Bolex 8MM
BOLEX 8MM
Bolex 8
Here are some extracts from the instructions for the really strange Bolex Multimatic. Not a multi-gauge machine, but one that shows a succession of up to six short films automatically. The films are loaded into special cassettes which go into a chute on the machine. It then shows each in turn, automatically rewinding each film while the next is being shown. It seems to work, too, but why it is better than just using a splicer, and what sort of market it was aimed at, is a mystery to me. I bet it scratches if you use it a lot, too.
A really gorgeous-looking 8mm machine is the Bolex M8R. It has been described as possibly the best Standard 8 projector. For some obscure reason, Bolex did a version of this in that horrid, drab olive green. Mad. The machine came in two versions, the M8 and the M8R. The former was a straightforward 110v machine. The latter added a resistance to enable the same lamp to be used but with a supply voltage from 110 to 240. The problem with this was the resistance gave out a lot of heat at 240v (which it converted to 110) as well as the heat from the lamp itself. I have always found it best to let an external 110v transformer (much more efficient and no heat) do the heavy lifting. The projector then runs much cooler and saves electricity. What's not to like? Second pic is the later 18.5, with it's special low-speed capability. I believe there was also a somewhat different version which had different speeds.
Here are a leaflet and the instructions for the the M8/M8R.
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Have been looking at a Bolex SM8 sound machine. Here are a few shots - these work in the old way, one at a time and, importantly, should be shut by using the BACK arrow, top left of screen.
As you can see, it suffers as so many did from a capacity limited to 600' because the take-up is incorporated into the main body. Top marks, tho', for output from a 12v 100w lamp and for an easily removable amp. In pic 3 you can see there is a multi-way plug, a pair of wires in a black sheath and two green wires, which are all that need removing to separate the amp out entirely. A slightly curious feature is that the fan (pic 2) is not integral at all, but in the back cover. And it blows out direct thru the top of the projector. This must mean that, instead of cooling by directing air at where the heat is, this fan acts as an exhauster, and drags air from the entire projector cavity.
I have been fortunate in that it has come complete with its own carrying case, which contains an extension speaker and included is a mains lead - an unusual small 2-pin with earth on the outside. The speaker connector is also idiosyncratic, a four-pin DIN plug. There is an instruction book, but it seems to be a copy of one for a different version. No doubt the case is why the machine has remained in remarkably good condition. Now that I have renewed my interest in Std 8 I wish I hadn't sold it!