Film recommendations for Bolex H8?

[mediumformatphoto]

Just got a really nice Bolex H8 with the 5.5mm Macro Switar, and two other Yvars. It purrs like a kitten and everything seems good to go.

Now, I know Regular8 film is of limited choice compared to Super8, but can anyone offer advice/recommendations on what film stock works well? I'm most interested in shooting B&W.

Thanks,
R.J.

[studiocarter]

An H8 does not have much to work with any more. Cine-X (plusX) in 100 foot rolls is the fast film now as double X is no longer sold. However, I'd shoot the K40 while it is still here and change it to B&W in post so you have the best of both, color and black & white. It is a much finer grain.

[David M. Leugers]

For shooting R-8mm, it doesn't get much better than the Bolex H-8. Check out the filmstocks available from John Schwind.

http://members.aol.com/Super8mm/JohnSchwind.html


David M. Leugers

[mediumformatphoto]

Thank you both for the recommendations! I will be purchasing some film this week and getting started.

Contrary to what I have read, as a newbie to Bolex I am finding the Bolex to be easy to use, and the solid feel reminds me of my Rolleiflex. The octaviwer on the side with built-in changes for the different focal lengths is absolutely brilliant. =D>

R.J.

[studiocarter]

Who is it who sells the spindel thingie to make the spools fit better? Chambles?

[David M. Leugers]

Chambless has the adapter for only $12. check em out

http://www.chamblesscineequip.com/catalog/catalog.htm


David M. Leugers

[cineandy]

[quote="mediumformatphoto"]Just got a really nice Bolex H8 with the 5.5mm Macro Switar, and two other Yvars. It purrs like a kitten and everything seems good to go. \:D/

Now, I know Regular8 film is of limited choice compared to Super8, but can anyone offer advice/recommendations on what film stock works well? I'm most interested in shooting B&W.

Thanks,
R.J.[/quote]

Hi, while you still have the chance you need to expose the sharpest and imo, greatest std 8 film ever made, kodachrome 25. Once all stocks have gone, you will never get to see how good standard 8 can be. Treat that H8 to a roll of k25.. Wittner in Germany still have stocks of k25.

[mr8mm]

The following filmstocks are available in R8: Kodachrome 40, Plus-X 7265, and ORWO UN54(AKA Filmotec un54). The kMA40 is $14.00 per 25 ft. spool and $39.00 per 100fter. The B/W stocks are $10.00 per 25 ft and $27.00 per 100ft.
I am working on Kodak to supply 7285. No results so far.

My website doesn't list the UN54.

J.S.

[mediumformatphoto]

Thanks for all the film recommendations! Yesterday I ordered a few 25ft carts of FomaPan R-100 from J an C Photo. I will definitely try to get my hands on some of the K25.

[mr8mm]

I am surprised you chose FOMAPAN over 7265 plus-x. I stopped carying Fomapan for the following reasons:
1. The base material is brittle and breaks easily.
2. Fomapan does not match up well with the new Kodak reversal process. The labs I deal with did not like processing the film. Most labs in USA are set to process with the new reversal process and have better luck with 7265. Easier to process Plus-X 7265.
3. There is no advantage over Plus-x since both are rated at 100.
4. Fomapan is not available on 100ft. spools.

If you home process then FOMAPAN might work for you. If you think Fomapan is a good film I might consider stocking it again.

John S.

[mediumformatphoto]

I have shot one roll of FomaPan R-100 in my Bolex H8. I will be sending my film to DR5 for development since I think they are the best at reversal developing.

I do plan on trying the other regular8 films available -- it just so happens FomaPan was first. 8) [/u]

[mr8mm]

DR 5 is the best. Let us know how the Foma works out. I don't believe he can slit the film. If he can I might consider stocking Foma again.

John S.

[mediumformatphoto]

Thanks for the info about DR5 - I will ask them if they can slit the film or not.