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Bolex CollectorPaillard-Bolex · Est. archive

P1 Zoom Reflex

Format
8mm
Introduced
1961
Original archive
View preserved page ↗

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Paillard Bolex Zoom Reflex P1 camera for standard 8mm film

At a glance

Overall Dimensions
With grip, 9" x 8 1/2" x 2"
Weight
Approximately 2 lbs.
Zoom Lens
SOM Berthiot Pan Cinor 8-40mm f/1.9 zoom lens
Variable Speed
12, 16, 18, 24, 32, 48 and 64 frames per second.
Footage Counter
Precise reading of exposed film footage. Resets to zero upon reloading.
Manual Rewind
A small hand crank allows for rewinding film up to 60 frames.
Tripod Socket
1/4" thread; fits accessory Declic D trigger handle grip.

Specifications in detail

Outer Case
Highly polished duraluminium body, covered in genuine Morocco leather. Metal parts are chrome-plated.
Film Capacity
25ft daylight loading spools of double run 8mm film. When a roll runs through the camera, only half the width of film is exposed. The spool is then reversed and run through again, exposing the other half. When processed, film is split and spliced together giving 50' for projection. Projection time at 16 fps for 25' roll is 4 minutes.
Threading
manual, with no loop forming; with the pressure pad opened the film is simply placed over a guide roller, threaded behind the gate, over the bottom guide roller and onto the takeup spool.
Motor
Constant speed, spring motor mechanism; governor controlled. Generous winding key, attached to the camera, folds back against its side when not in use. Spring cannot be over-wound.
Viewfinder
Reflex viewfinder with built-in split-image rangefinder; Adjustable diopter for eyesight correction; Rubber eyecup.
Release Button
continuous exposures can be made by a finger tip release button or cable release. Running operation can be locked to prevent accidental exposures. Tightening the cable release screw allows for hands-free filming.
Variable Shutter
Adjustable dial changes the shutter opening from 0-165 degrees to allow for shortened exposure times and fades.
Single Frame
A cable release socket allows the user to expose single frames for filming animation, titles, etc.
Exposure Meter
A battery powered (Mallory RM450) cadmium sulfide photo-resistive cell measures light through the lens. A film speed sensitivity dial (10-400 ASA) is then set and a needle indicator in the viewfinder is centered by adjusting the lens diaphragm, resulting in correct exposure.

Serial numbers & production years

As documented on this model’s archived page. Look up any serial on the serial lookup page.

Serial rangeYear
892,101 – 910,0001961
910,000 – 973,0001962
973,000 – 984,5001963

Related models

All cameras →

The original archive

The preserved BolexCollector.com page, exactly as captured.