Floris Vanhoof Posted December 16, 2020 Share Posted December 16, 2020 This is my first post on this wonderful forum. I've learned a lot here already the last months. Today, and after months of normal operation, my Bolex EL keeps on filming after I release the the release knob. When the button is pressed, the camera starts filming as usual, but when released, the camera often keeps on running. Sometimes for a few seconds, sometimes longer. This happens with the release knob, but also when the camera is triggered via the remote control socket. So I'm afraid it's not just the knob being stuck mechanically. The problem happens at any frame rate. Also in the reverse setting. In the single frame setting, the camera often (around like every 12 shots) keeps on doing multiple frames. Sometimes two, sometimes, it just keeps going. I've spend the afternoon making 100's of single frames and filmed forwards at different speeds and in reverse to see if the problem would stop eventually. Bolex Zwitserland can't be reached. The camera was on the road, but is always been treated well, inside custom cut foam in a Lowepro backpack. Yesterday I've been making time lapses for an hour in the cold (but not below zero). This morning I was filming close (30cm) to some steaming, sizzling pans in a kitchen. It wasn't that smokey and I could't see any stains on the camera or lens. Is there a chance that something got inside the camera and stuck to a relay? I have no idea how the camera motor works looks like or works. All help welcome. Even a repair service manual for the EL. Floris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floris Vanhoof Posted December 16, 2020 Author Share Posted December 16, 2020 I've just read on and electronics forum that relays can also "stick" electronically. Yesterday it was the first time I used an interval timer with this specific camera. So the camera received around 700 trigger pulses over 90 minutes, each time asking for the starting load of 4 amps. Could this have burned out the relais? And could this be causing the behavior described in my post above? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Dom Jaeger Posted December 17, 2020 Premium Member Share Posted December 17, 2020 Hi Floris, I don't have access to the EL service manual any more, but it sounds like a mechanical issue - probably a sticky plunger or damaged reed switch - in any case a simple relubrication or replacement. Cameras require regular service when they are used heavily, otherwise lubricants dry out, switches can deform. The problem is accessing the part that needs lubricating or replacing. I work on mechanical Bolexes, but I avoid the electronic ones even if it's a mechanical issue because they are a real pain to work on. Like some other 70s era prosumer electronic film cameras - Beaulieu R16's come to mind - the wiring is not easily disconnected to access the mechanics, making it easy to break wires unless you de-solder everything. I recall the EL repair manual requiring a custom jig to hold the various camera parts while you worked on it. So I would recommend finding someone who specialises in Bolex repairs (including the electronic ones) to service your EL, rather than attempting it yourself. I don't know what's happening with Bolex International, but there must be other Bolex repair specialists in Europe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floris Vanhoof Posted December 17, 2020 Author Share Posted December 17, 2020 Hi Dom, thanks for the info. Is there a list of repair specialists somewhere on this forum? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Dom Jaeger Posted December 17, 2020 Premium Member Share Posted December 17, 2020 Not really for Bolex in Europe, so please pass on any recommendations. Simon Wyss from Switzerland posts here but I don’t know if he repairs electronic Bolexes. You might have more luck asking on a European-based small format film site like: https://www.filmvorfuehrer.de Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom lombard Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 i'd welcome knowing of someone in the US that works on the EL. i have one that's functional at the moment but a regular service would be welcome. thanks, tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Nacho Guzman Posted June 27 Premium Member Share Posted June 27 Hi Floris, nice to meet you, this message is regarding my bolex H16 EL. I found out that in 2020 you experiences a similar issue like the one Im currently facing. my camera wont stop recording... I was wondering if you managed to solve this issue, and if you did, how? thanks for reading Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floris Vanhoof Posted June 28 Author Share Posted June 28 Hi Nacho, my EL is still at a repair technician in Brussels. I've seen the inside and it's very complex with electronics and mechanics and little strings. The tension on one of those strings caused trouble with another EL camera, and that's fixed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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