In the photo archives there are numerous shots with actors and filmmakers shooting with a Bolex H-series movie camera. Big and stylish, it offered the tools one needed. It weighed about five pounds. The standard H-series was made from 1935 to 1947. The 16 mm spring wound Bolex is a popular introductory camera in film schools. Then and now.
Directors such as David Lynch, Terry Gilliam, Steven Spielberg, Will Vinton, Stan Brakhage, Maya Deren, and Spike Lee all begin their careers shooting on Paillard-Bolex Cameras. David Lynch’s first short feature called” Six Figures Getting Sick” was shot on a Bolex 16mm.
In the early 20th century movies were shot in 35mm film format which was very expensive. 16mm movie film was created in 1923 as less expensive alternative. This allowed amateur filmmakers ability to make movies, documentaries and experimental work. The company also offered quality 16mm projectors to enable filmmakers to show their work to larger audiences.
