1950s Books

  • 1st ed. Chilton Bolex Movie Guide
  • Bolex Movie Guide
  • Kenneth Tydings
  • Paperback: 127 pages
  • Publisher: Chilton Co. (1st edition, 1952)
  • Language: English
  • This book was part of the Modern Camera Guide series published by Chilton, which focused on a particular manufacturer -- Bolex motion picture cameras, in this case. It was written by Dr. Kenneth S. Tydings, in collaboration with the Bolex Reporter staff, and contains basic information on camera operation. Sections covering stereo movies and color photography are included. It originally sold for $1.95 US
  • 1st ed. Bolex Guide
  • Bolex Guide
  • A. J. Surgenor
  • Paperback: 112 pages
  • Publisher: Focal Press Ltd. (1st edition, 1953)
  • Language: English
  • Focal Press published a number of books in Britain dealing with a single make of camera, as part of their Camera Guide series. First published in 1953, the Bolex Guide is a fully illustrated book discussing the functions and operation of Bolex H-8 and H-16 cameras.
  • Cover scan: Courtesy of Helmuth Porschen.
  • 1st ed. Bolex 8 Guide
  • Bolex 8 Guide
  • G. R. Sharp
  • Paperback: 112 pages
  • Publisher: Focal Press Ltd. (1st edition, 1956)
  • Language: English
  • This first edition of the Bolex 8 guide, published by Focal Press, offers operating instructions and discusses techniques for filming with Bolex pocket size cameras.
  • Cover scan: Courtesy of Helmuth Porschen.
  • Amphoto Bolex B8 C8 Guide
  • Bolex B8 - C8 Guide
  • G. R. Sharp
  • Paperback: 96 pages
  • Publisher: Amphoto, Focal Press (1957)
  • Language: English
  • The Bolex 8 Guide was later published in the United States by Amphoto; it offered a comprehensive look at Bolex B-8, C-8 and B-8VS cameras. The book covers everything from simple handling and operation of the camera, to advanced filming techniques, special effects, film stock selection, animation, titling, editing and accessories. As a guide book, it suffers from a lack of illustration, but it does include depth of field charts for several lenses.
  • Bolex 8mm Cine Guide
  • Bolex 8mm Cine Guide
  • Robert Grosjean and Pierre Monier
  • Paperback: 100 pages
  • Publisher: Paillard S.A. (1957)
  • Language: Multiple Versions
  • The first official book on Bolex cameras was published in French and later translated to English and German. The book contains many cartoon illustrations and tips on using Bolex equipment, and was mainly written with the amateur home movie maker in mind. Several useful charts for the shutter speeds of different cameras and depth of field tables for Kern lenses are included.
  • Bolex 8mm US Version
  • Your 8mm Cine Guide
  • Robert Grosjean and Pierre Monier
  • Paperback: 100 pages
  • Publisher: Paillard Inc., NY (1957)
  • Language: English
  • This version was intended for the US market and sold by Paillard Inc, NY, as well as Bolex dealers throughout the country. This is essentially the same book as the original Cine Guide, but printed with a different cover.
  • 5th ed. Bolex H16 H8 Guide
  • Bolex H16-H8 Guide
  • A. J. Surgenor
  • Paperback: 112 pages
  • Publisher: Focal Press Ltd. (5th edition, 1958)
  • Language: English
  • Revised by E. A. Gilmour, the 5th edition of the Bolex Guide updates the content with sections on the H16 Reflex. In order to identify the early and late model H cameras, A.J. Surgenor groups them into "Series" based on changes made to the camera over time.
  • 8th ed. Bolex Movie Guide
  • Bolex Movie Guide
  • Kenneth Tydings
  • Paperback: 128 pages
  • Publisher: Chilton Co. (8th edition, 1959)
  • Language: English
  • The Chilton Bolex guides were revised over the years to include the latest cameras and equipment; the cover of the 8th edition in the series featured a B-8L illustration. It gives a general overview of equipment and discusses several filming techniques and in-camera effects. Although this edition was published in 1959, no camera or accessory later than 1957 is mentioned; it only briefly touches on the H-16 Reflex and B-8VS, but makes no mention of the B-8L.