Bolex H16 M3

H-16 M-3

16mm Camera

1964

  • OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 8 1/2" x 6" x 3"
  • WEIGHT: Approximately 6 lbs
  • 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 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.

Notes and Comments

The design of the H-16 M was improved in 1964 to include a flat base that allowed the camera to stand on a flat surface without the need for an accessory attachment. Other improvements included a series of four threaded sockets that permitted the attachment of an external motor drive. Although it was only the second version of the H-16 M, it was termed the M-3; the trailing number "3" was used to identify all H model camera bodies with the newly introduced flat base.

Cameras in the H16 M Series:

H16 M, H16 M-3, H16 M-4 and H16 M-5.

Serial Numbers and Dates of Manufacture

The serial number on this model is inscribed on the flat base of the camera body. The H16 M-3 began production in 1963, starting with S/N 203001. It was first introduced in 1964, but was superseded by the H16 M-4 in 1965.

Bolex H16 M-3 :: Serial Numbers
  #   Year
203001 — 208000 1963
208000 — 214000 1964
214000 — 214400 1965