Miscellaneous Accessories
Weston Bolexmeter
1940 -- Distributed by the American Bolex Company and manufactured
by Weston, this version of the Weston Model 715 light meter was designed specifically
for use with Bolex Cameras. It has markings for 8, 16, 24, 32 and 64 frames
per second with the corresponding shutter speeds of Bolex model H cameras.
Incidentally, shutter speed markings for filming at 8fps and 64fps were incorrect (marked 1/16 and 1/60 respectively, where Bolex shutter speeds were 1/20 and 1/80). However, the error that results is less than 1/3rd f-stop difference. The light sensitive cell is located on the back of the meter, along with an auxilliary baffle which can be swung out and locked for lower light conditions. The meter, of course, uses the Weston system of rating film speed.
Frame Counter - External
Before the internal frame counter was included on all Bolex H models, this
bakelite accessory allowed the camera to count individual frames during normal
operation, hand cranking or rewinding. It operates by attaching to the motor
crank shaft, while two counters record incremental movements of single and
50 frames. H-16 and H-8 cameras with a serial number higher than 9400 could
accept this external frame counter without modification. [1]
The name plate on the body of the camera was removed and the frame counter
was then attached into the holes where the screws held the name plate. The
name plate could then be placed onto the side of the counter. Because it protruded
from the side, a special winding crank was included to clear the counter.
1 "Bolex Mail Order Bulletin," (New York: American Bolex Company, 1942), 7.
American Bolex Lens Cleaner
Nothing special here; just a two-ounce glass bottle of lens cleaner by the
American Bolex Company. "Removes finger marks, atmospheric scum, grease and
grime!", for only 35 cents in 1942. I doubt any of these bottles still exist,
but if you happen to have one, I'll gladly buy it from you if the label is
still intact. Empty, of course...
Cinelac Film Preserver
Besides distributing Paillard products in the US, the American Bolex Company
also marketed their own line of photographic products. Cinelac, Ambol's brand
of film preserver, was intended to strengthen perforations and protect the
emulsion from scratches. It was often advertised in photography magazines
during the 1940s, with the claim, "Used by professional motion picture laboratories
and US Government Departments".
This article, from 1942, recommends its use on microfilm. 
Ambol Projection Screens
This model was available with either a glass beaded screen, or "white-lite"
material; the latter, a rubber fabric with a white surface and black backing.
It was designed to sit on a table or other flat surface; the case served as
a base when the screen was extended. Other models and sizes were available,
but most seem to be rebranded versions of earlier Cinea products.
Master Title Kit
The American Bolex Master Title Kit included a 9" x 12" template, designed
for spacing and centering title letters, and a set of 222 characters plus
30 periods and commas. After the characters were arranged properly, the template
was removed and the title was filmed on a black background. The shot could
later be spliced in during editing to help introduce or describe a scene.
With the backwind ability of an H Bolex, titles could be superimposed onto
a previously filmed scene.
The characters supplied were "Knight Letters", manufactured by H.W. Knight & Son of Seneca Falls, NY. Knight produced a large number of high quality metal titling letters in many unique typefaces during the 1940s and '50s, including blackletter, script and "Broadway" among others. The letters contained in the kit were 5/8" with a serif typeface and were supplied in a partitioned wooden box.
American Bolex/Norwood Light Meter
In 1948, the American Bolex Company began to manufacture and distribute the
Norwood Director incident light exposure meter. A brochure from the same year
(seen here) advertises the meter
at a price of $32.03 US, tax included. After the demise of the American Bolex
Company, Mr. Brockway continued to produce the meter and distribute them as
the Director Products Corporation; this was later named Brockway
Director Corporation and eventually Brockway Camera Corporation
before Sekonic bought the rights to the meter.
H Cable Release
Early Bolex Paillard cable releases were available in 10", 18" and 20" lengths.
An adapter, fitted to the side release knob, allowed the cable to operate
the camera for either single frame or continuous exposures. Later versions,
with the same adapter, were only available in lengths of 18" and 40" throughout
the 1950s.
L-8 Cable Release
An 18" cable release, with an included adapter, allowed the L-8 to be used
without handling the camera. It was available as an accessory in the late
1940s for $4.90. The adapter snaps into position over the release button.
