Reflex Viewfinder
The optical system of the Bolex H16 reflex
permits through the lens viewing at all times.
This system utilizes a beam splitter so the
image seen in the viewfinder is completely
free from flicker. The reflex finder enables
accurate focusing and framing, and allows
you to estimate the depth of field. The reflex
prism deflects 20-25% of the light passing
through the lens into the viewfinding system.
Only 75-80% reaches the film plane. The
actual quality of light reaching the film is
reduced by about 1/2 to 1/3 of an f-stop. To
compensate for this, Bolex has determined
that the effective shutter speed for the H16
camera is 1/80 second rather than the
standard 1/65 of a second. To further confuse
matters, Bolex (in conjunction with Kern/
Switar) has designed a series of lenses which
are calibrated to pass 1/2 to 1/3 stop more
light that the aperture markings on the barrel
indicate, compensating for the light lost to the
viewfinding system.
The letters “rx” designates these lenses after
the name on the barrel. When using these
lenses with the H16 camera, the effective
exposure is back to 1/65 of a second.
Bolex H16 Other Camera
Read exposure
meter at
1/65 a second
Read exposure
meter at
1/65 a second
Under expose
film by 1/3
to 1/2 stop
Read exposure
meter at
1/80 a second
RX
Non
RX
Diopter Adjustment
This adjustment corrects the optical system
to the operatorʼs eyesight (whether or not if
s/he wears glasses) and remains the same
for all lenses on the camera.
To set the diopter:
1. Turn the turret to expose the reflex
prism (no lens in taking position).
2. View a well-lighted subject.
3. Loosen the grooved ring around the
viewfinder and turn the lever until the
grain of the ground glass is perfectly
sharp.
4. Tighten the ring that acts as a lock nut.
Some viewfinders have locking screws.
Douser
The douser (located on the reflex viewfinder)
closes the eyepiece to keep light from
reaching and fogging the film plane through
the viewfinder.
3
Warning:
Light meters in Media Loan are calibrated for 180º
angle shutter not the 135º angle shutter in the Bolex H16
