Side lightmeter Bolex H16 SB

[Antoine Pret]

Hi all,

I recently got my hands on a Bolex H16 SB and it has some kind of lightmeter attached on the side.
I tried to find infos on it but never saw one like this.
The seller said that it works and Ive put new batteries in it but it doesn't seem to do anything.
My understanding is that there are two small lights placed inside the viewfinder that would indicate if it is under or over exposed.

Considering the state of the electronics,would you think that it has a chance to work ? Should I remove it by cutting the wires or leaving it like that ?
 

[Frank Wylie]

Personally, I would just remove as much as possible and use a hand-held meter.

The electronics are corroded from a leaking battery; you can see the effects on both the battery socket and the wire traces on the backside of the board.

It's a pretty clever device and might have even worked reasonably well, but without the knowledge of the builder as to how it operates and measures light, you'll probably ruin a lot of film trying to get it to work.

My 2 cents...

[Antoine Pret]

Yes, I would have used a hand-held meter anyway, just wanted confirmation on the state of the electronics.

Thank you Frank !