get it in good condition it would be worth hundreds of dollars so can surely get you to like 2$/hour rates for your hard restoration work 😄 

interesting to see what is inside! would there be seashells? even some small fish? 😄 

[Dom Jaeger]

5 hours ago, Gareth Blackstock said:

Seems Bolex's are on ebay for around $5000 so i might try sell it for those crazy prices!

That’s what very optimistic sellers from Japan have been asking, and then others thought that was what they were worth, but very few actually sell for that much. Certainly nothing earlier than a Rex 5, in pristine condition with perfect lenses.

This looks like the first reflex model, without a variable shutter, known simply as a H16 Reflex. In good condition it’s worth less than $1000 AUD, but even if you get this one mechanically working I suspect the viewfinder prisms will be damaged, and they are nigh impossible to source without buying another camera. 

Edited January 25 by Dom Jaeger