Bolex H8T

H-8 T

8mm Camera

1958

  • OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 8 1/2" x 6" x 3"
  • WEIGHT: Approximately 5 1/2 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 external drive shaft permits the attachment of an electric motor.
  • TURRET: Rotating turret with folding lever; Accommodates three interchangeable D mount lenses. The top position allows for critical focusing through a magnified groundglass screen.
  • VIEWFINDER: A cupped eyepiece allows for critical focusing through a groundglass screen. Parallax correcting 'PC-12' preview finder gives an exact viewing field for lenses of four focal lengths: 6.5mm, 12.5mm, 25mm and 36mm.
  • VARIABLE SPEED: 8, 16, 24, 32 and 64 frames per second
  • PC12 Preview Finder 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: 145 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.
  • TRIPOD SOCKET: 3/8" thread

Notes and Comments

The Bolex H-8 T was introduced in 1958 and included all of the design improvements of previous H-8 cameras. The basic H-8 T was originally sold with the newly introduced PC-12 Preview Finder. However, an eye level focuser could be added for an additional cost, and the PC-12 finder could be substituted for an Octameter.

Bolex cameras in the H8 non-reflex series:

H-8, H-8 Leader, H-8 Standard, H-8 Deluxe, H-8 T and H-8 S.


Serial Numbers and Dates of Manufacture

Paillard serial number data lists the H8T beginning at # 129501 in 1957; however, the H8T does not seem to have been officially introduced until 1958. The H8T was superseded by the H8S in approximately 1963.

Bolex H8T :: Serial Numbers
  #   Year
129501 150000 1957
150000 158000 1958
158000 175000 1959
175000 186000 1960
186000 192000 1961
192000 200000 1962
200000 208000 1963