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Hi everyone! I recently shot on 16mm for the first time using a Bolex H16 SBM with a Vario Switar 16-100mm zoom lens. After getting the scans back I noticed that it was severely out of focus in a lot of the takes. It would often be sharp for the first couple of frames of the take and then shift focus considerably even though I was not shifting focus via the lens. I was wondering if this might be an issue with the pressure plate in the Bolex, where it might be slightly moving backwards as the film travels through it, affecting the focal plane. I’m certain I had the pressure plate locked into place correctly when shooting. I used a tape measure from the focal plane of the Bolex to measure the distance each time to the subject and then set the lens accordingly. Here are some examples of the film shifting in and out of focus. Footage Examples And here are some stills: Frame 1 of Clip 1 A few frames later from Clip 1 Frame 1 of Clip 2 A few frames later from Clip 2. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what might cause this and if it is a pressure plate issue? I’ve also attached a videos showing the condition of the pressure plate and how the motor runs etc. Bolex Motor Running Here are is a photo of the pressure plate. I should also note that when the focal length of the zoom lens was set to 100mm it seemed as if the focus didn’t shift for whatever reason.

FOR SALE: I am am hoping to sell this all as a kit and am hoping to get $3500 USD. I am selling the following: -Bolex H16 Rex 5 w/ 10x viewfinder. The camera was just CLA’d by Abdul at Cinerepair and has a brand new govenor. It runs like a top with a very strong spring. It is in excellent condition. -Kern Vario Switar 16-100 POE f/1.9 C Mount Lens. glass is very clean. Zoom, aperture, and focus are all smooth -SOM Berthiot 10mm Cinor f/1.9 for Bolex RX -Bolex 400ft magazine with torque motor and roller bearings -Sekonic Studio Deluxe 2 analog incident meter If interested, please send me a DM. I can provide pictures and video. I can piece out items if needed. Because of the cost, I am only shipping this kit in the US. I am only accepting PayPal at the moment.

Hello I just came across a Bolex h8 and was wondering if I could shoot 16mm with it? Assuming I put on the turret plate from a broken h16 Rex onto the h8 Rex, would I be good to shoot 16mm or would I have to do something with the sprockets, are the perforations different? Thanks!

I've ordered a Bolex REX 3 and I am so excited! I've also gotten a Sekonic L398, so I've really got the cliche film student package, haha. Honestly, the simplicity/limitations of the tools is what I find inspiring and fun. A few things I'm still trying to grasp: - Shutter angle: When to adjust and how, for effect or utility - Aperture: How to compensate for the viewfinder? - In what situations is it practical to push or pull the film more than an aesthetic choice? - common pitfalls to avoid? - best places to buy film stock? - Is using a digital camera for reference an effective way to prevent light flicker? this is one i really want to avoid lol Thanks to anyone who answers, any info is really appreciated. I am new to the forums and this site is a wonderful resource

Read this pdf and learn more about this wonderful motor. http://www.tobincinemasystems.com/TCS_Public_PDF/TXM10B.pdf