Bolex 160

Post by **dsam7** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 12:33 am

I've just bought a superb condition Bolex 160 to add to my collection of Bolex cameras. It is in working order but hasn't been serviced since it left the factory back in the 1970's. I'd like to get it in as near to as new working order internally as possible and was considering actually sending it to Bolex rather than getting a regular "local" service simply add a few drops of oil. Apparently Bolex still offer full overhaul and servicing ( replacing worn or damaged/aged parts with originals) for the 150,155 and 160 super 8 cameras, which is in addtion to their famous H series. Has anyone had experiences with Bolex direct? Thanks in advance.

http://www.bolex.ch/NEW/index.php

Post by **Jim Carlile** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 3:39 am

I understand they are very good but mucho bucks. They also fix Eumig cameras, and the Bolex Multimatic projector, too (!) I wonder what the shipping alone would be on that one?

Post by **dsam7** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 2:58 pm

I'm going to email for a quote for the Bolex 160 - (shipping shouldn't be too high from England). I'll post their quote later.

Post by **natxo** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:58 am

dsam7 wrote:I've just bought a superb condition Bolex 160 to add to my collection of Bolex cameras. It is in working order but hasn't been serviced since it left the factory back in the 1970's. I'd like to get it in as near to as new working order internally as possible and was considering actually sending it to Bolex rather than getting a regular "local" service simply add a few drops of oil. Apparently Bolex still offer full overhaul and servicing ( replacing worn or damaged/aged parts with originals) for the 150,155 and 160 super 8 cameras, which is in addtion to their famous H series. Has anyone had experiences with Bolex direct? Thanks in advance.

http://www.bolex.ch/NEW/index.php

I sent a bolex 155 for service to Bolex Switzerland two years ago. They did a really great job: internal adjusts, lubrication, cleaned contacts, new eyecup, and so on... Before the service, the camera suddenly stopped working, and since then IÃ‚Â´ve been using it without any problem, and itÃ‚Â´s really one of my favourite cameras. Service took two weeks, including shipping and returning from Spain to Switzerland, and it cost me about 300 dollars, returning shipping included.

I talked by mail with Mark Ueter, and the service was clear, fast and very satisfactory

Post by **dsam7** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 10:50 am

Thanks, Natxo. That's good to hear. Bolex offices are currently closed for the holidays. I'll email Marc when he returns. I'd really like mine in new working condition. I also want a new eyecup.

What kind of results have you got from yours? B/W? Colour?

Post by **natxo** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 11:50 am

dsam7 wrote:Thanks, Natxo. That's good to hear. Bolex offices are currently closed for the holidays. I'll email Marc when he returns. I'd really like mine in new working condition. I also want a new eyecup.

What kind of results have you got from yours? B/W? Colour?

IÃ‚Â´ve shooted mainly EKT64 & 100D. Due to the cameraÃ‚Â´s design -with the cartridge upwards- part of the light is turned aside the viewfinder and doesnÃ‚Â´t reach the film gate. I suppose this makes the 155 and 160 image slightly different from other cameras: you like it or not.

I like it for outdoors nature and people shots, specially the 155. I also own a 160 and also works ok. The disavantage I have found is propensity to subexposure and dark shadows, but is something you easily learn to control.

Also its macro system works really great, you can check the promo video posted in this forum, and that can be found in :

http://www.bolexcollector.com/articles/07_04_23.html

And, of course, what I really love is the design, seems like taken from "futurama" episodes :lol:

Anyway, sure in this forum are some people that have a lot of experience with these cameras, and can give you more accurate tricks.

Post by **dsam7** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 4:40 pm

Natxo....you are making me very excited - ( In a healthy way)

Bolex collector is a superb web site. I really liked the ad you posted too.

Can't wait to run a film through my 160 and experiment. I plan to test EKT64T first.

Thanks again.

Ps. The photo of the H8S on the Bolex Collector site is my actual camera - I sent it in because these flat base non-reflex models are very rare.

Post by **CHAS** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 2:32 am

It's a fantastic, underrated camera -- my favorite viewfinder. I have the 155 and 160. Great for macro photography. Mitch Perkins designed a mod for making the exposure system manual. Check past messages.

Post by **dsam7** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:24 am

CHAS wrote:It's a fantastic, underrated camera -- my favorite viewfinder. I have the 155 and 160. Great for macro photography. Mitch Perkins designed a mod for making the exposure system manual. Check past messages.

Thanks, Chas. I like the idea of manual modification. I'll check out the other posts.

( Hey - didn't I send you some super 8 adapters for projector reels once? You were on a different forum known as chasucla?)

Post by **downix** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 1:36 pm

You realize all of this talk of the Bolex here is making me ponder getting my own....

Post by **audadvnc** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 4:29 pm

OK, now sit back. Relax, take a deep, long breath. And another, that's good! Feel better, calmer? Now just say three times, "the cameras I've got are just fine". Ohh, the peace, feel the serenity, from the top of your head, to the tips of your toes. Your cameras are just fine. Just - fine.

Super8 triage... Of course if you had a RED camera, then we'd be talking! :twisted:

Post by **CHAS** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 6:08 pm

No -- you used to be able to get these Bolexes for $50 USD! I haven't checked the going rate on e-bay, but that's what I paid for two a few years ago... I remember Mitch was collecting them so maybe he's bought them up! :lol:

Post by **CHAS** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 6:09 pm

dsam7 wrote: ( Hey - didn't I send you some super 8 adapters for projector reels once? You were on a different forum known as chasucla?)

Yes, you did -- on Mike Brantley's board which is DOA, I guess. Thanks again -- I still use them for my viewer.

Post by **dsam7** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 7:24 pm

Glad to help. It was a while ago. Congrats on your recent films too!

Did you use your Bolex's in these? (Apart from using, I plan to include mine in a painting at some point!)

Post by **CHAS** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 8:10 pm

dsam7 wrote:Glad to help. It was a while ago. Congrats on your recent films too!

Did you use your Bolex's in these? (Apart from using, I plan to include mine in a painting at some point!)

thanks!

I used my Bolex for about 1/2 of "Ennui" but not for "Westsider" as I had to have a more accurate exposure system. Used an Elmo 1012S XL for all interiors; a Canon 814 AZ, a Minolta XL-401 and a borrowed Canon 1014-xls for exteriors.

Eventually I'd like to get the Bolex mod and then use it for some stop-mo animation as I love the macro lens!

Filmshooting

Bolex 160

Bolex 160

Re: Bolex 160