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February 6, 2025
The Bolex H16 is one of the most iconic 16mm film cameras ever made. Whether you’re a filmmaker, collector, or vintage camera enthusiast, understanding the different models, lenses, film stocks, and accessories will help you make the best purchase decision. In this Bolex H16 guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know before buying a Bolex H16, ensuring you choose the right model and accessories for your needs.
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The Bolex H16 was in production for over 40 years. Over that years there have been many iterations released with a series of improvements. One of the key distinctions between Bolex H16 models is between reflex and non-reflex models:
Non-Reflex Bolex H16 Models: These models lack a built-in reflex viewing system. Instead, you must compose your shots using an external viewfinder and on some models, a critical focuser. This makes precise focusing more challenging.
Reflex Bolex H16: Reflex models include a beam-splitting prism that allows through-the-lens (TTL) viewing and focusing. These cameras require specially designed RX lenses for optimal image quality.
The earliest version of Bolex H16, first released in 1935 and featuring a triple lens turret for interchangeable lenses but no reflex viewfinder. In production until 1947, Bolex updated this model several times. The earliest H-16 cameras, manufactured before serial number 9400 had the Paillard-Bolex logo embossed directly into the leather. Cameras manufactured after this were constructed with a metal logo plate attached with two screws.
This allowed for easy attachment of the Bolex External Frame Counter. The frame counter could also be used on the earlier version of the H-16, but it required a modification from a Bolex service facility. By 1940, H-16 cameras were sold with the external frame counter already attached. Unless modified at some point after purchase these cameras are only able to be used with double-perforated (2R) 16mm film.
Throughout the early 1950s, the labels Leader, Standard, and DeLuxe were heavily featured in American advertising and even appeared on original sales receipts found in vintage camera cases or boxes. Recognizing these distinctions can be helpful for collectors and enthusiasts.
However, these names primarily referred to differences in viewfinder accessories, which could be purchased separately or installed later. Because these accessories were often swapped or upgraded over time, accurately identifying early H models as Leader, Standard, or DeLuxe today is extremely difficult. Cameras produced after serial number 76471 were produced to accept both single perforated film (the modern standard) and the older double-perforated film.
Starting with serial number 94201, as well as select earlier units within the 93401-93430, 93501-93600, and 94000-94050 ranges, the Bolex H16 was introduced with a built-in filter slot. In 1954, this model was marketed as the H16 Supreme and was available in the United States until around 1958, alongside the more affordable H16 Leader, which did not include a filter slot.
The H16 Supreme also introduced a folding turret lever, allowing lenses to be rotated without affecting focus or aperture settings. Additionally, the turret was upgraded to a three-position click-stop mechanism, improving upon the two-position lock found on earlier models.
The Bolex H-16 T debuted in 1958, incorporating many of the design enhancements from earlier non-reflex H-16 turret models. However, it lacked the built-in filter slot that was present on the H-16 Supreme. This omission helped keep the H-16 T priced lower than the Supreme.
Introduced in 1958, the Bolex H-16 M was designed for filmmakers who preferred a single fixed lens mount over a turret system. This model was particularly well-suited for heavy zoom lenses like the Pan Cinor, as the fixed mount provided greater stability. To keep costs lower, the H-16 M omitted critical focusing and did not include a built-in filter slot. It was supplied with the PC-12 Preview Finder, which featured parallax correction for more accurate framing.
In 1964, the design of the H-16 M was updated to include a flat base, allowing the camera to stand on a flat surface without needing an accessory attachment. Other improvements included four threaded sockets for attaching an external motor drive. Although this was only the second version of the H-16 M, it was labeled the M-3, with the trailing number “3” used to identify all H model cameras featuring the new flat base.
In 1965, the single lens mount H-16 M was redesigned to incorporate a 1:1 drive shaft. To accommodate this new feature, the “I-T” time lever was replaced with a small knob next to the speed dial. Despite being the third version of the H-16 M, this model was called the M-4, with the trailing number “4” signifying the inclusion of the 1:1 drive shaft.
