The Paillard Bolex H16 is a 16mm cine camera produced by the Swiss company Paillard-Bolex. It is a highly regarded camera that gained popularity among amateur and professional filmmakers alike.

Here are some key features and information about the Paillard Bolex H16:

Film Format:

The camera uses 16mm film, which is a popular format for both amateur and professional filmmaking. It offers a balance between image quality and portability.

Spring-Loaded Motor:

The H16 is equipped with a spring-loaded motor drive mechanism. It requires winding up the spring before shooting, which then provides power to run the camera. The winding process needs to be repeated periodically, depending on the model and the length of the spring.

Variable Speed Control:

The camera allows for variable speed control, typically ranging from 8 to 64 frames per second (fps). This feature offers flexibility in capturing motion and enables various creative effects, such as slow-motion or time-lapse.

Interchangeable Lenses:

The H16 camera has a turret mount system that allows for interchangeable lenses. The most common lenses used with this camera are C-mount lenses. Various focal lengths and types of lenses, including wide-angle, telephoto, and zoom lenses, can be used with the camera.

Reflex Viewfinder:

The H16 features a reflex viewfinder, which means that it provides a through-the-lens viewing experience. This allows the filmmaker to see precisely what the lens sees, including the framing and focus. The reflex viewfinder is particularly useful when shooting with different lenses or when critical focusing is required.

Single-System Sound Recording:

Some versions of the Paillard Bolex H16 offer single-system sound recording capability. This means that the camera can record synchronized sound directly onto the film, eliminating the need for separate sound recording equipment. The sound is typically recorded onto a narrow strip on the edge of the film.

Portable and Lightweight:

The H16 is known for its compact and lightweight design, which makes it highly portable and suitable for handheld or documentary-style shooting. Its smaller size compared to 35mm cameras also contributes to its popularity in various filmmaking applications.

The Paillard Bolex H16 has been used by renowned filmmakers and has a reputation for its robust construction and reliability. Its mechanical nature and manual controls offer a hands-on filmmaking experience, attracting those who appreciate the craft and artistry of traditional filmmaking techniques.

It's worth noting that the specific features and capabilities of the H16 may vary between different models and versions produced by Paillard-Bolex over the years.