Super 16 Lens on a non Reflex Bolex H 16

[Mark J St Hilaire]

Can one use a Super 16 Zoom Berthiot Lens on a Bolex H16 Non-Reflex (Vintage 1949)? Will there be any visual distortions? Thank You. Mark J St Hilaire

[Frank Wylie]

Depends.

 

You will probably have back-focus issues trying to use that lens IF it was originally manufactured and intended for a Reflex Bolex. The flange-depth of non-reflex C mount lenses is different from reflex C mount lenses. Reflex lenses have a longer flange-focal distance than non reflex to accommodate the reflex prism.

 

https://erkanumut.wordpress.com/2015/03/01/bolex-h16-lenses/

 

You could remove the pressure pad on the Bolex, place a bit of frosted film in the gate, mount the lens and check for sharp focus.

 

This is, of course, very difficult to see, even with a magnifier, as the gate is at an angle. An uncommon accessory, the gate prism, would certainly help here...

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/rare-vintage-BOLEX-Paillard-Switzerland-VIEWFINDER-camera-movie-prism-8mm-16mm/222871324427?hash=item33e42a870b:g:r2wAAOSwz~paJ6eN

 

To be extremely picky, the lens is centered incorrectly for the standard film aperture, but that shouldn't pose too much of an issue in all practicality...

[Jean-Louis Seguin]

What do you mean by "super16 Berthiot zoom"?

The Berthiot zooms were designed long before super16 even existed. They're made for regular 16mm and should work fine on your H-16.