In 1967, a built-in saddle for attaching 400′ magazines was introduced on the single lens mount H-16 M. The camera also featured updates from previous H model cameras, such as the flat base, both 8:1 and 1:1 drive shafts, and a time control knob (replacing the older lever). Although this was only the fourth version of the H-16 M, it was named the M-5, with the trailing number “5” indicating the addition of the built-in 400′ magazine saddle.
The Bolex H-16 S was a non-reflex, turret-style camera that featured all the updates made to the H model since the introduction of the H-16 T. Unlike the H-16 T, the S series included a built-in filter slot similar to the H-16 Supreme. The camera also displayed a new logo plate with the words “H16 S.” Additional enhancements included a turret clamp for heavy zoom lenses and a new speed setting of 48 frames per second.
The H-16 S was initially produced with a “round” bottom base, which was later replaced by a flat base across all H models. This change allowed the camera to stand on its own without requiring an accessory attachment. Other updates included four threaded sockets for attaching an external motor drive.
The trailing number “3” was used to identify H model cameras with the newly introduced flat base (such as the H8 REX-3, H16 M-3, and others), so the H-16 S was also marketed as the “H-16 S-3” once it adopted the flat base.
In 1965, the H model camera body was redesigned to include a 1:1 drive shaft. This required replacing the “I-T” time lever with a small knob positioned next to the speed dial. When the “S” model received the 1:1 drive shaft, it was released in the United States as the H-16 S-4. In other countries, the suffix was often dropped, and the camera was simply referred to as the “H16S.” The easiest way to identify the camera is by the logo plate that reads “H16 S.” The original version has a round base, while the 1964 version features a flat base. Both versions have the “I-T” time lever, while the H-16 S-4 has a time knob instead. All H-16 S models are non-reflex.
The H-16 Reflex introduced several new design features to the Bolex H camera. A system of ten optical prisms was employed in a new viewing system that enabled through-the-lens framing and focusing. Unlike other reflex cameras, the Bolex reflex used a semi-reflecting prism positioned behind the lens and in front of the shutter. This setup allowed for flicker-free viewing during filming, though it resulted in a slight light loss (around 25%) due to the reflection of the prism. The viewfinder has 6x magnification (later models improved on this)
The H-16 Reflex was also equipped with a motor that was 20% more powerful than earlier models. With a full wind, the camera could run for up to 40 seconds at 16 frames per second.
The camera was compatible with three C-mount lenses (1-inch thread diameter). However, the reflex prism glass between the lens and film plane impacted the optical correction of lenses with focal lengths of 50mm or less. To address this, Kern introduced a line of “RX” mount lenses, which were identified by red letters engraved on the front of the lens barrel.
While it was still possible to use standard C-mount lenses of 50mm or less, for optimal results, it was recommended to stop them down to at least f/8.
Introduced in 1959, the major upgrade to the H-16 REX was the addition of a variable shutter. This allowed the aperture to be adjusted from fully closed at 0° to fully open at 145°. The shutter could be locked in place at five marked positions by pressing the lever inward and adjusted by pulling it outward. The top mark indicated a fully open shutter, while the bottom mark represented a fully closed one. The number scale corresponded to equivalent f-stop changes (for example, filming at the 1/2 mark was the same as stopping down by 1 f-stop; “2” meant closing the diaphragm by 2 f-stops).
Other enhancements included a 12-64 fps speed control dial (with 8 fps removed on all H cameras made after this model), an automatic spool ejector, automatic opening of the loop former when closing the film door, and the addition of a threaded hole in the camera body for mounting the “Rexofader” automatic fading device. A threaded opening was also added behind the lower lens mount to accommodate a turret locking screw.
When it was introduced in 1959, the camera was branded as the “H-16 REX” by Paillard Incorporated of NY. Subsequent versions of the camera were designated with numbers (REX 2 through REX 5). In other countries, it was known as the RXVS or REX1.
In 1963, the REX-2 introduced several new improvements, including: a new viewing system with an adjustable diopter for eyesight correction, a larger and more flexible rubber eyecup, and a brighter viewing image. The magnification through the reflex finder was increased to 10x, providing a 1:1 image when using a standard focal length lens. Additionally, a built-in turret lock lever was added to prevent accidental rotation and provide support for heavier lenses. A colored signal marker was also introduced in the viewfinder, indicating when the shutter was less than fully open.
