Vintage Paillard-Bolex B-8L “Compumatic” 8mm Film Camera Kit

Vintage Paillard-Bolex B-8L “Compumatic” 8mm Film Camera Kit

A beautiful Swiss-made Paillard-Bolex B-8L “Compumatic” 8mm movie camera featuring built-in selenium exposure meter, dual-lens turret, original locking carrying case with key, braided leather wrist strap, branded aluminum lens cap, and a vintage unused roll of Kodak Ektachrome film.

The B-8L was part of Bolex’s early “Compumatic” series, designed to simplify exposure setting using an integrated selenium light meter system. Before filming, the meter cell swings into position behind the lens to measure incoming light. Exposure is then set by aligning the meter needles visible in the viewfinder.

This example is in very good cosmetic condition with clean leatherette, bright chrome, and light age-appropriate wear. The spring motor runs and the camera appears mechanically functional, though it has not been film tested. The original release nameplate is missing, which is common on Compumatic models, and has been replaced with a neatly fitted piece of black friction tape. This is cosmetic only and does not affect operation.

Includes:

* Paillard-Bolex B-8L camera
* Mounted lenses
* Braided leather wrist strap
* Original Bolex-Paillard aluminum lens cap
* Original locking carrying case with matching key
* Vintage unused Kodak Ektachrome film roll

Specifications:

Model: Paillard-Bolex B-8L “Compumatic”
Format: Double-run 8mm film
Body: Polished duraluminium with genuine Morocco leather covering and chrome-plated metal fittings
Dimensions: Approximately 5" × 3 1/2" × 2"
Weight: Approximately 28 oz.

Film Capacity:
Accepts 25ft daylight-loading spools of double-run 8mm film. One half of the film width is exposed first, then the spool is reversed and run through the camera again to expose the second half. After processing, the film is split and spliced into 50ft of finished 8mm film for projection.

Threading:
Manual threading with no loop forming. Film is threaded manually through the gate and onto the take-up spool.

Motor:
Spring-driven constant-speed motor with governor control. Folding winding key stores against the camera body when not in use. The spring cannot be over-wound.

Lens Turret:
Dual-position turret accepting standard D-mount lenses.

Viewfinder:
Optical viewfinder with adjustable framing dial for 12.5mm, 25mm, and 36mm focal lengths.

Exposure Meter:
Built-in selenium “Compumatic” exposure meter with needle-matching system visible in the viewfinder. Meter response is present, though accuracy has not been tested.

Frame Rates:
12, 16, 18, 24, 32, 48, and 64 frames per second.

Shutter:
Variable shutter adjustable from 0–165 degrees for exposure control and fade effects. Includes shutter lock positions at fully open and half-open settings.

Release:
Sliding release lever allows normal filming, continuous locked operation, and cable release use.

Counters:
Footage counter with audible end-of-film signal. Automatically resets when film is reloaded.

Single Frame:
Cable release socket allows single-frame exposures for animation and stop-motion filming.

Tripod Socket:
Standard 1/4" tripod mount thread.

A very attractive and well-preserved example of a classic mid-century Swiss 8mm camera, ideal for collectors, display, or vintage filmmaking enthusiasts.