The Bolex P3

Specifications:

Lens: Som Bethiot Pan Cinor
Focal Length: 8mm - 40mm
Aperture: f1.9 - 16
Focusing: 1m - infinity
Exposure: T.T.L. Manual only
Power Zoom Batteries: 2 x A1PX
Film Speeds: 10 - 400 ASA
Frame Rate: 12,16,18,24,32,48 & 64
Motor: Clockwork - 1 wind will allow approx 31sec filming at 18fps
Light Meter Batteries: 1 x Wein Cell MRB400 (needs adaptor)
Filter Size: Series VII (49mm will also fit)
Film Capacity: 25ft

Filming Experiences:

The Bolex P3 is another strange looking camera and although it is the same age as the Leicina (c.1964) it's design looks very much older. But as the saying goes about judging a book by it's cover, it looks are very deceptive. Anyone familiar with the 16mm Bolex H16 would find this camera familiar territory.

The viewfinder adjustment is the same as a Bolex H16 and the coincident rangefinder focusing is an absolute dream. Never have I used a camera that was so easy and accurate to focus.

Loading is simple too, just flick open the gate lever and thread the film through.

Just like the H16 it has a large variety of filming speeds.

The built in light meter is only an indicator and doesn't adjust the aperture, this is done manually by turning the lens ring until the needle is centred. This has two advantages. Firstly the aperture stays the same during filming so you avoid that annoying pulsing that some automatic systems produce and secondly an external light meter can be used for more accuracy.

Although the camera has electric zoom, I find it easier to zoom the camera manually

Other features of the camera include a variable shutter, a run lock and back winding.

The camera comes with a large lens shade and Declac pistol grip which made it the most comfortable and well balanced of cameras to use.

Lost in the shadow of the inferior P1 , the image is only very slightly softer than the Leicina but the camera is such a joy to use. It felt like a professional camera and has that typical Bolex quality.

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