Bolex H16 lenses?

[mr_x]

Hi,

How can you work out which c-mount lenses fit the early H16's please - I understand the later lenses have shallower threads?

Also, how does the thread dimension affect non-Bolex type c-mount lenses from correctly functioning on H16's?

I appreciate this might open a can of worms! ;)

Thanks,

Ric

[richard p. t.]

Hi Ric,
I assume by 'older H16' you mean a 'non-reflex' H16. The actual mount - ie the thread on the lens and camera body - is the same. Its just C-mount thread. The difference, however, is that lenses designed for reflex bolexes (lenses designated with 'RX') have been designed to take into account the reflex prism on a reflex bolex. The presence of the prism affects the focusing of the lens onto the film, and RX lenses take that focusing difference into account.
So with a non-reflex bolex you can pretty much use any c-mount lens you can come accross (except the new cs mount lenses that are designed for security cameras). You can even get away with RX lenses if you are filming in telephoto or are using the lens at least a couple of stops from fully open.
cheers,
richard

[mr_x]

Hi Ric,
I assume by 'older H16' you mean a 'non-reflex' H16. The actual mount - ie the thread on the lens and camera body - is the same. Its just C-mount thread. The difference, however, is that lenses designed for reflex bolexes (lenses designated with 'RX') have been designed to take into account the reflex prism on a reflex bolex. The presence of the prism affects the focusing of the lens onto the film, and RX lenses take that focusing difference into account.
So with a non-reflex bolex you can pretty much use any c-mount lens you can come accross (except the new cs mount lenses that are designed for security cameras). You can even get away with RX lenses if you are filming in telephoto or are using the lens at least a couple of stops from fully open.
cheers,
richard

Thanks Richard,

Oh, that's good news then - the non-reflex mount sounds more flexible than the later RX versions. Downside is the parallex viewfinder, that means more landscape-type subjects and less close-up / detailed subjects. But the big plus is the hands-on nature of the film reels and potential for double exposure, which is something I am really into. I can double expose Super 8 cartridges but it is pretty limiting sometimes.

Thanks again

Ric

[mr_x]

Downside is the parallex viewfinder, that means more landscape-type subjects and less close-up / detailed subjects.

Update: the camera does have TTL capability I am pleased to report although the prism has dust which I can gently vacuum. Motor seems to be 100%

[sciolist]

You can even get away with RX lenses if you are filming in telephoto or are using the lens at least a couple of stops from fully open.

The longest RX lens is a 50mm. There are no telephoto RX lenses.