I just recently purchased a Bolex P4 standard 8mm camera. I have several Bolex cameras in my collection and haven't used them yet, as I have been shooting in Super 8. But because I missed shooting in standard 8 I decided to purchase the P4.
My question is what is the light loss factor (viewfinder) when shooting with a camera like the P4? Should I compensate for this loss when shooting? I am planning to buy a light meter but can't seem to find a cheap one for sale. Any recommendations on a decent light meter that won't break the bank Ha?
Bolex Camera Question
Moderator: Andreas Wideroe
Re: Bolex Camera Question
I believe the shutter angle on your P4 is the same as on my P1. Fully open they are at 165º. According the the P1 instruction manual, for example shooting at 18fps the exposure is 1/43 sec or about 150º shutter. (So, is that about 17% loss due to the reflex system?) Anyway, my internal meter is dead. I use my external meter set to 150º. The results are good. Depending on the situation I will bracket expose anyway. Basically I set my external meter according to the table in the instruction manual. It works fine.
Wade