Cable Releases

Bolex Product Codes (CLOHE, CLOIC, 265.038 CLOVI)

Cable releases are needed to start the camera running without the operation of triggering the camera's release resulting in an unsteady shot. These releases can only be used on Spring driven cameras from the earliest H camera up to the SBM.

All the cable releases from Bolex consist of two parts:-

The two Parts that make up a Bolex Cable Release1. The cable (available in a number of different lengths) with a plunger at one end and a screw thread at the other

2. A metal bracket which attaches to the end of the cable and the part of the camera being used to trigger filming.

The three types of Cable release bracketsBoth of these parts being interchangeable. I.E. If you have any of the cables they should be able to be screwed into any of the brackets and vice versa. Bolex produced three types of cable releases for use on its H series of reflex cameras. A chronological introduction of each cable release follows.

The 1st type of Bolex cable release attached to cameraThe first with the Bolex product code (CLOHE) shown right was designed to be attached to the push button release at the front of all H8 and H16 cameras.

A small metal shoe bracket fits around the metal shielding of the front push button release and tightens around it with the aid of a screw. Then a cable release can be screwed into it to trigger the camera.

The 2nd Type of Cable  ReleaseThe second type of cable release shown left with the Bolex product code (CLOIC) attaches to the side release, the preferred way of using a camera release with a Bolex camera.

This release does its job well however it can not be used when the Rexofader is present and vice versa.

You could screw the cable release in both sides. So you could take still frames as well as motion. Early versions had M and P embossed in them, later ones didn't.

The 3rd type of Cable ReleaseThe third type of cable release with the Bolex product code (CLOVI) again attaches to the side release of the camera. However the left hand side of the attachment bracket has been made smaller to fit under the third arm of the Rexofader.

When attaching and using the external electric motors with the spring driven cameras. The cable release cannot be used to start the camera running and must be removed to allow them to be fitted.

Newer Plastic Type Cable ReleaseOlder Spring Wound Cable Release

Older cable releases can be identified by having an outer cable cover of wound spring metal (right) while the later releases have a black plastic cable (Left).

 

Back