Bolex D16: RAW, 16/Super 16 sensor size, costs less than MkIII

Gary Huff said:
A far cry from "working closely."
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Joe said Bolex will have final approval over the camera that goes into production. Major mechanical design elements follow Bolex standards: metal alloy body,weather sealing, robust construction intended for long useful life.
 
Razz16mm said:
Joe said Bolex will have final approval over the camera that goes into production. Major mechanical design elements follow Bolex standards: metal alloy body,weather sealing, robust construction intended for long useful life.
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That's still not "working closely". That would infer that Bolex, or some representative thereof, is watching over the shoulder every step of the process, instead of just inspecting a finished product at the end and declaring that they like it.
 
Gary Huff said:
That's still not "working closely". That would infer that Bolex, or some representative thereof, is watching over the shoulder every step of the process, instead of just inspecting a finished product at the end and declaring that they like it.
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I think you misunderstand the nature of a deep collaborative partnership between multiple small companies working together on a large project.
 
Razz16mm said:
I think you misunderstand the nature of a deep collaborative partnership between multiple small companies working together on a large project.
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I think you need to show more evidence of a "deep collaborative partnership" than what you've linked so far.
 
After all these years without designing or manufacturing a new camera, is there anybody left at Bolex SA who would even be qualified to pass judgment on the integrity of a digital video camera design? Even in their glory years, there was nothing electronic in any Bolex product, aside from maybe a crystal speed control in some of the motor units, and they certainly never produced any video equipment. I doubt they had an engineer on staff then, much less now, with any expertise that could apply to this camera, other than commenting on the shape of the body. You can't question their sturdiness and functionality, but even in the mechanical design, nobody could argue that the layout or controls on a Rex-5 were particularly ergonomic or aesthetically pleasing.

Now granted, competitors like Arri and Aaton have been able to develop considerable electronic sophistication by staying competitive in the game and developing new products these last forty years -- but that doesn't describe Bolex, which has been comatose in the market for a long time.

I've used, and sometimes owned, many 16mm Bolexes since the mid-'70s. I don't know about the high-end shoulder mount Pro model, but the handheld ones weren't weather sealed in any meaningful way.

- Greg
 
wow, just checked out the Bolex website, it was like going back in time 40 yrs. Im shocked their still making spring loaded cameras in this day and age. Don't get me wrong, I think it's very cool they do, and appreciate craftmanship that goes into a mechanical camera. I just had no idea there was a market for these still, aside from the used cam selling on ebay.

This could potentially bring the bolex name back, but if they cant get it out there fairly soon, I think they might miss the boat. well see...
 
Gary Huff said:
That's still not "working closely". That would infer that Bolex, or some representative thereof, is watching over the shoulder every step of the process, instead of just inspecting a finished product at the end and declaring that they like it.
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Yeah, the Bolex website just has a quick statement saying "Check [url]www.digitalbolex.com[/URL] for technical specs and contact Joe Rubinstein for all questions you may have about this new Bolex Digital camera!"

If they were involved in this design surely they would be able to address questions themselves. What manufacturer has ever told people to address the individual designer of a product?

It appears that in reality Bolex is just going to stamp their name on this thing, because frankly, they have nothing to lose either way. Win-win for both groups; but its silly to pretend it is anything other than a marriage of convenience.
 
maranfilms said:
wow, just checked out the Bolex website, it was like going back in time 40 yrs. Im shocked their still making spring loaded cameras in this day and age. Don't get me wrong, I think it's very cool they do, and appreciate craftmanship that goes into a mechanical camera. I just had no idea there was a market for these still, aside from the used cam selling on ebay.
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It's worse than that -- they have not actually manufactured any cameras for quite a few years. They still repair the old ones, and may still have a bit of old stock sitting on the shelf to sell if you insist on buying one, but new units are not being made, and I imagine the staff is quite small now.

As Simon said, they have literally nothing to lose by lending their name to this new venture, but they also have very little else to contribute to it.

- Greg
 
I think what's most frustrating about this whole thing is this camera is fresh and different and we don't even have any samples to look at.
 
It could be that the people that supported the kickstarter are the only ones that ever get a Digital Bolex, so whether or not you think it's a good camera is moot at this point unless you invested in the kickstarter. And you shouldn't invest in a kickstarter if you are risk averse.
 
Gillvane said:
It could be that the people that supported the kickstarter are the only ones that ever get a Digital Bolex, so whether or not you think it's a good camera is moot at this point unless you invested in the kickstarter. And you shouldn't invest in a kickstarter if you are risk averse.
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How is anyone supposed to even know if it's good camera when there isn't one in existence yet...or to remain interested? People were interested in their concept, but they need to deliver SOMETHING to ANYONE so people can either move along for good or possibly save funds for the second shipment. I don't care personally, but as it pertains to DBolex moving forward....they need to get on the ball. Technology is moving at light speed- at the rate they're moving, there will be a raw GH4 first ;) kidding about that last bit...lol
 
pulpfiction007 said:
How is anyone supposed to even know if it's good camera when there isn't one in existence yet...or to remain interested? People were interested in their concept, but they need to deliver SOMETHING to ANYONE so people can either move along for good or possibly save funds for the second shipment. I don't care personally, but as it pertains to DBolex moving forward....they need to get on the ball. Technology is moving at light speed- at the rate they're moving, there will be a raw GH4 first ;) kidding about that last bit...lol
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Cameras are disposable. You'll always be buying a new camera eventually, something new will always be coming out. Never save for something that's going to be released. Buy something in your budget now, shoot, shoot, shoot, sell it and buy something else later when it's available if you need it.
 
Recent updates: All final production parts are in house for the manufacturing prototype. They should have their first working camera in about two weeks if all goes well.
 
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