H-16
- Format
- 16mm
- Introduced
- 1935
- Original archive
- View preserved page ↗
16mm camera taking 100ft (30m) and 50ft (15m) daylight loading spools, with automatic threading and loop forming, a constant-speed spring motor, and a rotating turret accommodating three interchangeable C-mount lenses.
Bolex with Frame Counter
Bolex X-ray
Specifications
- Overall Dimensions
- 8 1/2" x 6" x 3"
- Weight
- Approximately 5 1/2 lbs (without lenses)
- Outer Case
- Highly polished duraluminium body, covered in genuine Morocco leather. Metal parts are chrome-plated.
- Film Capacity
- 100ft (30m) and 50ft (15m) daylight loading spools of 16mm film.
- Threading
- Automatic threading and loop forming. The end of the film is simply placed in a channel leading to the feed sprocket. The release is pressed and the film is then automatically threaded throughout the entire mechanism.
- Motor
- Constant speed, spring motor mechanism; governor controlled. Large winding handle folds downward and attaches to camera when not in use. Spring cannot be over-wound. 8:1 external drive shaft permits the attachment of an electric motor.
- Turret
- Rotating turret accommodates three interchangeable C mount lenses. The top position allows for critical focusing through a groundglass screen on later versions of this model.
- Viewfinder
- accessory Tri Focal viewfinder gives an exact viewing field for lenses of 3 focal lengths. Later versions of this model had a built-in critical focus viewer with optional cupped eyepiece.
- Variable Speed
- 8, 16, 24, 32 and 64 frames per second with the ability to change speeds while the camera is running.
- Release Button
- provides for the making of continuous exposures by a finger-tip release on the front of the camera. A side release allows for locked, hands-free running or single frame exposures.
- Shutter
- 190 degree disc shutter, operates at 118/1000 of an inch from emulsion side of film with an exposure rate of 1/30 second at 16 fps.
- Footage Counter
- adds and subtracts accurately in forward or reverse motion and automatically returns to zero when film is reloaded into the camera.
- Audible Footage Indicator
- A distinct click announces the passing of each 10 inches of film through the gate. This mechanism may be disengaged, if desired, by simply moving a lever.
- Frame Counter
- An accessory frame counter could be attached to the motor crank shaft. Two separate counters registered increments of single frames and 50 frames as the film progressed.
- Single Frame
- Time lapse and animation is possible by using the side release button or an accessory cable release and adapter; I-T lever allows for timed or instantaneous single exposures.
- Manual Rewind
- Clutch disengages spring motor and permits forward movement and backwind without running down the spring; allows for dissolves and superimposition.
- Tripod Socket
- 3/8" thread
Serial numbers & production years
As documented on this model’s archived page. Look up any serial on the serial lookup page.
| Serial range | Year |
|---|---|
| 7,510 – 10,000 | 1936–1937 |
| 10,000 – 15,000 | 1938–1940 |
| 15,000 – 20,000 | 1941–1943 |
| 20,000 – 25,000 | 1944 |
| 25,000 – 30,000 | 1945 |
| 30,000 – 33,200 | 1946–1947 |
The original archive
The preserved BolexCollector.com page, exactly as captured.