Page 6 - RD_2019-09

Another page from… Kev Franzi’s Motion Picture Scrapbook.

he first new camera I ever owned was a
TPaillard-Bolex HI6. I bought it back in
1954 and that model is now known as “The
Standard” Model. It had a three lens turret and
heaps of features that made it the most
versatile 16mm movie camera on the market. standards this is a short range of focal lengths
but back then to have a matched set like that
To own one of these had been the object of my was “just Christmas”. Wow! At the top of the
dreams for years - and now there it was, sitting range, all three lenses were six element
on my table in its beautiful new leather case Switars. This combination required a very
extruding that unique aroma of brand new deep pocket. However, for those who were not
equipment. As I took each of the three lenses yet in the Rolls Royce Club the standard “C”
from their individual velvet lined leather cases lens mounts on the turret enabled the use of a
I was acutely aware of the fine Swiss wide range of lenses from other manufacturers.
craftsmanship in both the lenses and the cases,
the finish was superb. Each of the lenses came with an elegant
Guarantee Certificate. Attached to this was a 3
I had ordered the standard range of Kern- inch length of 16mm film, a lens test chart
Paillard “C” mount lenses - an f2.8 16mm filmed by that lens - (its serial number was on
Yvar wide angle, an fl.4 25mm Switar (this the test) fitted on the camera I had just
was the sharpest lens I have ever used. The purchased, proving (a) the optical quality of
image appeared to be etched into the film) and the lens, and (b) the accuracy of its focusing
an f2.8 75mm Yvar telephoto lens. By today’s mount on my camera. I was impressed.

Operating controls of the 1954 Bolex H16 (from top to bottom and left to right). A
clip on eye level focusing tube (top) allows critical focusing when the lens is in
the top turret position. The lens must be swung to the taking position after
focusing. Rotating the small chrome knob focuses the eyepiece. The
clutch in the “Mot” position engages the spring drive mechanism, and
disengages it in the “O” position when using an external electric
motor drive. Below the name plate is the
spring winding shaft and hinged handle.
To the right a twin scale frame counter
reads from 1 to 1000 frames, and a
footage counter (far left) measures 0 to
100 ft (30 m). An external drive shaft below the
frame counter, provides an 8 frames per turn
connection for an electric motor or the hand crank handle.
For single frame use, the “I.T.” lever selects instantaneous
exposures of 1/I0 to 1/50 sec (depending on the frame rate
set ting i.e. 8-64), or Time Exposure on the “T” setting. The
frame rate selector has a range of 8 to 64 F.P.S. and (below) the
sliding release button will provide continuous running in the “M”
position, or single frame operation on the “P” setting. The normal
On - Off button is on the front plate below the turret.
All Standard Bolex cameras have a small round tripod socket boss under the
camera. Standing the camera (unattached) on this boss will cause a distressing crash as it falls heavily to the
floor, always lens down!
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