Bolex D8L

Asa

Asa

Well-known member
This camera was just given to me and it's in near-perfect cosmetic condition (sorry for the lousy picture, I grabbed it off the net as I haven't had a chance to photograph the actual camera). I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this particular model.

d8l.jpg


I believe it takes 16mm film, but only uses half of the roll at a time. If anyone can confirm this, it would be great.

Also, the advance mechanism worked for about 30 seconds and then stopped. Does anyone know someplace reputable that will repair this wee beastie? Since it was given to me and has a book value of at least $150 (McKeown's Camera Guide), I don't mind putting a little money into it. It's a bitchin' camera...c-mount, 3 lenses, and the glass is perfecto! Hopefully I can get it working as we're shooting some super 8 for the film I'm working on.
 
ASA,
The D8 is a Regular 8mm camera. The film is 16mm wide but perforated for regular 8mm. You turn the roll over after the first 25ft. and re-thread the last 1/2, for total of 50ft.
The film is slit after processing an spliced for a 50 foot roll.
The lenses are "D" mount and are Bolex Switars or Yvars...amazingly sharp for their time.
I still have my old C8 (single lens model) but Kodak stopped making film for these just a few years ago.
Super 8 pretty much killed off regular 8mm...it allowed sound on film with the mag stripe, and easy load cartridges which appeals to many users.
if you can find film for it, it's a great way to learn film discipline.
The wind up mechanism runs about 30 seconds before you need to wind it up again...that's normal.
Hope this helps
Ken
 
Actually, the problem is that it tends to seize after being wound (sorry, I wasn't very clear about that). It almost seems like it just needs to be used, as it works sometimes. Thx for the info about the film...I was hoping I could run 16mm in it and just flip it over, but I guess it's more complicated than that. Also thanks for the correction on the lens mount...now that I look closer I see that it is indeed different from the C mount.

I may have found a source for the film/processing issue: Yale Film/Video Has anyone used this company?
 
ASA,
The lubrication in the clockwork motor is dried out ...hence the "sticking". You may be able to get it lubed somewhere (or try it yourself).
I think any available film is probably from a frozen stash, which may not be all that bad, depending on storage conditions. It's best to ge it processed soon after exposure, however.
Ken
 
John: Thanks for the input regarding Yale. How hardcore are they about censoring? My movie is fairly violent, but there's no nudity planned...there is a bar scene where there's been some talk about female extras flashing the camera, though. :beer:

kplo: Any ideas of what to use as lubricant on the camera and what parts to hit? I'm scared to take it apart and just use WD-40...:undecided
 
ASA,
If you're the least bit unsure, don't do it yourself. In addition to removing the spring assembly, there are a number of gears that need to be cleaned. My old Eclair ACLll was lubed with some sort of Molybdenum stuff that never hardened up, but I don't know where it's available.
Try calling Dieter at Procam in AZ (928) 708-9901. He used to repair Ecalirs and Bolex; now does Bolex only. He might be able to help.

Re: Spectra
It appears that they don't sell Regular 8mm, only process it.

Hope this helps.
Ken
 
Asa,

I have heard of skateboard footage processed at Yale that was rejected for only having people flipping the finger. You should consider that they may be viewing your entire film with a magnifier as it comes out of the processing machine or when it is prepped. If they find the material offensive, you may run into major problems. The people who run the Yale are Mormon and have the middle age idea that others should strictly conform to their way of thinking. However, if you are sure that you will not have censorship issues, they should still work out as a good source.

Spectra will process most reg 8 film with NO creative restrictions (i.e. censorship). Plus, they do a good job at processing. You should call in for the details on price and film types they process. Let them know what you need as they are very helpful.

They do not sell the reg 8 film now, but they may plan on carrying it at some point in the future.
 
Yale doesn't sound like it will work for me, just on principle...even if there's nothing in my film to censor I have a problem with using a business like that...thanks for the heads-up...any ideas on somewhere else to buy film so I can process it at Spectra?
 
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