This artifact is contained in a black faux-leather case with a flap-up lid and a silver latch.
The camera itself is in pieces; many of the parts of the camera are missing. The main surviving element is the body and lens of the camera. This is a black rectangular box with a flap covering a lens at one end. Visible in open spaces in the top and bottom of this piece are internal components, including gears and lenses.
Also in the case is a faux-leather strap for the bag, an eyepiece with a rubber surround, and a number of other smaller components such as dials and lenses.
The film case and handle are missing from the box.
Accession Number: 2018.ast.47
Alternative Name:
Primary Materials: Plastic; Metal: Iron Alloy; Glass
On the exterior of the case: “BOLEX SUPER”
On the camera mechanism:
“PAILLARD-BOLEX
LENS AND CAMERA
MADE IN SWITZERLAND”
Dimensions (cm): 26cm x 10.5 x 24
This camera enabled the hand-held recording of moving images on 8mm film.
Fair: While the condition of the case and pieces appears good, the camera is disassembled and missing many crucial parts.
Associated Instruments:
Manufacturer: Paillard-Bolex, Ste-Croix, Switzerland
Date of Manufacture: 1967-1969
This object was likely moved from the David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill in 2008, upon the sale of the observatory. It was stored at the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics until 2017, when it was moved to a new storage location in McLennan Physical Laboratories.
Information about the maker and date of this camera: <a href=”http://www.bolexcollector.com/articles/05_12_01.html>Bolex Collector – The Paillard Bolex Camera</a> [13/01/18]:
“Kodak introduced the Super 8 film format in 1965, but it wasn’t until 1967 that the first Bolex super 8 cameras were introduced. Paillard manufactured the alkaline battery powered 150, 155, 7.5 and 160 cameras in Switzerland, at the Ste-Croix factory.”
Historical Notes:
Themes: