RUBBER EYEPIECES FOR BOLEX

RUBBER EYEPIECE FOR BOLEX
Most Bolex reflex cameras are 30-50+ years old. The rubber eyepiece (aka: eye guard, eye cup, etc) is one of the first things to go. New eyepieces are available. Occasionally on eBay, you'll find a used and new ones for sale. Check this link:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=bolex+eyecup&_sacat=0 

Be sure to ask if it will fit your camera model before buying. Ask about the diameter (hole) of the mounting on of the cup. Some cups can be adapted to bolex cameras. Remember, ubber stretches.

New ones are available from several sources:

http://www.chamblesscineequip.com/catalog/catalog.htm 

Note: Chambless is usually on vacation from August until September. See the site for more information. Look under Misc. Bolex Camera Accessories tab on the lower left side of the above page. You want the "elliptical" eyepiece for Bolex P-1-2-3 series. There are others listed. Ask Chambless if not sure. About $30.00+ (and up) plus S&H last time I checked. They may or may not have stock when you inquire. If they don't have an eye cup, ask if they know where you can get one.

LOCAL CAMERA STORES
Check also with local camera shops. Take your camera with you. Substitute eyepieces (may need trimming) may be found there. Telescope eyepieces may work, but might require trimming. Don't forget GOOGLE search.

DO I REALLY NEED AN EYEPIECE?
The eyecup is used to keep stray light from enter through the viewfinder diopter and affecting into the metering system where it can change light metering values. This is common for ALL reflex cameras. It's the nature of how reflex works. If the sun is directly in front or behind of you, only ambient light (from the side) will affect the lightmeter's values.

Try this test, with the sun or strong artificial light, anywhere except directly in front or in back of you, pick a subject and get a meter reading. The do the same reading again, except this time 'shade' the side of your face with the flat of your hand. Example: using your right eye to set the f/stop, shade the right side of face next to the diopter while holding camera with left-hand. Any meter movement?

Yes, No? The difference, if any, is the extraneous light leaking into the camera's viewfinder and subsequently affecting the meter reading. If there is no change in the experiment, you probably do not need a rubber shade for your camera. Some diopters effectively shade themselves if the optics are far enough in.