400ft Mag for Bolex question

[Steve Goodloe]

Is their any way to put a 400 foot mag on a Bolex H-16 Rex-4? Is there someway I can modify my camera or do i need to actually have the Rex-5?

[Nick Mulder]

I've seen home hacked jobs on ebay on occasion... so yes it is possible - you just have to cut the hole and make a good light proof and sturdy mount for the mag ...

 

You'll also need a motor for the RX4 which will run the claw/pulldown/takeup and supply power to the 400' takeup motor (MM or WM) - and the spring sits in there merrily doing nothing but weigh the system down... Unwieldy to say the least ...

 

Bolex Part number 'BCE 7157' I think is the 400' saddle - but ringing up Switzerland to order one of these is an exercise in fiscal futility. I'd suggest getting an RX5 or SBM if springs are your thing - but the EBM's and EL's are really the best for the 400' mags

 

Sell your RX4 and the cost offset will be way less than attempting a home mod, but I can understand if that sort of stuff interests you (destroying precious swiss metal and leather) go for gold! :P

[Duncan McDougall]

If you want to stick with your current Bolex model, here is an option;

 

Chambless Cine Equipment will add a magazine saddle to your H16 Rex 4 for $200.00. Here's a the link, scroll down to the bottom;

 

http://www.chamblesscineequip.com/catalog/catalog.htm

 

I think that JK camera (Meritex Inc.) does the service for them - JK does great work on Bolex cameras.

 

http://www.jkcamera.com/meritex_products.htm

 

You should get the camera motor and a take-up magazine motor (WM over the MM). I Had trouble with the MM motor jamming.

 

Good Luck,

 

Duncan McDougall

[Herb Montes]

I purchased a Rex4 that had been modified to take the 400 foot magazine. This was done in Germany where the original owner had it done before I bought it.

[david romberg]

I know this is off topic, but how much should one expect to pay for the rex 4 in good condition?