Loading The Bolex; Cleaning The Bolex - BOLEX SBM User Manual

If the Variable shutter is not fully open, a triangular warning sign appears in
the viewfinder. If the variable shutter is set to the 1/2 position and locked, exposure
time is reduced by half—thereby reducing exposure by one stop. At the 1/4 position,
exposure time is reduced by two stops
The EL is equipped with a through-the-lens exposure meter.
With the exception of the EBM all models have footage and frame counters on the
side of the camera. (You tell me why the EBM doesn't need a footage counter, I
don't know why.)
First off check to see that the Lever for engaging /disengaging the spring-
motor (# 8 in the diagram) is set to "M" . This engages the motor.
the spring-driven cameras by gently rotating the winding handle in a counter-
clockwise direction. Stop when you encounter resistance.
( A full wind of the mainspring will enable you to expose about sixteen feet of film.)
Beginners sometimes set the camera to the slowest running speed (12 fps) to make
loading less stressful. (Change the camera speed by rotating knob # 15)
Hold the camera so that the viewfinder is closest to your body. On the left
hand side of the camera body you will find a knob for opening the camera door.
Once the door is open, take a minute to inspect the empty camera. Is it clean?
Remove the pressure pad (6) by pulling on the Pressure Pad Pin (5). At this
point you can swing the pad to the right, away from the film gate. By unscrewing
the Pressure Pad Securing Screw (9) you will be able to fully remove the pressure
pad. WARNING: At no time should you lay the pressure pad flat on any surface. If
the pad gets scratched it will begin to scratch your film.
Check the gate for debris, hair, dust or bits of emulsion. Pay special attention
to the aperture. If the area needs cleaning, tilt the camera on its side and aim a
stream of compressed at the area. Setting the camera upright onto its base allows
the dust and particles to fall out when you dislodge them. Do not use Compressed
air from a can when you are cleaning the film gate. Canned air can sometimes eject
oils. You don't want those getting on your film. Instead use an enema syringe Get
them at the drug store for a quarter the price of a camera syringe.
If the gate debris refuses to budge, try a gentle scrubbing with a clean cloth that
has been wrapped around a small stick (No metal please). If this fails, you may
need to dampen the cloth. Dry the part thoroughly. Now replace the pressure pad.

LOADING THE BOLEX

Cleaning the Bolex

Putting Film in the camera
Fully wind