Lookie what I found in my closet...

[Manfr3d]

An all manual Bolex 16mm Film camera with Schneider Kreuznach lenses, filters and extension tubes ... wow that is retro!

http://www.florianbuetow.com/refers/bolex.jpg

My grandfather used to make movies with a camera like this when he was in highschool around 193x.
Its a little bit dirty but otherwise in excellet condition, any idea whats the best way to clean it?
Is there a chance to sell something like this btw?

[chrisdg]

Sell it? Wow, I'd display it - a wonderful heirloom from your grandfather.

[ziggy53]

Those are wonderful old movie cameras. My father used to produce industrial movies with one that was, I believe, very similar. :thumb

[Wil Davis]

I would seek the advice of an expert. Something as simple a cleaning piece of gear such as that, is fraught with pitfalls, such as using the wrong type of solvent and trashing the finish or washing the lube out of the mechanism. Of course it depends what you want to do with it eventually. From the look of the photo it seems to be in good condition (if that's a pic of the actual camera you're talking about), and might command a high price from a collector if restored, depending on how rare it is (check on eBay?).

Seek advice! Don't DIY unless you've lots of experience points…

- Wil

[Manfr3d]

Thanks for your advice. Yes the photo shows the actual camera I found.
Luckily it is in new condition on the inside and only has some dirt (probably
from dust) on the outside.

The Swiss manufacturer lists the camera at around $2000.
http://www.bolex.ch/NEW/?p=6#3

But it seems to be much less valuable on the used market.
http://www.bolexmoviecameras.com/?s=16mm+bolex+camera

[Richard]

Thanks for your advice. Yes the photo shows the actual camera I found.
Luckily it is in new condition on the inside and only has some dirt (probably
from dust) on the outside.

The Swiss manufacturer lists the camera at around $2000.
http://www.bolex.ch/NEW/?p=6#3

But it seems to be much less valuable on the used market.
http://www.bolexmoviecameras.com/?s=16mm+bolex+camera

I would clean it up and just keep it to look at...it's gorgeous.

[ziggy53]

To all, I changed the embedded image in the first post to a link, not knowing that this is an image from Manfr3d's site and it is his own image. It is a very nice image of a sweet older movie camera. :thumb

Anyway, that's the reason for the changes back and forth.

[Manfr3d]

...Anyway, that's the reason for the changes back and forth

It's good thing that someone watches over legitimate use of images from other photographers. Thanks :thumb

[darkdragon]

What a great find. I'd think it would be fun (but probably a bit pricey) to learn to use and make something. I just saw a whole kit of editing/projecting gear for that size film go for $100 obo on craigslist a couple weeks ago.

The film and processing would be the pricey part, but I'm just guessing.


If nothing else you could definately get a lot of photos of it for selling as stock photography. The shot you posted here is magnificent.