8mm Forum: BOLEX D8L Or Other Models That Don't Use Batteries; Can't Find An Answer

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Topic: BOLEX D8L Or Other Models That Don't Use Batteries; Can't Find An Answer

Nicholas Katrinic
Junior
Posts: 19
From: New Port Richey, FL, USA
Registered: Jul 2019

posted July 20, 2019 01:24 AM

I'm trying to find out if the Bolex D8L or what other models dont use any type of battery to operate. I cant find an answer to this simple question

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Nicholas Katrinic

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Douglas Meltzer
Moderator

Posts: 4554
From: New York, NY, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted July 20, 2019 10:27 AM

Nicholas,

As this video demonstrates, the D8L uses a wind up spring motor mechanism to operate. The excellent Bolex Collector site has technical details about many of their cameras.

Doug

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I think there's room for just one more film.....

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Maurice Leakey
Film God

Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007

posted July 20, 2019 11:43 AM

The D8L has an exposure meter, so it seems that it probably does use some form of small cell to operate.
I have researched many sources but cannot find an answer.
I suggest an email direct to Bolex would get a definitive answer.
Some of the earlier 8mm models didn't have an exposure meter so it's safe to say these would have no use for a battery.
https://www.bolex.ch/NEW/contact.php?p=8

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Maurice

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Brian Fretwell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1785
From: London, UK
Registered: Jun 2014

posted July 20, 2019 04:11 PM

Some cameras did have selenium cell exposure meters that don't need a battery. It is obvious as it is a large light receptor on the front about the same diameter as the lens, though I think that was mainly on Russian cameras.

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David Michael Leugers
Master Film Handler

Posts: 264
From: Fairfield, OH, USA
Registered: Feb 2004

posted July 20, 2019 07:46 PM

The Bolex B8, C8 and D8 do not use a battery, even if they have an exposure meter. Great cameras. Any good 8mm spring wound camera does not require any battery to operate. You would however, usually need an exposure meter to set the exposure with.

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Live Free or Die

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David Roberts
Master Film Handler

Posts: 405
From: Suffolk. England
Registered: Apr 2004

posted July 22, 2019 01:47 PM

The D8L had a selenium cell that was located behind the lens but in front of the gate,so it would read through the lens.As you started the camera,the selenium cell moved out the way.
I had a D8L many years ago,and it produced superb quality,better than any super 8 camera,plus,no batteries to worry about.

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Bryan Chernick
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 654
From: Bothell, WA, USA
Registered: Mar 2010

posted July 30, 2019 10:52 PM

It’s rare to find a Bolex with a selenium cell that still gives accurate readings. I have one in a B8 that is close but I don’t trust it.

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Simon Wyss
Film Handler

Posts: 78
From: Äsch, Switzerland
Registered: Apr 2009

posted August 01, 2019 12:43 AM

The Paillard-Bolex D 8 L(ightmeter), B 8 L, C 8 L have selenium cells, so no battery. The later P 1, P 2, P 3, P 4, K 1, and K 2 take an electric cell for the automatic diaphragm.

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