The $12 Bolex Video Assist

[T Sanders]

Hi There,

 

I made this super cheap video assist from a camera I'd bought a little while ago but thought didn't work (not sure why). The cameras are on sale for a little less than $8. They are light enough for gaff tape to hold them on to the viewfinder (at least until you find a permanent solution) and they are good enough for framing for sure.

 

This was on a Rex 5 with 13x viewfinder. I will try it on the 10x tomorrow.

 

I think they have some kind of automatic gain which really does help make it brighter than the Bolex viewfinder would ever be to the naked eye. But the image is also not that great under normal household light but one wouldn't be shooting under those lighting conditions I would hope. :)

 

 

You can see more photos and ready about it more here: http://www.threewestcreative.com/12-dollar-bolex-video-assist/

 

You can get the cameras here while they last (looks like they also have the same ones for less than $7 too if you look at their inventory) : http://www.ebay.com/itm/291002399506

 

 

I have a 1k Bambino with diffusion in front going on there so the edges of the video view can be seen. It doesn't zoom in enough to be edge to edge though. The lens is 3.5-8mm. I'm not sure how this will look once in a real world situation where you'll have the lens stopped down for the best exposure. I'm sure I'll find out soon enough.

 

Cheers!

Edited December 25, 2013 by T Sanders

[T Sanders]

I'd ordered another camera before I tested the other one and it came today. The new camera is so much better. Still can't get edge to edge but it's so clear. This one was $24.95 and free shipping. Still not bad. :) Used the Rex 4 for this test. The camera has electronic controls and you can make many adjustments. I cranked down the automatic gain and got the image below. And although this is a bigger camera it's still pretty light. I'll have to come up with a way to mount it.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131047732677?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

 

 

Edited December 28, 2013 by T Sanders

[Chris Millar]

ja.

 

 

I did similar with an old mini-DV camera - kinda nice to have the recording ability and the little foldaway screen also.

 

On your RX5 you can easily use the 4 tapped holes on the back for mounting.

 

is fun

[T Sanders]

Oh cool. I didn't think about that with the mounting. :) Thanks! I think I saw someone else did a video assist with a mini-dv camera too. Whatever works helps. :)

[Pontus Norberg]

On 12/28/2013 at 11:33 PM, T Sanders said:

I'd ordered another camera before I tested the other one and it came today. The new camera is so much better. Still can't get edge to edge but it's so clear. This one was $24.95 and free shipping. Still not bad. :) Used the Rex 4 for this test. The camera has electronic controls and you can make many adjustments. I cranked down the automatic gain and got the image below. And although this is a bigger camera it's still pretty light. I'll have to come up with a way to mount it.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131047732677?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

 

 

Haha very late reply, just really trying my luck here, did you make it to work any good in the end? Do you have the images left how it looked with the GVI Video Plus 540TVL?

Thanks!