Bolex service manual

Stephen Smith · January 18, 2009

hello

does anyone know where i can get a service manual for a bolex non reflex? i'm planning on a diy super16 conversion, thinking this should be quite easy to do, just enlarging the gate and lathing down where the sound strip is supported on the rollers so the film isnt scratched. Has anyone else tried this? I'd have thought its easyish once i know how to take the camera apart as it wont require any modification to the viewfinder or anything, just have to be aware of the enlarged frame when composing shots. Shoudl say my reason for doing this is solely to use for timelapse photography.

thanks

Annie Wengenroth · January 19, 2009

In theory, if you have the machining skills, it might be doable...but good luck opening up the camera without the vast array of specialized Bolex tools required. These tools are VERY rare and expensive. Believe me, I looked into it. I also came across a Bolex service manual when I was working as SCAD's tech back in the spring...but of course, it was pretty useless without the tools. If you are interested in getting some work done on your camera, you should get in touch with Dieter Schaefer at Pro-Cam in Prescott, Arizona. He really knows his stuff. I think the website is www.bolex-usa.com.

Stephen Smith · January 19, 2009

Hi,

actually managed to get the front of the camera off last night, just screws, so can now look at the areas that will need to be enlarged. Haven't explored removing the rollers yes, I'm hoping i won't need any of the bolex specialist tools. Thanks for the link to that website, although my whole reason for wanting to do this diy is i have little money to spend on such a conversion, after having my NPR converted last year my bank balance hasn't really recovered yet. I tried to sell the bolex a few times, but i guess the non reflex puts people off, so i figure if i can convert it to super 16 i can use it for time lapse to cut in with stuff shot on the npr rather than it sitting on a shelf getting dusty.

Looking at the camera i think re centreing the lens mount for super might be a bit tricky, so im hoping using nikon slr lenses they should cover the super 16 appeture in the standard 16 position??

thanks

Patrick Neary · January 19, 2009

Here you go:

http://www.sci.fi/~animato/s16/s16.html

have fun!

Boris Belay · January 20, 2009

Hi, I've been servicing Bolex cameras for a while, never having owned a single official Bolex tool. What you need -- if you feel like diving into a world of minute mechanical parts (and some of us do, and the others just don't understand, do they?) -- are GOOD basic tools, a whole range of flat screwdrivers being essential (those screws have been in there for 40 or 50 years!), and if you want to do it right, you'll also begin to accumulate micrometers, precise dial gauges and so on... at least for repairing. If your camera runs well, chances are good that it'll run about as well if you manage to put it back together.

The manual is actually helpful to save your sanity, and also for tricks such as how to re-synch the sprocket wheels, or a shutter on a reflex model. If you can't find a scanned manual on eBay, write me a personal message.

Oh, yeah, I forget... your best tools besides those GOOD screwdrivers is a whole lot of patience!

Best,

B.

Edited January 20, 2009 by Boris Belay