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A Bolex 160 macro zoom recently fell in my lap and I'd like to know more about it. In the manual it says that at 18fps the shutter speed is 1/47th second. I calculate that to be a 138-degree shutter opening. Kinda small, no? Even with its f1.9 lens it would require bright light. The meter only works to ASA 160.
Everything sounds nice when I play with it. Does anyone have experience with this camera?
chas_ucla has one of these.....
I have the simpler but similiar 150 Super. In their own right these are pretty good cameras. They are as rugged as a sledge hammer, and just about as heavy. They take the PX-13 mercury cell (2 of them) for the meter. This is not a huge problem as there are a number of modern ways of replacing it (MR9 adapter, Zinc Air, etc...)
As far as I know, these cameras can shoot anything from 25 to 160 ASA. Mine just loves PlusX and K-40.
In your position I'd go to a local drug store to the hearing aid section and see if they have the Zinc Air substitute for the PX-13 or PX-625(Mine does). This would give you a cheap way to fire up the camera and shoot a test roll.
Some things to be cautious of:
1) There is this really funky centrifugal speed regulator thingy attached to the motor shaft. If it's commutator is oxidized the camera may run poorly or not at all. This caused mine to die about 30 feet through the first roll. After I cleaned it the camera ran like new. Find the screws that hold the plastic grip into the handle and remove them, the motor and regulator will be underneath. Polish the commutator with a pencil eraser until it's shiny.
2) Be careful of the lens shade/lens cap. This is a very unique design to these cameras and very clever, but they have a habit of getting knocked off because people leave them open. If you still have one close it when you aren't shooting, in addition to protecting itself and the lens it will also preserve the meter cells.
3) This camera has a habit of having the meter stick at the bottom when the camera sits unused for a while. A little affectionate slap on the side frees it up, and after that it stays free.
I have 4 active movie cameras, and when I'm going out on a beautiful sunny day to make a nature film, there is nothing I'd rather have than my Bolex. In many other situations it has limits that make me go to the others, but the quality optics really shine through in this scenario. (Besides, it's cool shooting film with something that looks like a ray gun!)
<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ October 03, 2002 12:48 AM: Message edited by: BolexPlusx ]</font>
Thanks for the info. I do get the feeling this camera is built like a tank. This is the kind of camera that causes me to get searched every time I go through airport x-ray.
As far as the batteries, what do you all think of using normal 1.5V batteries in your cameras that require the 1.3v mercuries? I think it would cause your shots to be underexposed but, with a stock like Kodachrome, it actually looks better about 1/2 stop underexposed. Or is that just a bad way to go?
Yes, it is built like a tank. Treat it well and it will last a long time...
I've never had any exposure problems with it and I use the modern batteries...although if it underexposes I wonder why my Echta-krap would be slightly overexposed...hmmmmm.....
I can't say much more than what BolexPlusX said.
You are correct, it does need a TON of light, just to look through the viewer. But it takes excellent shots with K40, and Plus-X just like he said. Tri-X as well, though I don't really like that stock. The new Echtachrome came out slightly over-exposed.
The one drawback to this camera is the lack of manual aperature control. But it's a great basic camera all around. The 155 has lasted me 18 years!