Jeremy Rumas Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 I have been shooting with a Bolex Rx 5 with a 10x viewfinder. I would like to hear from anyone who has shot with both the 10x, and 13x viewfinder, in regard to which one they prefer. I have been told by a Bolex dealer before that he actually was able to focus with the 10x easier than with the 13x. I wonder if its because the 13x distorts the image, sort of giving it a fish-eye look. Myself, I have been having some difficulty acheiving sharp focus at times with this Bolex with the 10x viewfinder, especially in low light. I do the best I can, and then cross my fingers hoping I've nailed it. Sometimes its sharp, sometimes its a little soft. So I am wondering if getting my viewfinder converted to the 13x would help or be worth it. As a sidenote, my eyes are not perfect. I don't have terrible vision, but I do wear glasses. But I have found it too difficult to shoot using the Bolex with my glasses on. So I have the diopter set to my naked eye. I'm curious if other glasses wearing Bolex users shoot without their glasses for the same reason. thanks, Jeremy Rumas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan Darling Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 (edited) Myself, I have been having some difficulty acheiving sharp focus at times with this Bolex with the 10x viewfinder, especially in low light. I do the best I can, and then cross my fingers hoping I've nailed it. Sometimes its sharp, sometimes its a little soft. So I am wondering if getting my viewfinder converted to the 13x would help or be worth it. You should go and check this out http://www.super16inc.com/page3.html might be a less expensive fix instead of buying a new Rex5. As a sidenote, my eyes are not perfect. I don't have terrible vision, but I do wear glasses. But I have found it too difficult to shoot using the Bolex with my glasses on. So I have the diopter set to my naked eye. I'm curious if other glasses wearing Bolex users shoot without their glasses for the same reason. I too have my diopters set to my eyesight. That is the wonderful thing about diopters. I use a Bolex Rex2 with a 10x and found it so much easier to focus than the previous 6x model. I don't think going to a 13x will make that much difference, but then again it's a personal thing. I would try one first though before buying it. It may be not worth the hassle in that it may take a whole different camera such as an Arri or Eclair to get what you are looking for in a viewfinder. Edited November 25, 2006 by Bryan Darling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Mulder Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 I prefer the 13x finders - having only used them shooting and only once looked through a 10x I'm not the best person to comment but I find the extra size is helpful ... They are also required for super16 conversions .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeremy Rumas Posted November 26, 2006 Author Share Posted November 26, 2006 Thanks for the feedback guys. Bryan, thanks for that link. I had not heard of that process before. Sounds very interesting. I have been planning on getting my Rx 5 converted to Super 16 soon. I didn't know a 13x viewfinder was required for this. But if so, sounds like that could help me out with this issue. Jeremy Rumas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alain LeTourneau Posted December 1, 2006 Share Posted December 1, 2006 I've owned a number of Bolex(es) (RX4,5,SBM) with 10x and 13x finders.. You'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference. Who's doing your conversion? Jakko? -Alain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Erd Posted December 1, 2006 Share Posted December 1, 2006 Thanks for the feedback guys. Bryan, thanks for that link. I had not heard of that process before. Sounds very interesting. I have been planning on getting my Rx 5 converted to Super 16 soon. I didn't know a 13x viewfinder was required for this. But if so, sounds like that could help me out with this issue. Jeremy Rumas On Chambless website [ http://www.chamblesscineequip.com/catalog/catalog.htm ] it's optional. However the viewfinder does need to be modified, if you plan on seeing all of what is going on film. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Phil Savoie Posted December 2, 2006 Premium Member Share Posted December 2, 2006 Due to the lack of light transmitted through the Bolex viewing system I much prefer the 13x. When I've had bodies Super 16ed I'd would ask for the 13x be added to the job. Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Tobin Posted December 3, 2006 Share Posted December 3, 2006 I have been shooting with a Bolex Rx 5 with a 10x viewfinder. I would like to hear from anyone who has shot with both the 10x, and 13x viewfinder, in regard to which one they prefer.... Not to confuse the issue, but I have found that the 10X finder is best for focusing, but the old 6X finder as on the Reflex and Rex-1 is better for judging composition of the scene. I have not tried the 13X. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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