8mm Forum: My "new" Bolex P1 8mm camera and 18-5 projector

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Posted by Ralph Edelbach (Member # 3754) on June 07, 2013, 02:38 AM:

I bought a P1 camera new in 1964 and kept it until 1970 when I moved to Eumig super 8 unit. Always regretted selling it for $50 if I remember correctly to a buddy who lost it somewhere. The design and quality was most imporessive and, despite being at a point in my life where my wife and are trying to get rid of "unnecessary " stuff, I couldn't resist buying one on EBay and then falling further off the wagon and buying the matching projector to keep the camera company. Both work but I don't expect to shot any film. They are for display purposes only.

When the box containing the camera arrived yesterday, I was as excited as when I first held my new camera 50 years ago. Still quality.

Does anyone have any idea of what they cost new in the early 1960s?

Many thanks. Ralph, Ringoes, NJ

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on June 07, 2013, 06:04 AM:

Congratulations Ralph. I also have a pristine condition Bolex 18-5 and they are right up there with the Bolex M8R as being the best silent 8mm projector ever made. In fact Bolex quality was unequalled by any other manufacturer. Just look at the finish on the 18-5 , how did they get paint to look like that! And the Morocco leather covering of the C8,B8, AND H8/16 cameras! These machines work as well today as the day they left the factory in Saint Croix Switzerland. And of course they are also wonderful display pieces:

Posted by Ralph Edelbach (Member # 3754) on June 07, 2013, 06:08 AM:

I do need a rubber eye-cup for the camera. One did not come with it.

If anyone knows where I can buy one or has an extra one, please let me know. I am going to check on EBay and keep my fingers crossed. Thx.

Posted by Glenn Brady (Member # 715) on June 07, 2013, 06:51 AM:

Although grossly overpriced from this seller (whom I wouldn't recommend), this type of rubber eyecup - made for H8 series cameras - will fit the P series compact cameras: http://www.ebay.com/itm/EYECUP-EBM-K2-P1-OCTOMETER-ETC-BOLEX-16MM-MOVIE-CAMERA-/280530111722?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4150e5ccea#ht_827wt_917.

Posted by Ralph Edelbach (Member # 3754) on June 07, 2013, 04:32 PM:

Thanks for the lead Glenn. I paid $35 for the camera and $10 shipping so I'm not ready right now to spend almost that much for the eye cup alone. Have to give it some serious thought. Take care.

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