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

[Mana]

I have a Bolex SBM that was modified to include a flash connection and a through the lens exposure system (two LEDs: one for underexposure, one for overexposure, and both on for correct exposure) along with an ASA knob that matched the FPS. Professional modifications. Exposure metering uses a 9V Lithium battery in the film compartment.

Could you post some pics? That would be nice to see!

[sciolist]

All I could find out was that the modification was done by someone in Hollad.
Have you ever seen that before?

I believe such modifications were made by Herr Hoogerhuis, van Baerlestraat 14, 1071 A W Amsterdam, Netherlands. In fact, the modifications may be offered still by Bolex International under the description "lightmeter setting into H16 RX, RX5, SB, SBM and EBM cameras". The work is priced at 1,700.00 Swiss Francs.

In my view it's a desirable modification. What's your experience using it?

[Lunar07]

sciolist -
Thanks for the info. I got the SBM off eBay with its 12-86 Vario-Switar zoom lens back in 2003 off German eBay for $350. The modified H-16 RX-4 I mentioned went at a slightly later time for less than $200. I wanted to get that RX-4 so bad and was about to bid when my internet connection went down. I'd love to have this modification done on my Bolex DS8. But it looks like it is such an expensive modification.
The modification is totally worth it. I use the flash connection all the time for shooting frame by frame at night. The exposure system works fine although I use a spot meter most of the time at night. In day time, the exposure system is quite accurate and can be used fine!
Gone are the times when we could get away finding things like that for cheap on eBay.

Mana asked for some pics. Here are some - all fresh from my kitchen room

1. This is the camera itself:


2. Here are the exposure system button and the flash socket. For the exposure system, you press button. LED's visible through reflex view finder tell you if underexposed, overexposed, or correct depending on lens aperture. LED lights stays on for 5 seconds unless button is pressed again.


3. Closer look at exposure trigger button and flash socket:


4. Battery mechanism for exposure system in film compartment with a Kodak battery. To the side you see part of the DIN setting knob:


5. Film Speed knob in DIN units - rotate knob with correct DIN film speed pointing at FPS camera is set at. Notice the hbh inscription:


6. Sensor in front of prism:

[sciolist]

Thanks for the info. I got the SBM off eBay with its 12-86 Vario-Switar zoom lens back in 2003 off German eBay for $350. The modified H-16 RX-4 I mentioned went at a slightly later time for less than $200. I wanted to get that RX-4 so bad and was about to bid when my internet connection went down.

That's a very nice price for a late series SBM even without the upgrades. I sympathize with you about the 'lost' RX4, having had the same thing happen to me more than a few times. Thanks for the pictures!

[Mana]

Yes thanks Lunar that thing is awesome! I thought the only way to get exposure in camera with a bolex was with an EL.

[Lunar07]

You welcome guys. Well, do not forget that the SBM was modified. I do not know how the EL operates. Did it come out with an exposure system built into it from factory? The SBM modification is more akin to the battery-less exposure system used on C8L, B8L, and D8L Bolex 8mm cameras - a sensor behind the lens measures the light via the press of a button, then it is removed as one is shooting. Come to think about it, simple in principle - but that is easier said than done
The RX-4 with the same modification is more useful to me because the RX-4 allows using primes on the turret. Wish I can find one. They do not appear often.

Yes thanks Lunar that thing is awesome! I thought the only way to get exposure in camera with a bolex was with an EL.

[kII]

if Wittner pulls this off, DS-8 cameras may rocket in price!! http://www.wittner-kinotechnik.de/neu/news2012.php
fingers cross they can manage to obtain a special run of 50d in the ds8 format...

[bolextech]

While this is great for DS8 users, I believe Wittner's main aim is to release it in 50 foot cartridges. It's the DS8 stock that they slit down to single strand for loading in the 50 footers.

Cheers,
Jean-Louis

[David M. Leugers]

Someone pinch me, can it be true? Vision 3 50D in DS-8mm? I can't wait!

[aj]

As posted earlier. When I asked Wittner about the future availability of DS8 they stated firmly there will be DS8 as long as there is S8. Kodak produces DS8 rolls of 1000ft which are used as raw material for Kodak cartridges. When you order enough you can have a batch of these rolls too. Wittner buys these rolls for making DS8 distribution rolls and to fill their own S8 cartridges.

Wittner also has built a chain of equipment which will allow them to perforated and slit ciné film. It is all on their website...

[wahiba]

I bought a Quarz V DS 8 camera off eBay a couple of years ago. Cost less than £10 - including postage from Germany to the UK.

Just bought it to go with my D8 Quarz collection. Keep meaning to get some film for it.