Vintage Paillard-Bolex D-8L 8mm Film Camera Kit, 1959

Vintage Paillard-Bolex D-8L 8mm Film Camera Kit, 1959

A beautiful Swiss-made Paillard-Bolex D-8L 8mm movie camera with three-lens turret, built-in exposure meter, Declic pistol grip, original Bolex-Paillard branded case, lens filters, and a vintage unused roll of Kodak Ektachrome film.

The D-8L was introduced in 1959 as part of Bolex’s compact 8mm camera line. It uses double-run 8mm film and features a spring-driven motor, variable filming speeds, manual threading, a variable shutter, and a three-position turret for interchangeable D-mount lenses.

This example is in very good cosmetic condition, with clean leatherette, bright chrome, and only light age-appropriate wear. The spring motor runs and the camera appears mechanically functional, but it has not been film tested. The built-in exposure meter is present, but meter accuracy has not been tested.

Includes:

* Paillard-Bolex D-8L 8mm camera
* Three mounted D-mount lenses
* Declic D grip
* Lens contrast filters
* Original Bolex-Paillard branded carrying case
* Vintage unused Kodak Ektachrome film roll

Does not include tripod.

Specifications:

Model: Paillard-Bolex D-8L
Format: Double-run 8mm film
Year introduced: 1959
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:
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 to create 50ft of 8mm film for projection.

Threading:
Manual threading with no loop forming. The film is placed through the film path with the pressure pad opened, then threaded onto the take-up spool.

Motor:
Spring-driven constant-speed motor with governor control. The folding winding key is attached to the camera body and folds away when not in use. The spring cannot be over-wound.

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

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

Exposure Meter:
Built-in selenium exposure meter with viewfinder needle-matching system for setting exposure. Meter is present but not accuracy tested.

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

Shutter:
Variable shutter adjustable from closed to 165 degrees, allowing reduced exposure times and fade effects.

Release:
Side-mounted release button allows normal running, locked continuous running, and cable release operation.

Counters:
Footage counter shows exposed film length and resets when reloaded. Audible end-of-film signal.

Single Frame:
Cable release socket allows single-frame exposures for animation, titles, and special effects.

Tripod Socket:
Standard 1/4" tripod thread.