COMMON BOLEX CAMERA PROBLEMS

PROBLEM:

I did some single frame shots. Then I went back to doing normal filming. After about 5 seconds, the camera stopped. I can wind the camera, but the film only runs a few seconds before the same problem appears. What's wrong?

ANSWER:

Sound like the film has lost its registration. The claw is unable to register into the film so the camera stops running. Fix is to remove and reinstall the film to reset the "loop". Do this in the dark of a closet or inside a changing bag and you can continue to use the film as it will not have been exposed. Done with the film exposed to light will "fog" the film. See below, also.

PROBLEM:

How do I change film in daylight if the entire roll has not been shot?

ANSWER:

Use a changing bag. A changing bag is a dark (usually black) cloth (or plastic) bag sufficient in size to hold both the camera and the film. It's construction design makes it "light tight". The camera and film are put into the bag and the operator (film changer) inserts his hands. Sometimes there is a drawstring to pull, that eliminates any light from entering. Film can then be installed or removed without fogging the film. Exposed film is returned to the canister it was originally supplied in. Here's some links to bag sellers:

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/cinemasupplies/harchanbagsm.html

http://www.jobo.com/joboint/products/changingbag.html

http://www.adorama.com/BLCBL.html

http://www.climaxphoto.com/film_bags.html

You can also find others by searching for " film changing bag" at www.Google.com.

PROBLEM:

I seem to be having problems getting my P1 Bolex to focus. Focus is okay for close subject, but when I zoom out (telephoto), the focus changes. How do I do both?

ANSWER:

Using Zoom lever, zoom out to the farthest telephoto point past subject. Open camera iris all the way (smallest number or f=1.9). This lets in the most light to make focussing easier. Focus using split image on subject or horizontal or vertical line near subject. Now readjust eyepiece (diopter) for sharpest view. If necessary, repeat focussing and viewfinder adjustment. Focus is now set. Diopter is set. Use zoom lever to reframe subject. Adjust iris for correct light. Shoot film.

 PROBLEM:

I can't seem to find fresh film. Any suggestions?

ANSWER:

http://www.8mmfilmstock.com/color8mmfilm.html

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

http://www.spectrafilmandvideo.com/index.html

 Most sellers also do or can have done, your film developing. Some can transfer to Mini-DV or any other video format for editing, at the same time. Ask.

PROBLEM:

I can't find a replacement battery for my P-1's light meter. The original Mallory RM450 (mercury cell) is no longer manufactured. What can I do?

ANSWER:

There are several "fixes". The least intrusive is to use a "WEIN CELL (MRB400)" and a spacer to take up the difference in length. The WEIN cell (1.35-1.4 VDC)  is the correct voltage, last about a year and does not requires any internal modifications to the camera. It is quite a bit shorter so a spacer is required. Depending on which is inserted first, the spacer(s) should be insulated. Some kits use flat washers as spacers. Out kit uses a double insulated aluminum "slug" style spacer which goes in first. Then WEIN cell is inserted with the PLUS (+) sign showing. Then the screw in cap is put in place. No other modifications or recalibration is necessary.

PROBLEM:

On my Bolex Reflex P-1  there appears to be dust or black speck in my viewfinder. Will this cause any problems?

ANSWER:

If the dust or black speck is in the viewfinder, it will not show on the film. The Bolex viewfinder shows an image that is reflected off of the light that passes through the lens onto the film. Small amounts of fine dust on the primary front lens will not be shown either. You should clean or at least check the lens to see if it is clean before every shot. The viewfinder diopter is removable. Turn counter clockwise to unscrew. Don't loose any of the thin spacers that may be there. These spacers adjust the initial range of diopter focus. You can clean both the front and back elements of the diopter using a Q-tip or lens paper. Remove dust or contaminants carefully. Viewfinder lens elements are not coated, but like all glass, can be scratched. After cleaning, reinstall using same spacers. Tighten using the outer part of the diopter with the rubber eyepiece removed.

PROBLEM:

What is fogging?

ANSWER:

Fogging is a condition whereby light contaminates unexposed film causing the film to have a "foggy appearance". This can happen when changing film rolls in sunlight or otherwise exposing the film to unnecessary light. Use a changing bag or at least, change film in a shaded area and run at least a few feet of film before shooting.

PROBLEM:

I think I overwound my Bolex camera. What is overwinding and how does it happen?

ANSWER:

Bolex cameras are powered by a spring motor. The spring motor has a small set of gears that "turn limit" the total amount of turns the spring motor can be wound. This is about 11 ½  full turns for the 8 mm Bolexs. If too much (excessive) force is applied once the turn limit has been reached, the gears will "jump" one over the other. The camera will wind but only a small amount. It will then only run several seconds. The fix is to remove the spring motor and reset the gears to their proper relationship with the internal spring of the motor. If the camera has been left overwound for several years, the spring will be damaged beyond repair.