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Bolex B8SL


carmen loofah

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I've just acquired a Bolex B8SL...do you have any experience of using one and if so, please can you give me some tips on how best to get started...I'm waiting for the manual to arrive and I don't know how to use it yet....thanks for any help...

 

I have a B8 with Variable Shutter which is similar. If you want I can send you by e-mail the manual of the B8, C8, D8L, D8LA. I love this camera, but I'll oil it first (I also have the guide to do so).

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Either oil it or leave it in a really warm place to loosen up the lubricant. You'll be able to tell by the amount of noise it makes-- it should smooth out when it warms up.

 

Definitely read the manual first with that camera. There's a cumbersome but effective way of auto-exposing, that coordinates with the variable shutter, but if you fiddle around with the controls it can lock up when it hits different incompatible positions, so don't play around with the dials too much.

 

It's amazing how valuable those things have become lately-- they're nifty and give great results.

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Bolex-Paillard B 8 I have overhauled in number. Do have it entirely cleaned and freshly lubricated by a specialist. A trained mechanic needs two to three hours for the job and will take $ 200. Good luck with your spring driven camera !

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  • 4 years later...
  • Premium Member

You can find a B8 manual here:

http://www.intervalometers.com/pdfs/2003-bolexb8.pdf

The B8SL was a simplified version with only one speed and a more basic viewfinder, but included a built-in lightmeter.

 

A manual for the D8LA (which will include information about the meter) is here:

http://www.apecity.com/manuals/pdf/bolex_D8LA.pdf

 

A reproduced test report, which includes lots of information specifically about the B8SL is here:

http://www.pathefilm.freeserve.co.uk/cel8/cel08.htm

 

And lastly, if you want to pull it apart for lubrication, I wrote an easy-to-follow guide for lubricating pocket Bolex cameras, which you can find here:

http://cinetinker.blogspot.com.au/

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