The Bolex D8L

Specifications:

Lens Mount: 3 lens revolving turret with D-Mount
Exposure: Match needle in viewfinder, reading taken through taking lens
Frame Rate: 12,16,18,24,32,48 & 64
Motor: Clockwork - 1 wind will allow approx 31sec filming at 18fps
Filter Size: Dependant on lens type
Film Capacity: 25ft
Other features: Variable shutter, single frame and back winding (D8LA only)

Filming Experiences:

In 1942 Bolex released the L-8 the first in a long line of "pocket" 8mm cameras that eventually led to the Zoom Reflex P3 of 1963.

The D8L is considered by many to be the ultimate of these "pocket" cameras, virtually a H16/8 in miniature. (The model shown above is the D8L a later improved version with backwinding and a more sensitive light meter called the D8LA was released in 1961.) With all the features of an H8 but at a fraction of the weight and size these cameras can be a much more practical camera. The only thing they lack is reflex viewing and if I thought the viewfinder of the Nizo FA3 was like looking through a keyhole, the D8L is like looking through a pin hole! But one thing I really like about the viewfinder is that it has frames for 25mm and 36mm focal lengths engraved into it. This makes it easy to decide on the focal length by comparing the different frames all in one step without the need to switch lenses.

Loading the camera is exactly the same as the P1,2 & 3 and all the other Bolex "pocket" cameras and is very easy and precise. The light meter is a rather strange contraption however! By pressing a button on top of the light meter housing it pushes down behind the taking lens a little light sensor. You then need to turn the lens aperture until the two needles in the viewfinder match up. Pressing the trigger releases the light sensor. Unfortunately after almost half a century even if the light sensor still works they are very rarely sensitive enough to be used and it is much better to use an external meter.

The D8L rather like the H8 takes some getting used to especially if you've been used to more modern Super 8 cameras. But this camera can be worth the effort and like the H8 it is a very high quality camera and with three good prime lenses attached it can be it's equal.

In my opinion if you could only have one camera you could do a lot worse than the D8L.

More information on this camera can be found on the Bolex Collectors website.

Results: