How to Close the Viewfinder on a Bolex

Close your Bolex's viewfinder to protect your film.

When a cinematographer wants to return to the roots of moviemaking, he often picks up a 16mm film movie camera. One of the most reputable camera manufacturers is Bolex, which began production in Switzerland in 1928. Bolex cameras are celebrated for their large, bright viewfinders, which allow for ease in composition and framing. To protect light from leaking through the viewfinder onto the film, a small sheath known as a douser should be closed once the shot is composed.

Instructions

1. Locate the viewfinder near the top of the back of the camera. Look through it and compose your shot as desired.

2. Find the douser lever, located on the top or side of the viewfinder eyepiece. Move the lever to its vertical position to close.

3. Return the douser lever to its horizontal position, to reopen the viewfinder once you have finished recording.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the viewfinder closed at all times when you are not composing or framing a shot, especially when filming in front of bright studio lights or in harsh sunlight.

• Depending on which viewfinder you're using, the location of the douser lever may vary. Refer to your Bolex instruction manual for more detailed instructions.

• Never expose your 16mm film to light prior to loading it in the camera. This will cause the film to fog and ruin your movie.

References

• Bolex H16 Reflex: Introduction
• Bolex Collector: Accessory Viewfinders