8mm Forum: Bolex H8-T

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Topic: Bolex H8-T

David Singer
Film Handler

Posts: 39
From: Sedona, AZ, USA
Registered: Sep 2013

posted September 27, 2013 02:49 PM

My first post on the forum and some history. In 1958, for our first Christmas together, my wife gave me a Kodak Brownie movie camera and I took many movies of our family growing up. I upgraded cameras over the years and the last one (until now) was a Yashica Super 8. But the camera I always wanted but couldn't afford at the time was the Bolex H model. That desire was recently rekindled when while looking on ebay for a projector to copy all of these movies to DVD, I discovered that Bolex H models are readily available. So now I have a H8-T and have begun to shoot movies again, getting many strange looks from folks who have never seen one before. It is an interesting experience after using point-and-shoot still cameras for years now, i.e. remembering to remove the lens cap, set the focus, aperture and viewfinder, wind the camera, change the film, etc..

So I am curious as to how many forum members are currently using a Bolex H8 and maybe some of your experiences?

Thanks and it's great to see so many 8mm fans around.

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David Singer

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Maurice Leakey
Film God

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

posted September 27, 2013 03:09 PM

In the 60s I couldn't afford a Bolex so I settled on the newly introduced Yashica 8, this was a blatant copy of the twin turret Bolex B8. An excellent camera which served me well.

I finally got my Bolex, the 3-lens turret D8 in a fitted leather case. I still have it, but it hasn't been used for some time.

I never got to a H8, although I did make a professional film a few years later using a borrowed H16. A joy to use, as is, I expect the H8.

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Maurice

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Paul Adsett
Film God

Posts: 5003
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted September 27, 2013 06:07 PM

Welcome to the forum David.
Like you I also dreamed of owning an H8, but settled for a C8 with a Som Berthiot zoom lens. As you know, Bolex equipment was the creme de la creme, and their cameras and projectors will last forever. A far cry from the plastic junk of today.
Take pride and satisfaction in the fact that you know how to use a sophisticated camera like the H16, with manual setting of focus, aperture, and knowledge of film speed, depth of field, focal length, and filters.
Today's smart phone camera crowd would'nt have a clue! [Roll Eyes]

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The best of all worlds- 8mm, super 8mm, 9.5mm, and HD Digital Projection,
Elmo GS1200 f1.0 2-blade
Eumig S938 Stereo f1.0 Ektar
Panasonic PT-AE4000U digital pj

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Pasquale DAlessio
Film God

Posts: 3523
From: Bristol,RI, USA
Registered: May 2010

posted September 27, 2013 06:17 PM

David

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!!! [Wink]

PatD

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Bryan Chernick
Jedi Master Film Handler

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

posted September 29, 2013 12:04 AM

Welcome David! I've got a Bolex H8 and a H8 Rex4. I mostly use them in situations where I can use a tripod since they are so large and heavy. I also have several B8, C8 and D8 models that I use more often since they are smaller and more portable. They all do a great job! Be careful, now that these cameras are more affordable it's easy to get carried away. Click the link below to see my H8 Rex 4.

Bolex H8 Rex 4

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Paul Adsett
Film God

Posts: 5003
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted September 29, 2013 09:44 AM

Now thats's what I call a camera! [Cool]

--------------------
The best of all worlds- 8mm, super 8mm, 9.5mm, and HD Digital Projection,
Elmo GS1200 f1.0 2-blade
Eumig S938 Stereo f1.0 Ektar
Panasonic PT-AE4000U digital pj

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Simon McConway
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1085
From: Doncaster, UK
Registered: Jun 2004

posted September 29, 2013 11:46 AM

I often use an H8 and a P2. The H8 has produced some outstanding results, and the 100' reel is a useful feature.

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Maurice Leakey
Film God

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

posted September 29, 2013 01:58 PM

Is raw standard 8 film currently available on 100' spools?

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Maurice

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