In 1964, the design was updated again. The REX3 included a flat base, enabling the camera to stand on a flat surface without needing an accessory attachment. Other enhancements included four threaded sockets for attaching an external motor drive.
The H16 REX-4 was released in 1965, featuring a 1:1 drive shaft. This upgrade enabled the attachment of electronic sync sound motors, including the Perfectone and MST models.
Released in 1967 the REX5 was designed to allow the attachment of a 400ft magazine to the top of the camera. The 400′ capacity magazine could be easily attached and removed from the saddle mount using a locking hinge. A plate covered the channel opening on the saddle, allowing the Rex-5 to function as a 100′ capacity camera without the magazine. The magazine was powered by a small DC motor attached to the takeup reel, which was connected to either the MST motor or a voltage regulator (used with the Unimotor B).
Bolex introduced the H16 SB and SBM cameras in 1970. The only distinction between the two models is that the “M” in SBM indicates the presence of a magazine mount, allowing for the attachment of a 400ft magazine on top of the camera. The biggest change to this model was the removal of the triple turret ‘C’ mount frontage, replaced with a single-mounted bayonet mount.
Bolex launched the H16 EBM camera in 1971, marking the company’s first fully electronic model. Without an internal spring drive, it was also the first Bolex camera not to feature a winding handle on the side.
The EBM was primarily designed for shooting sync sound films. A key advantage of its electric, battery-powered motor was the ability to shoot extended continuous takes. With the addition of the 400ft magazine, filmmakers could record uninterrupted for up to 10 minutes.
The Bolex EL was introduced with several improvements over its predecessors, including a viewfinder with 13x magnification and a built-in light. The camera also featured crystal sync filming, allowing for seamless audio synchronization.
Bolex released three versions of the EL, known as Series 1, 2, and 3.
The Bolex EL Series 2 introduced the ability to attach the Crystal Control unit, added a TV 4:3 mask in the viewfinder, and included a battery power indicator.
The Bolex EL Series 3, released in 1980, built upon these improvements by increasing the light meter range to 1600ASA (compared to the Series 2’s 500ASA limit) and adding locking switches for the film speed and ASA dials.
Paillard S.A. used a single range of serial numbers for all H model cameras produced between 1936 and 1976. As a result, the serial number on a Bolex camera primarily indicates its year of manufacture rather than the specific model.
However, the serial number can still provide valuable information about the camera and its features:
Bolex cameras come with either:
Bolex H16 Reflex cameras have a beam-splitting prism, which affects light transmission. Approximately 25% of the light is diverted to the viewfinder. RX lenses are specially designed to compensate for this and correct spherical aberration, delivering sharp, accurate images. Using non-RX lenses on an RX model may result in underexposed images and soft focus. Click here for more information.
Single Perforated Film (Post Serial Number 76471): Has perforations only on one side, allowing for optical sound recording and wider image formats. These models can use both single-perforated and double-perforated film.Choosing the Right Film Stock
Double Perforated Film (Pre Serial Number 76471): Features sprocket holes on both sides of the film. Unless converted, these cameras can only use double-perforated film.
Selecting the right 16mm film stock is crucial for achieving the look you desire. Our Bolex h16 guide includes a breakdown of the available stocks and when to use them:
We don’t sell film – just cameras. That’s because it’s cheaper to purchase 16mm film directly from a film lab who’ll bundle the cost of film, development and scanning into one price.
Which Film Lab Should I Use?
CameraCrate are based in the UK, so our experience is mostly limited to film labs in England. We can recommend On8mil and Gauge Film as we’ve used them extensively over the past decade.
Outside of the United Kingdom, Kodak has compiled a global directory of labs that they recommend.
At Camera Crate, we specialize in Bolex H16 cameras, lenses, and accessories. Here’s why you should shop with us:
Check out our selection of Bolex H16 cameras and accessories today and start your 16mm filmmaking journey!
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© 2025, CameraCrate.com
Company Number: 12789078
VAT Number 355133808
