Steven
Regarding your request for information about a quality Bolex conversion, I assume you are referring to all Bolex H16 Rex camera bodies, including all turret and bayonet-mount reflex cameras.
I have been modifying cameras and building post-production equipment for independent filmmakers and art schools for 48 years, and have an outstanding reputation. My work is done to specifications that ensure customer satisfaction, and I maintain that the best feedback is no feedback -- it means the buyer received the goods and is busy working with the product because it works fine.
And customer statements can be deceiving -- when evaluating a complicated product, it's hard to tell what you are missing unless you have a superior model. For example, that old Volkswagen worked fine and you couldn't ask for more, until you took that Porsche for a test drive.
I've inspected, repaired and reworked S16 conversions done by various companies. There aren't concrete specifications as to what must be done for a complete conversion; it's dependent on the capabilities and tools of the technician doing the work.
All converted cameras work, albeit in various capacities. One common problem I've encountered is in the viewfinder system, it's alignment and a lack of ground glass markings. All 10x viewfinders should be modified to 13x magnification for enhanced clarity and image details.
Some customers are happy with what they get. Other more discerning eyes would reject it. I've seen conversions done right, and those done by a primitive file-and-hammer operation. Let the buyer beware -- a conversion can literally make or break a camera.
Here's a quote from Cameraspro, on the cinematography.com forum "best bolex":
About my friend Dieter from Procam, he doesn?t make any conversions at all. Or he send the Camera to Bolex Switzerland (High priced) or he send me (Cameraspro) the camera or the customer for conversion".
I found this curious, so I called Dieter Schaefer, owner of Procam. He told me he has never sent a camera to cameraspro for conversion, and I know it to be true -- JK Camera, aka Meritex Inc. has done all his S16 conversions!
The best Bolex S16 work in the United States is done by JK Camera teamed with Procam. I do the conversion, Procam does a perfect repair job., and he has a complete parts inventory to back up his good work.
Chambless sends cameras to JK Camera or Switzerland, depending on customer preference.
Since early S16 conversions, US filmmakers required converted camera for dual use -- both 16mm and S16 -- and this created mechanical problems for turret cameras. JK converted cameras were supplied with an extra turret plate for S16 frame center. This concept has changed dramatically, US filmmakers are changing to S16 frame only. Now we can shift the turret holder so that an original turret lens mount is in center axis with S16 frame, and all three lens mounts are useable.
This is a good improvement, and the filmmaker can shoot with either the 16mm or S16 frame, with the only drawback being that the lens used must cover the S16 frame.
The reason I explained the above is that now US converted cameras are equal to those done in Switzerland.
JK Camera vs. Bolex Switzerland. S16 Conversion.
The biggest difference is the price. Mechanically, optically, workmanship and overall function of converted camera is the same whether it is done by JK Camera or Bolex Switzerland. The ground glass markings by JK Camera are said to be more desirable, but so far not I haven't had enough feedback to be sure.
I find a pressurepad change unnecessary, as the film does not buckle under the original pressurepad. The sprocket clearance machining is necessary, but if the sprockets are set correctly they do not require reworking for a wider shoulder to support the edge of the film.
While obviously there's going to be some bias, I truly think the JK Camera Bayonet mount and turret-camera conversions, coupled with the 10x viewfinder to13x viewfinder expansion, is the best Bolex conversion in the world, not only in the U.S.
Our business is modifying Bolex H-body cameras for various applications in the motion picture industry. We've converted over 2,000 Bolex H8 Rex 3 and Rex 4 cameras to Super 8 format, and close to 300 H16 Rex bodies, ranging from the Rex 3 to EL, to the Super 16 format. You won't find other companies with this much experience, and our customer satisfaction is testament to good engineering and craftsmanship.
Jaakko Kurhi - www.jkcamera.com
