BOLEX EL - User Manual

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The Bolex SBM Exterior
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 1 Eyepiece Setting Ring
 2 Eyepiece Locking Screw
 3 Reflex Viewfinder Closing Lever
 4 Threaded Holes for Various accessories and motors  14  15 1617
 5 Variable Shutter dial and control lever
 6 Reflex Viewfinder     13 Film plane guide mark
 7 Frame Counter
 8 Lever for disengaging Spring-wound motor
 9 Footage counter
 10 Shaft For rewind crank
 11 Coupling spindle for Electric motor
 12 Spring motor winding handle
                     
  14 Slide release for Normal running, continuous (M)
   and single frame exposures (P)
  15 Filming speed selection knob
  16 Exposure control knob for instantaneous (I) or
   timed exposures (T)
  17 Front release for normal running   
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Summary

Bolex SBM Exterior Part Identification

Eyepiece and Viewfinder Controls

Identifies eyepiece setting ring, locking screw, and viewfinder closing lever.

Accessory Mounts and Shutter Controls

Details threaded holes for accessories and the variable shutter dial and lever.

Film Transport and Speed Controls

Covers frame counter, footage counter, rewind crank shaft, and motor coupling.

Operational Triggers and Indicators

Locates film plane guide, slide release, filming speed knob, exposure control, and front release.

Bolex Interior Mechanism Components

Spool and Spindle Assembly

Identifies daylight spool, upper and lower spindles, and takeup spool.

Film Gate and Loop Control Assembly

Details upper/lower loop formers, loop former control, and pressure pad components.

Film Drive Sprockets and Knife

Covers upper/lower sprockets, film knife, and spool ejector.

Internal Controls and Holders

Locates audible counter control and retaining arm.

Bolex Model Overview and Core Capabilities

Bolex Models and Reflex Systems

Compares Bolex models, discusses reflex systems, lens mounts, and motors.

Filter Slots and Film Capacity

Details filter slots, film capacity, and expected screen time.

Variable Shutter and Speed Capabilities

Covers film speeds, variable shutter function, and shutter speed calculations.

Bolex Operational Details and Preparation

Variable Shutter Effects and Metering

Explains variable shutter warning signs and the EL's through-the-lens exposure meter.

Loading Preparation: Motor and Cleaning

Covers disengaging the motor, winding, and cleaning the film gate and pressure pad.

Bolex Film Loading: Initial Steps

Setting Film Loading Controls

Details setting pressure pad, audible counter, spool ejector, and loop formers.

Film Stock and Loading Environment

Discusses 100ft vs 400ft rolls and daylight vs darkroom loading procedures.

Bolex Film Loading: Threading and Completion

Film Threading and Gate Engagement

Guides spool insertion, film cutting, threading through gate, and initial run.

Securing Film and Final Checks

Covers takeup spool securing, loop checks, lid replacement, and counter reset.

Bolex Shooting Advice and Focus Calibration

Common Shooting Mistakes to Avoid

Highlights mistakes with filter holders, viewfinder light, backwinding, and shutter lever.

Viewfinder Focusing Calibration Procedure

Details calibrating the viewfinder for accurate focus based on user eyesight.

Bolex Motor Preparation and Settings

Disengaging Spring Motor for Attachment

Covers removing the winding handle and disengaging the spring motor for motor mounting.

Setting Controls for Motor Operation

Explains setting the slide release trigger and exposure control knob for motor use.

Bolex Animation Motor Installation

Connecting the Animation Motor

Guides connecting an animation motor, including coupling spindle and troubleshooting noise.

BOLEX EL Specifications

General

Type	16mm film camera
Film Format	16mm
Lens Mount	C-mount
Shutter	Rotary
Frame Rates	16, 24, 32 fps
Power Source	12V DC
Exposure Metering	Through-the-lens (TTL) metering