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Author
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Topic: 1959 Bolex B-8SL 8mm Camera
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Vincent Aleister Portier
Junior
Posts: 4
From: Duck River, TN, USA
Registered: May 2008
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posted May 30, 2008 03:51 AM
First off, I am new at understanding 8mm cameras and filmmaking. I recently purchased and received an 8mm Bolex B-8SL film camera---the camera itself is in wonderful working condition, but I had a few questions about understanding how to measure the distance of an object to set your diaphragm.
No manual was included with this purchase, nor have I inserted any film yet. A cartridge of Kodachrome II 25 ft. Daylight film was included. It reads "Process before May '73---so obviously it is not good anymore, but perhaps I could use it as a test cartridge?
I have found an online manual to the similar Bolex B8 and I have been reading about the lenses and the settings that you will need to adjust the diaphragm to, zoom lens depending on the distance of the object, etcetera. But I do not have the information regarding this, so I am oblivious as to where to start.
Furthermore, I still have a few questions:
1.) Would it be knowledgeable to purchase a photoelectric exposure meter?
2.) What do the pins that I see in the viewfinder help identify?
3.) What is the knob beside the viewfinder that I can pull out and turn? It moves the red pin inside of the viewfinder.
----It reads 4, 7, 10 (with several black arrows and one red)?
4.) What does the chart at the bottom of my camera help identify?
----It reads ASA: 40, 32, 25, 20, etcetera, <=f: 12.5 - 36: 10, 9, 8, 7, etcetera, and °DIN: 17, 16, 15, 14, etcetera.
and lastly
5.) I sometimes see filmmakers holding what looks like a small lense in their hand, that looks to measure the distance of an item---helping them to further adjust the lenses. What is this item called, and would I need one?
Thank you for any help you may provide.
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Vincent Aleister Portier
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Vincent Aleister Portier
Junior
Posts: 4
From: Duck River, TN, USA
Registered: May 2008
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posted May 31, 2008 11:38 AM
Excuse me, a "spool" rather. As I said, I am just starting out with this. As far as I know, the camera only records in one speed, as there are no switches to change this speed.
I appreciate you responding with the helpful information, and I would definitely take it into consideration. But my question as to how to actually understand when set "11" or "8", etcetera has still been unanswered.
As you may know, the B8SL has a two lens rotating turret. It has one with just the exposure settings and then another (which obviously zooms) with feet up to 200~infinity and exposure settings. My question is, how do I know when to set which exposure setting to what? You said if I go outside, then "11" should do. Would a light meter tell me this---I know that you had suggested that?
Also about the 12.5mm or 13mm lens, I would need some sort of apparatus other than the lens to view through it, but my camera does not allow me to see through my lens---just my viewfinder. So just attaching a large lens wouldn't be extremely helpful, unless I could see out of the other side (in which in this case, I couldn't).
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Vincent Aleister Portier
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Maurice Leakey
Film God
Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007
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posted May 31, 2008 12:20 PM
My suggestions regarding exposure are just to get you started with the roll of film which you have.
Your camera should have filming speeds from 12 to 64 frames per second. These are selected on the rotating dial above and just to the left of the winding key. 16fps may be marked in red.
The camera was originally supplied with two lenses. A 13mm f1.8 Yvar which has a fixed focus. The other lens should be a 36mm f2.8 focussing tele lens. Please note that neither are zoom lenses. You may be confusing the focus setting for a zoom control.
Therefore, if you use the 13mm lens you do not have to focus.
The aperture is set on the first ring back from the front of the lens. It is probably marked from 1.8 to 16 (1.8, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16). 8 is probably coloured red.
It is not a reflex camera, i.e., you do not view through the taking lens. The viewfinder has to be set for the lens in use. This is done by rotating the dial on the top of the side where the winder is. This is probably marked 12.5, 25 and 36. It is infinitely variable between the extremes. The viewfinder eyepiece is at the rear above the footage counter.
You could of course buy a light meter but I would suggest you first find out if the camera is still in working order.
I am not suggesting that you fit any other lens. The two supplied lenses should be adequate for your needs.
Before you expose any film I suggest you contact a photo-lab who you intend to use and ask their advice on exposing your old film.
I hope that I have now answered your questions.
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Maurice
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