Bolex P3... any info or manual?

Post by **mojohey** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 10:07 pm

Hi folks.

Just got myself a Bolex P3, looks in mint condition. Wondering if anyone has a manual (in english) or has any advice on battery type, shutter angle etc?

Thanks.

Post by **alpha.tango** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:24 pm

Sorry I cant help with the manual - I have most of the K and P series cameras but not a single manual between them !

Courtesy of http://www.smallbattery.company.org.uk tips and faq's

Is there an equivalent battery to a 1.35V Mallory RM450 or PX450 mercury battery?
This is a common question from users of Bolex P1, P2 and P3 cine cameras and users of the Alpa 10d camera.

This battery goes by a number of names: PX450, RM450, RM450R, E-450 and was 11.6 mm in diameter and 14.5 mm in height.

Unfortunately, no one manufactures a exact size replacement to the RM450 any longer. The best you can do is to take a cell of the same diameter and pad its height out with metal washers or some type of wire spring/clip. Scrunched up aluminium foil seems to work nicely. Don't be daunted. It has been successfully done before.
You have two choices for the battery, the silver oxide 1.55V 357 or SR44 or the zinc air 1.35V WeinCell MRB675. Good luck.

Post by **alpha.tango** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:28 pm

Also

With apologies to whoever's site I originally copied it from ..

12fps - 1/29th variable shutter open;
12fps - 1/58th variable shutter half-closed;
16fps - 1/38th variable shutter open;
16fps - 1/76th variable shutter half-closed;
18fps - 1/43th variable shutter open;
18fps - 1/86th variable shutter half-closed;
24fps - 1/58th variable shutter open;
24fps - 1/116th variable shutter half-closed;
32fps - 1/76th variable shutter open;
32fps - 1/152th variable shutter half-closed;
48fps - 1/116th variable shutter open;
48fps - 1/232th variable shutter half-closed;
64fps - 1/152th variable shutter open;
64fps - 1/304th variable shutter half-closed;

Single frame is approx 1/30 sec or 1/75 half closed

Post by **feinto** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 1:47 am

how abt the P4? do they use the same batteries as well?

Post by **hellesdonfilms** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 11:13 am

http://www.bolexrepair.com

sells the manual on cd and a lightmeter battery kit i bought my P3 from them, or you can try

http://www.oldtimercameras.com/

they also sell the manuals.[/url]

Post by **studiocarter** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 4:06 am

I have a photocopy of a P1 manual and the actual manual for a P2, they are the same.
How much different is a P3?

Post by **mojohey** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 1:30 pm

Thanks for the info and links folks.