Bolex C8 Movie camera
06
days
14
hours
50
minutes
14
seconds
Current bid
€ 50
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Rob ter Ellen
Over 35 years' experience specialising in cameras and optical equipment.
Estimate € 190 - € 210
 | €50 | |
|---|---|---|
| €45 | |
| €40 | |
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Paillard-Bolex C8 8mm film camera, serial 475125, in discrete physical condition and tested and functioning, dating from 1950–1960 and presented as a unique custom edition titled Mid-Century Graphic Design.
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Description from the seller
Bolex Paillard C8 (Doppio 8mm) – Unique Custom Edition "Mid-Century Graphic Design" – Durable Technical Material
An icon of Swiss cinema reinterpreted as a work of art and unique design
We offer at auction a splendid and unique specimen of Paillard Bolex C8 video/telecine camera (made in Switzerland in the 1950s), renowned for its precision mechanical engineering and its compact body in cast metal and brushed aluminum.
This particular specimen has undergone a professional, very high-level customization: the original black faux leather covering (often worn or degraded over time) has been replaced with a modern, high-resistance, water-repellent, and durable technical material.
Inspiration of the Pattern: Mid-Century Modern & Bauhaus Graphism
The new cover features a refined geometric and abstract pattern inspired by the great design of the 1950s and 1960s (Mid-Century Modern, Memphis/Bauhaus style):
Motifs and Forms: Triangles, circles, star elements and cog wheels that metaphorically evoke mechanics and cinematic movement.
Color Palette: An extremely chic vintage palette with ochre, brick red, slate blue, gray and cream tones.
The final visual effect transforms a classic vintage video camera into a true object of art, fashion, and interior design, ideal for enriching a private collection or as a scenographic furnishing piece in a design studio or home.
Usability Today: The Magic of Analog Film
Unlike many purely decorative objects, the Bolex C8 is a machine with legendary mechanical action powered by a spring (no batteries needed):
Film Format: Uses Double 8 / Standard 8mm film, still widely available today (produced and distributed by brands and laboratories such as Foma, Wittner Cinetec, Film Photography Project, or Kodak re-spooled).
Mechanical Operation: The spring-wind mechanism and speed selectors function with the typical fluidity and precision of Swiss Paillard engineering. A living object ready to deliver the authentic experience of cinema on analog film.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Brand / Model: Paillard-Bolex C8
Origin: Switzerland (Made in Switzerland / Fabrication Suisse)
Format: Standard 8mm / Double 8
Advance: Manual wind mechanical (spring-driven)
Playback Speed (FPS): Adjustable from 8 to 64 frames per second (8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 48, 64 fps) for slow-motion or fast-motion effects.
Shutter / Exposure Times: Integrated conversion table on the front (from 1/17s to 1/140s).
Viewfinder: Integrated in the body, clean and sharp.
Body / Finish: Aluminum and metal frame with custom vinyl/technical fabric print finish in high definition.
Aesthetic Condition: Excellent (see detailed photos), chrome polished with very slight and authentic signs of time attesting to originality.
Mechanical Condition: The spring motor winds regularly and runs at the various speeds. (Sold as a collectible/usable with film).
Absolute Uniqueness: There is no other specimen like this in the world. It is a 1/1 piece.
Crossroads of Passions: The perfect meeting point between cinematic/photographic collecting, fashion/lifestyle, and interior design.
Resilience and Durability: The applied technical material ensures that the pattern does not fade or peel over time, keeping the camera looking great for years.
Bolex Paillard C8 (Doppio 8mm) – Unique Custom Edition "Mid-Century Graphic Design" – Durable Technical Material
An icon of Swiss cinema reinterpreted as a work of art and unique design
We offer at auction a splendid and unique specimen of Paillard Bolex C8 video/telecine camera (made in Switzerland in the 1950s), renowned for its precision mechanical engineering and its compact body in cast metal and brushed aluminum.
This particular specimen has undergone a professional, very high-level customization: the original black faux leather covering (often worn or degraded over time) has been replaced with a modern, high-resistance, water-repellent, and durable technical material.
Inspiration of the Pattern: Mid-Century Modern & Bauhaus Graphism
The new cover features a refined geometric and abstract pattern inspired by the great design of the 1950s and 1960s (Mid-Century Modern, Memphis/Bauhaus style):
Motifs and Forms: Triangles, circles, star elements and cog wheels that metaphorically evoke mechanics and cinematic movement.
Color Palette: An extremely chic vintage palette with ochre, brick red, slate blue, gray and cream tones.
The final visual effect transforms a classic vintage video camera into a true object of art, fashion, and interior design, ideal for enriching a private collection or as a scenographic furnishing piece in a design studio or home.
Usability Today: The Magic of Analog Film
Unlike many purely decorative objects, the Bolex C8 is a machine with legendary mechanical action powered by a spring (no batteries needed):
Film Format: Uses Double 8 / Standard 8mm film, still widely available today (produced and distributed by brands and laboratories such as Foma, Wittner Cinetec, Film Photography Project, or Kodak re-spooled).
Mechanical Operation: The spring-wind mechanism and speed selectors function with the typical fluidity and precision of Swiss Paillard engineering. A living object ready to deliver the authentic experience of cinema on analog film.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Brand / Model: Paillard-Bolex C8
Origin: Switzerland (Made in Switzerland / Fabrication Suisse)
Format: Standard 8mm / Double 8
Advance: Manual wind mechanical (spring-driven)
Playback Speed (FPS): Adjustable from 8 to 64 frames per second (8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 48, 64 fps) for slow-motion or fast-motion effects.
Shutter / Exposure Times: Integrated conversion table on the front (from 1/17s to 1/140s).
Viewfinder: Integrated in the body, clean and sharp.
Body / Finish: Aluminum and metal frame with custom vinyl/technical fabric print finish in high definition.
Aesthetic Condition: Excellent (see detailed photos), chrome polished with very slight and authentic signs of time attesting to originality.
Mechanical Condition: The spring motor winds regularly and runs at the various speeds. (Sold as a collectible/usable with film).
Absolute Uniqueness: There is no other specimen like this in the world. It is a 1/1 piece.
Crossroads of Passions: The perfect meeting point between cinematic/photographic collecting, fashion/lifestyle, and interior design.
Resilience and Durability: The applied technical material ensures that the pattern does not fade or peel over time, keeping the camera looking great for years.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Bolex
Model/type nr
C8
Physical condition
Fair
Functional condition
Tested and working
Film type
8mm
Serial number
475125
Estimated period
1950-1960
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