BOLEX -  SUPER 16 - FILM CAMERA

This is your chance to purchase a classic 16mm Bolex that has been modified for super 16 filming. Please note, these do not appear often on eBay. 

This is a non-reflex camera, but the camera has a standard finder attached to the side, which has been set up for super 16mm. It has a 10mm wide angle adapter on the front.   This finder is non-reflex but is a good guide to setting up your framing.

I have used the camera with a 10mm wide and it gives excellent results. As long as the lens is collimated for the 16mm flange depth you shouldn’t have a problem with most 16mm lenses.

There are many lenses on eBay that have viewfinders combined with lenses (particularly Angenieux 17-68). These are good lenses and will provide reflex viewing.


Here are the details for the  H-16 (M4)


  • OVERALL DIMENSIONS:  22cm x 16cm x 8cm

  • WEIGHT: Approximately 3 Kgs.

  • OUTER CASE: Highly polished duraluminium body, covered in genuine Morocco leather. Metal parts are chrome-plated.

  • FILM CAPACITY: 100ft (30m) and 50ft (15m) daylight loading spools of 16mm film.

  • THREADING: Automatic threading and loop forming. The end of the film is simply placed in a channel leading to the feed sprocket. The release is pressed and the film is then automatically threaded throughout the entire mechanism.

  • MOTOR: Constant speed, spring motor mechanism; governor controlled. Large winding handle folds downward and attaches to camera when not in use. Spring cannot be over-wound. 8:1 and 1:1 external drive shaft permits the attachment of an electric motor.

  • LENS MOUNT: Accommodates a single interchangeable C mount lens.

  • VIEWFINDER: Parallax correcting 'PC-12' preview finder gives an exact viewing field for lenses of four focal lengths: 16mm, 25mm, 50mm and 75mm.

  • VARIABLE SPEED: 12, 16, 18, 24, 32, 48 and 64 frames per second

  • RELEASE BUTTON: provides for the making of continuous exposures by a finger-tip release on the front of the camera. A side release allows for locked, hands-free running or single frame exposures.

  • SHUTTER: 144 degree aperture shutter

  • FOOTAGE COUNTER: adds and subtracts accurately in forward or reverse motion and automatically returns to zero when film is reloaded into the camera.

  • AUDIBLE FOOTAGE INDICATOR: A distinct click announces the passing of each 10 inches of film through the gate. This mechanism may be disengaged, if desired, by simply moving a lever.

  • FRAME COUNTER: Twin dial counts frames individually and in total; Adds frames in forward motion and subtracts when film is wound backwards. Dial may be reset manually at any time.

  • SINGLE FRAME: Time lapse and animation is possible by using the side release button or an accessory cable release and adapter; I-T lever allows for timed or instantaneous single exposures.

  • MANUAL REWIND: Clutch disengages spring motor and permits forward movement and backwind without running down the spring; allows for dissolves and superimposition.

  • FLAT BASE: Contains three tripod sockets: Two 3/8" thread and one 1/4" thread. Front of the base is removable for easy mounting of the Bolex Matte Box.