Bolex M8 & M8R « Cine Information

Specifications
Lens	Early Models: 20mm f/1.6 Later models: 15mm f/1.3 Hi-Fi 20mm f/1.3 Hi-Fi (standard) 25mm f/1.3 Hi-Fi 33mm f/1.6 (available as an accessory)
Running speed(s)	Variable, approx. 12-24 f.p.s.
Format(s)	Standard 8
Reel Capacity	400ft
Lamp	110v 500w A1/7 (CZX)
Sound	Silent. A sound attachment was available for syncing the projector to a 1/4" tape player.
Power source	Mains. 110-120v, 50-60Hz (M8), 110-250v, 50-60Hz AC or DC (M8R)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	12″ x 6″ x 13″
Year of production	1949 – 1960

The Bolex M8 & M8R are both very well made projectors and are amongst the best Standard 8 projectors ever made. They do however use quite expensive lamps and make quite a bit of noise when running (sounds a little bit like a hair dryer).

The early Bolex M8s have a textured olive green finish, while later models have a smooth grey/silver finish. Some of the later models also have a stroboscope which allows you to set the running speed to exactly 18fps. On both the Bolex M8 & M8R if the projector is running too slowly the motor will stop and start every few seconds to warn you to increase the speed.

Bolex is still in business and I believe that they can still service these projectors.

Tags: 8mm, Bolex M8, Bolex M8R, Standard 8

Comments

J Clive Lunn

October 19, 2010 at 11:49 pm

The M8R was a superbly engineered projector and was in the shops some years after 1960. It was made by Paillard Bolex in Lousanne Switzerland (part of the Thorens group) and sitributed by Cinex LOtd London. In later years it suffered from low light output compared to Quarz lamp alternatives

Paul Mason

June 7, 2011 at 3:51 pm

I’ve wanted to buy one of these machines for some time but I’ve been put off by the inefficiency of the 110V 500W lamp which produces a lot of heat and hence needs fan cooling. Has anyone had experience with a halogen lamp conversion? Is there room to house a transformer inside? Any comments would be much appreciated.

admin

June 7, 2011 at 8:06 pm

I’ve been planning to try and convert one of these to use a 12v 100w A1/215 lamp for a while. When I get time to convert mine I will post on details of it here.

There is plenty of room in the bottom to fit most transformers. Attaching the transformer might require drilling some holes but other than that it should fit without any trouble.

I think the hardest part would be making a lamp holder to fit inside the lamphouse as it’s not that big. Should be easy if you have the right tools though.

I’ve uploaded some pictures so you can see:
Inside the bottom
Inside the bottom with a transformer
Lamp house