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

This is topic BOLEX D8L Or Other Models That Don't Use Batteries; Can't Find An Answer in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Nicholas Katrinic (Member # 7023) on 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

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on 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

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on 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

Posted by Brian Fretwell (Member # 4302) on 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.

Posted by David Michael Leugers (Member # 166) on 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.

Posted by David Roberts (Member # 197) on 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.

Posted by Bryan Chernick (Member # 1998) on 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.

Posted by Simon Wyss (Member # 1569) on 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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