The Film Camera

Bolex 16mm Film CameraSince 1933

A. Run Button

B. Run Switch:

M stands for motor for hands-free, continuous run

P (for pixillation) exposes a single frame for stop-motion animation

C. Winding Crank

D. Footage Counter: 0-100 Ft.

Resets when door is opened. Several feet must pass to avoid flares that occur upon loading.

E. Diopter - adjusts the viewfinder to the eyesight of the operator.

Bolex parts

To set the diopter:First rotate the turret so that there is no lens in front of

the gate. It is easier to set the diopter without an image to distract you. Or use a lens racked way out of focus with the aperture wide open.

Loosen the locking ring, closest to the eyecup.

Turn the adjustment ring while looking through the camera. Different planes within the viewfinder will come into focus. The groundglass is the same distance from the lens as the film plane. When the grainy pattern is at its sharpest the diopter is set.

Tighten the locking ring.

It’s easier to see the grainy pattern if the camera is pointed at a light source or bright subject.

F. Viewfinder Door Lever - prevents light leaks if you have your eye away from the viewfinder

G. Frames Per Second Dial -(adjusts frame rate - ie. 24fps)

H. Frame Counter

I. Back-winding Shaft

J. Motor Shaft

K. Variable Shutter lever

Bolex parts

Variable Shutter Lever

Shutter is open Shutter is closed

When it is in the up position the shutter is open. When in is in the down position the shutter is closed and a pointer is visible in the viewfinder. There are indicators for closing the shutter by 1/2 a stop and 1 stop.

This is used for controlling exposure, but should be avoided for your shoot.

Thank you to The New School Film Department for this ppt. Information.

http://homepage.newschool.edu/~schlemoj/film_courses/bolex_controls.html

L. Spring disengage leverBy turning this lever to “0” and setting the run switch to “M” the camera’s spring is disengaged. The camera can then be backwound or an electric motor installed on the camera.

M. Instantaneous/time switchThis only effects single frame shooting. When set on ”I” the camera will give a consistent exposure. When set on “T” the shutter will remain open for as long as you hold the run switch. “I” stands for instantaneous and “T” for Time exposure.

Bolex parts

Bolex partsA. Supply (Raw Stock on Daylight Reel)

B. Take-up (Empty Daylight Reel)

C. Loop Formers: These allow for automatic threading of the camera during loading. In the closed position to load then open for shooting.

D. Loop Form Lever

E. Film Cutter

F. Pressure Plate

G. Spool Ejector

H. Metronome: When this lever is in the down position the camera will click once every second when it is running.

I. Filter Holder: Needs to be in place even if unused to prevent a light leak

A. Run Button

B. Turret Lock: Can be used for heavy lenses otherwise it’s not necessary

C. Turret Handle: Uses to revolve turret to change lens

Bolex parts

Thank you to The New School Film Department for this ppt. Information.

http://homepage.newschool.edu/~schlemoj/film_courses/bolex_controls.html