With the price of DS8 Cameras no wonder nobody shoots it!

[Mana]

Don't know if you guys noticed, but there was a slue of Double Super 8 cameras on Ebay recently. The prices kinda blew me a way. I got my Bolex Rex4 with a full set of Macro Switars, for less than $300. It was a 1970's JK conversion. Jean Louis performed a full CLA including the lenses and it was still reasonably priced.

Here was some of the auctions:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/280792601819?ss ... 1438.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130620223751?ss ... 1438.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130620185144?ss ... 1438.l2649

I know that Pathe was rare. There were a few other ones I didn't save, I just hope these guys are going to shot film with these!

[Lunar07]

Recently I had the c-mount on my Bolex RX-4 DS8 turret modified to accept 16mm RX lenses. So I sold my H-8REX lenses on eBay since I can use my H-16 RX lenses now.
I made a forutne on 3 switars that I bought years ago for $200.00. Beats any Wall Street investment.
All the bidders and buyers were in Japan and China.
Welcome to the Buying Power of the Noueau Riche of the Far East.

Don't know if you guys noticed, but there was a slue of Double Super 8 cameras on Ebay recently. The prices kinda blew me a way. I got my Bolex Rex4 with a full set of Macro Switars, for less than $300. It was a 1970's JK conversion. Jean Louis performed a full CLA including the lenses and it was still reasonably priced.

[Mana]

Recently I had the c-mount on my Bolex RX-4 DS8 turret modified to accept 16mm RX lenses.

I feel that is the biggest crutch with H8's, dealing with the prism, bad enough on H16's. Who did the converstion? Costs? Cheers!

[Wade]

I actually think the prices for the cameras you list are good, especially the Canon if it's in good shape. And, to find a Pathe these days in good condition is very rare. People like Pathe because it doesn't need converstion to DS8, it has a bright view finder, and can take any regular C-mount lens, has variable shutter, a full range of different speed selections. Unfortunately the Pathe is delicate. I wouldn't get an electronic because there's more stuff to go wrong. I think most of the Pathes being sold are beyond getting fixed. But if you need one in good shape I think it's probably the going rate--unfortunately!!

[kII]

I'm guessing that people are outing there DS-8 camera's as the last ever run of kodak 100D was last year, once all stocks are exhausted there will be no more colour DS-8 !!!. That's unless you choose to shoot the very jittery GK 50d.......

[Mana]

There is still Fomapan! Isn't there a lot more options in Europe for DS8 stocks?

[bolextech]

Wittner has Ektachrome 100D in DS8 in 25 ft and 100 ft lengths.

http://www.wittner-kinotechnik.de/katal ... _filmm.php

Cheers,
Jean-Louis

[Mana]

Hey Jean-Louis! Have you change the prism of H8's to H16's? I love the macro Switars for the H8, but I like to use longer lenses. Its very hard to find the Yvar 75, 100, 150 lenses in H8 RX mount! Or is possible to calibrate those lenses for the H8? Cheers!

[Lunar07]

Jean Louis modified the c-mount on the H8RX to accept H-16 RX lenses. I modified one mount only (upper one) for $150. I also have a separate c-mount adapter that allows the use of only 10mm, 25mm, and Macro 26mm Switar RX lenses on the H8RX. This goes on lower c-mount. So, I can use 2 lenses. I have the Schneider 75mm Macro lens for H8RX. I may end up modifying the lower c-mount also. I'll keep middle c-mount as is for the 8-36 Switar zoom lens for H8RX
I am curious now - What does the prism have to do with it? I have no problem using Switar 10mm and 25mm and macro 28mm on the H8RX now. Is there a problem using longer 16mm lenses with the H8 prism? I just tried the 16mm Yvar 100mm lens on the modified c-mount and all looks fine.

-- by the way, Bolex made a c-mount adapter that allows using the 16mm Yvar 150mm lens with H8RX. The adapter was on eBay couple of months ago.

Hey Jean-Louis! Have you change the prism of H8's to H16's? I love the macro Switars for the H8, but I like to use longer lenses. Its very hard to find the Yvar 75, 100, 150 lenses in H8 RX mount! Or is possible to calibrate those lenses for the H8? Cheers!

[bolextech]

Hi Mana,

Yes, I have done so. A couple of years ago, at the request of a filmmaker who had a Bolex DS8 originally done by JK, I upgraded his front plate to a H16RX-type for the ease of using the H16RX lenses. H8 turret stays the same. This is the ideal way to go.

In the old days, JK not only converted the H8 and H8RX to DS8 but the H16 and H16RX also.

When I do a UltraPan8 conversion to a H8RX, I replace the complete H8RX front plate with a H16RX front plate along with the H16RX viewfinder tube also.

I will investigate whether it is possible to recalibrate the Yvar 75, 100, 150 lenses to H8RX. My feeling is that it is possible but I want to be 100% sure before saying a definite yes.

Cheers,
Jean-Louis

[Mana]

Hey Lunar, I was watching that adapter forever! Don't now why I didn't buy it! Anyway the prism is different thickness as regard to H8 vs H16. Maybe Jean-Louis could explain better of course!

[Lunar07]

So you were watching that adapter too. His user name is oddog or something like that. It was me who sent him the explanation for what the adapter does. He did not have a clue as to what that thing was. I believe he added my comments to his description. A Bolex Reporter issue from the 60's has the info in it along with all lenses made for the H8 RX
Months ago, there was a slew of H8 RX long lenses on eBay: Yvars 100mm and 150mm lenses. What I want is the Yvar 75mm. Unfortunately Kern did not make these for H8RX. IF Jean-Louis can recollimate one, I am in.
I see what you mean about the prism. It is messy business.
What not consider modifying two c-mounts on the turret: upper and lower. Keep middle one as is. This will give a great variety of lenses. No need for any prism change. Jean-Louis c-mount modification is clean. Surgical

Hey Lunar, I was watching that adapter forever! Don't now why I didn't buy it! Anyway the prism is different thickness as regard to H8 vs H16. Maybe Jean-Louis could explain better of course!

[Will2]

I would say the same about Regular 8...it creates images that made me fall in love with film in the first place.

[Lunar07]

Regular 8 RULES!
How about a point and shoot R8 setup: Bolex B8 + the Yvar d-mount fixed focus lens f/1.8 + Bolex 1.5x R8 small anamorphot.
This is like expensive vintage wine!

I would say the same about Regular 8...it creates images that made me fall in love with film in the first place.

[Mana]

Yes even looking back at some recently completed auctions there were two H8 RX Yvars 100mm & 150mm, but the prices! Death to micro 4/3rds! Ha! I did see a 75mm 2.8 Yvar in H8 mount a few months ago as well.