Bolex H8, please help

Post by **Herb Montes** » Mon Mar 10, 2003 10:16 pm

I got logged out while I was posting my last message. Better leave it on automatic from now on. :oops:

Anyone else here shoot with Bolex H-8s?

Website · Post by **Bart Sanders** » Mon Mar 10, 2003 11:01 pm

Hello,

Guess the answer to your question has been given in this thread already. And yes, the viewfinder is not as bright as the P or K series. And yes, it produces awesome pictures using K25 and the prime lenses (Kern). The focussing however is very nice and easy - provided you have enough light.... The SOM Berthiot small zoom lens is OK, but shifts a bit to green and is not as sharp as the primes.

With my (late model) RX I do notice a strange phenomenon: when the images are projected using a Bolex 18-5 or an M8, the screen image is as stable as a rock. However, when screening with another projector having the same claw to frame distance, I do get a noticable less steady image on the screen - there is a definite "bounce" rhythm.

The same but to a less extend with my P and K series, but the C8 is steady, no matter what projector.

Anybody any clue?

Post by **filmbuff** » Mon Mar 10, 2003 11:17 pm

Sounds like the Bolex models were designed to a higher standard than the rest. I just shot my first roll on a non rx H8 and will see how steady it plays on my Revere 718.

Post by **tod8** » Tue Mar 11, 2003 2:08 am

i've been a member of this group for only 1 day and already i love it. its much better then the alt.cinematography aol group. i asked a question about the H8 there and only one person wrote back, with an additude, suggesting i get a digital video recorder......

anyhow, regarding the 'side' or parrallex viewfinder, are they easily attachable to H8's? i have a newer model H8, with flat base and switar macro lenses (i love em'). does the side viewfinder also show the film plane as it is seen by the lens? (reflex). what is the purpose of the side viewfinder when you have the regular viewfinder? to see a brighter image?

thanks,

tod

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 11, 2003 10:14 am

The side finder attaches with a simple flip down bar; the other end fits into a hinge, a bar is on the Octameter, an open curved metal on the camera. It is used after you focus the shot so the top focusing finder may be closed down (up), preventing light from entering from the rear and fogging the film. The side finder is much brighter and a little larger, easier to see through. It is adjustable for different lenses and adjusts for parralax. The side finder does not show focus. It is useful for following action while hand holding the camer and for tripod moves.

Filmshooting

Bolex H8, please help

My H8RX is dark on the inside too...