Paillard Bolex H16 M 16mm Movie Camera With 17-85mm Reflex Zoom Lens

Paillard Bolex H16 M Movie Camera With 17-85mm Reflex Zoom Lens

Paillard Bolex H-16 M 16mm Camera from 1958

Serial Number: 153855

Includes SOM Berthiot Pan Cinor 17-85mm f2 Reflex Zoom Lens. Provides constant viewing of the subject even while filming.

Société d’Optique et de Mécanique Berthiot (SOM Berthiot) was a French manufacturer of optics and photographic lenses.

In 1958, SOM Berthiot received an award in the “Scientific or Technical Achievement” category from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The award was for the development of a high speed vari-focal photographic lens, the Pan Cinor B3 (the professional equivalent of the Pan Cinor 70 and 100 series). This Pan Cinor was available in the same year, and offered a focal length of 17-85mm.

The H-16 M was ideal for heavy zoom lenses, such as the Pan Cinor, since the fixed mount provided sturdy support.

Specification of the H16 M

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.
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.
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.
Accommodates a single interchangeable C mount lens.
Variable Speed: 8, 16, 24, 32 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.
144 degree aperture shutter.
Exposure guide on front.
Footage Counter adds and subtracts accurately in forward or reverse motion and automatically returns to zero when film is reloaded into the camera.
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.
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.
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 (easily adapted to 1/4″)
Dimensions: 8 1/2″ x 6″ x 3″
Weight: Approximately 5 1/2 lbs

Good condition. The mechanics are fully working. There are minor marks from use. The Clockwork motor winds smoothly and all shutter speeds sound good.
It is a vintage used item so please remember when bidding it is not in mint condition and I may not have found all flaws or faults. Please look at all the photos to assess the condition for yourself. Only items present in the pictures are included.

Single tooth sprocket takes either single and double perforated standard 16mm film.

Includes an empty take-up spool.

The lens is fully working, may have minor dust or blemishes, it’s very hard to see, but very good for its age.

A heavy camera with a heavy lens, despatched in secure packaging. Shipping includes fully insured with carrier.