1940s Bolex Catalogs

  • Bolex 1939 Catalog
  • Better Pictures With Bolex
  • American Bolex Company
  • Content: 24 pages; cardboard cover
  • Year: 1939
  • Language: English
  • This is an early catalog from the American Bolex Company, the sole distributor of Bolex cameras and all Paillard products in the US during the 1930s and '40s. It contains mostly text and art illustration, with only two actual photographs, and discusses the features of the H-16, Model G projector and Hugo Meyer lenses. The introduction notes the history of Paillard and focuses on Swiss craftsmanship as a selling point.
  • Bolex 1940 Catalog
  • Better Pictures With Bolex
  • American Bolex Company
  • Content: 36 pages
  • Year: 1940
  • Language: English
  • All of the content from the previous catalog is featured here; it's expanded, however, with more photos and the addition of a few Ambol accessories and the H-8. The cover, in mint condition, is glossy and textured; it also contains a price list insert.
  • Bolex 1941 Catalog
  • Better Pictures With Bolex
  • American Bolex Company
  • Content: 48 pages
  • Year: 1941
  • Language: English
  • This catalog lists many accessories from Paillard, Cinea, Ambol and other manufacturers, in addition to discussing the features and specifications of the H-16, H-8 and Model G projector. Like most American Bolex Company catalogs, a separate price list was included.
  • Bolex Spiral Catalog
  • Better Pictures With Bolex
  • American Bolex Company
  • Content: 48 pages; Spiral bound
  • Year: 1941
  • Language: English
  • I've only seen one of these, and here it is. I can't be certain, but it appears to be a dealer or shop catalog, maybe for in-store reference. It is spiral bound, and includes both a retail price list and a separate "Dealer Discount Sheet and Price List". Otherwise, it's similar to the blue catalog, but with additional accessories listed.
  • Bolex Bulletin
  • Bolex Mail Order Bulletin
  • American Bolex Company
  • Content: 16 pages
  • Year: 1942
  • Language: English
  • This magazine-sized booklet announces a new mail-order service from the American Bolex Company and advertises some of the photographic products and accessories offered. It also introduces a lower price for the Bolex H8 or H16 at $191, Excise Tax included; a bargain, compared to the former price of $283 US!
  • Bolex World's Finest
  • The World's Finest Movie Cameras
  • American Bolex Company
  • Content: 65 pages
  • Year: 1946
  • Language: English
  • The 1946, 1947 and 1948 American Bolex Company catalogs have identical covers, except for the date printed on each. These catalogs were updated with photos and details of the latest cameras, lenses and accessories; a separate sheet listing current retail prices was included.