Bolex H8 REX4

H-8 REX-4

8mm Camera

1965

  • 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), 50ft (15m) and 25ft daylight loading spools of double run 8mm film. When a roll runs through the camera, only half the width of film is exposed. The spool is then reversed and run through again, exposing the other half. When processed, film is split and spliced together giving twice the amount for projection.
  • 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.
  • TURRET: Rotating turret with folding lever; Accommodates three interchangeable RX type C mount lenses; Built-in turret lock.
  • VIEWFINDER: 10x magnification; Reflex viewing with semi-reflecting prism system; Groundglass focusing; Adjustable to eyesight. The camera comes equipped with an Octometer viewfinder.
  • 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.
  • VARIABLE SHUTTER: 133 degree variable shutter; Operated manually to decrease exposure time, or with accessory Rexofader to accomplish fade-ins and fade-outs.
  • 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

In 1965, the body of the H-8 REX was redesigned to include a 1:1 drive shaft. To make room for this shaft, the "I-T" time lever was replaced with a small knob that was located next to the speed dial. Although it was only the third version of the H model 8mm reflex camera, it was termed the REX-4; the trailing number "4" was used to identify all H model camera bodies with the newly introduced 1:1 drive shaft.

The H-8 REX-4 was the last double 8mm camera produced in the H model series. With the introduction of Super 8 film in 1965, it's unfortunate that Paillard didn't continue to manufacture the H-8 REX as a double-run Super 8 camera. Modifications were available at the time, however, and are still available today. Unfortunately, Double Super 8 isn't as widely available as cartridge loading Super 8 film.

Bolex Cameras in the H8 Reflex Series:

H8 REX, H8 REX-3 and H8 REX-4.


Serial Numbers and Dates of Manufacture

The serial number on this model is inscribed on the flat base of the camera body. The H8 REX-4 began production in 1964, starting with S/N 212401, and was introduced in 1965.

Bolex H8 REX-4 :: Serial Numbers
  #   Year
212401 214000 1964
214000 224000 1965
224000 232000 1966
232000 238600 1967
238600 242110 1968
242111 250185 1969
250186 253018 1970
253019 253673 1971