Bolex, Kern D8L Movie camera

Bolex Paillard D8L (1959) – 8mm Cine Camera Switar/Yvar – Customized "Art & Design" (Working)

Object Description
Overview and Artistic Concept
We propose a Swiss vintage cinema icon, the Bolex Paillard D8L, reinterpreted in a contemporary and artistic key. The original leatherette coating has been replaced with a new high-strength technical material, featuring an abstract graphic inspired by Mid-Century / Bauhaus / Pop Art. The old coating is included in the lot.

This aesthetic restoration transforms an antique cine camera into a unique piece for collection and decoration (Design Object), perfect for collectors, directors, or lovers of refined home decor, while keeping intact the excellence of Swiss mechanical engineering.

Technical Specifications & Mechanical Features
Manufacturer: Paillard-Bolex (Sainte-Croix, Switzerland)

Model: D8L (version with three-lens turret and integrated light meter, but not tested)

Format: 8mm film (Double 8 / Standard 8)

Year of production: circa 1959

Winding mechanism: Manual mechanical spring-wound (smooth and efficient winding)

Optical Turret: Three-position rotating turret

Included lenses:
- Kern-Paillard Yvar 1:1.9 f=13mm (Standard optic, bright f/1.9)
- Kern-Paillard Yvar 1:2.8 f=36mm (Medium telephoto)
- Kern-Paillard Switar / Yvar mounted in turret with dedicated hood

Lens hood / Lens caps: Included original Kern-Paillard accessories (rigid hood and metal caps with branded markings)

Film counter and Speed: Variable frame rate selector (12, 16, 18, 24, 32, 48, 64 fps) for slow-motion and manual time-lapse effects; integrated mechanical counter.

Light Meter: Integrated cell-type light meter on the front with a visual indicator.

Condition and Functionality
Mechanical: Fully functional. The spring wind operates smoothly, the motor runs at all expected speeds, and the shutter mechanism responds precisely.

Optics: Clean, lenses in good condition with no mold or obvious scratches; focus and aperture rings slide smoothly.

Aesthetics: The die-cast aluminum body shows a patina consistent with age. The custom coating in the hand-applied technical material fits the original profiles perfectly, giving a unique look and one-of-a-kind editions of its kind.