Bolex Paillard M8 Movie Projector, 8mm, Restored, Upgraded Illumination Source!
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| Location | Talent US |
| Shipping | Free shipping (check listing for details) |
| Seller |
rsisk19161967
100.0% positive · 223 feedback
|
| Listing | FixedPrice · Active |
| Start time | 2026-02-04T23:17:39.000Z |
| Brand | Bolex |
| Type | Movie Projectors |
| Movie Film Format | 8mm |
| Model | Bolex M8 |
| Country of Origin | Switzerland |
Swiss Made Bolex Paillard M8 - The Rolls-Royce of 8mm ProjectorsSwiss-made precision meets film noir elegance. This meticulously restored Bolex M8 represents the pinnacle of 1959 8mm projection technology—worlds apart from the humble Kodak Brownie projector I had as a 14 year old boy.What Makes It Special:Stroboscopic speed control with variable speed adjustment makes this projector exceptional for both screening and film-to-digital transfers. I’ve successfully used it to transfer vintage 8mm footage to 4K video, with the variable speed eliminating those annoying rolling bars by allowing precise synchronization between projector and camera speeds.Unlike later-era projectors built largely of plastic, the M8 is built like a tank. Bolex approached projector manufacturing with the same precision craftsmanship philosophy as Switzerland’s renowned watch industry—engineered to last generations with proper care. Precision-machined from quality aluminum and steel, finished with a beautiful enamel coating that has survived 66 years looking exceptional. Like a fine mechanical watch, this M8 still performs flawlessly after all this time. This is industrial art from 1959.Fully restored by a filmmaker/photographer with thorough cleaning, proper lubrication throughout the mechanism, and upgraded from the original 500W incandescent to a modern tungsten halogen bulb—delivering better performance, longer lamp life, and lower power consumption. The projector is in near-mint condition and functions flawlessly.Perfect Prop for Film Production:Beyond its technical capabilities, the M8’s stunning film noir aesthetic and impeccable condition make it an exceptional prop for period films, music videos, or any production requiring an authentic vintage projector. This isn’t some beat-up flea market find—this is a camera-ready piece that looks as good on screen as it performs in actual use. The visual impact of this machine alone justifies its presence on set.A Complete Time Capsule from 1959 - Exceptional Collector Value:What elevates this beyond just a working projector is its completeness as a collector’s piece—and what makes it potentially far more valuable should you choose to sell or auction it as a collectible. Included are all the original
accessories that rarely survive together: the original instruction manual, guarantee certificate, and even the hang tag from its 1959 sale. The original oil bottle remains in its small cardboard container, along with its cylindrical box and the cylindrical lens box. There’s the original cleaning brush—keep this as part of the collection, but don’t use it. After 65+ years it’s shedding bristles. For actual gate cleaning, use a PEC PAD with film cleaner or isopropyl alcohol (PEC PADs available from B&H in New York). Projection Lamp Upgrade:The original 500-watt projection bulb still works and will be included in the Osram box from the upgraded tungsten halogen lamp. Even the original projector box is included—cleaned and structurally sound despite some cosmetic wear from the decades.While these projectors aren’t particularly rare, finding one professionally restored by a filmmaker/photographer—thoroughly cleaned, properly lubricated, and upgraded—combined with complete original documentation and
accessories in this condition is extraordinarily uncommon. This level of completeness and care is what transforms a working projector into a genuine collector’s item.Operating Tips:Run the projector every few months with a drop of modern synthetic oil on the red lubrication points (clearly visible in the photos). Notice the hand crank on the feed reel—that’s your best rewinding method.Two spring rewind cables are included but don’t work reliably, and hand-rewinding is gentler on legacy films with potentially weakened splices.Before projecting (especially for transfers), I suggest that you clean your films with FilmGuard film cleaner/lubricant—those old 8mm reels sitting in closets for decades are usually contaminated with dust and dirt you don’t want appearing on screen or damaging the gate.(Note: The original oil is included for authenticity and collector completeness, but use modern synthetic lubricant for actual operation. The vintage oil can congeal.)Superb Near-Mint Condition: Functions flawlessly. Stunning period design that makes it equally at home screening 8mm home movies or as a prop in your next film production. This is fun vintage projector to use or display... The Bolex M8 is regular 8mm, not Super 8mm.By the way, the film and reels are NOT included. They are shown for illustration only.Included is, the Bolex M8, lens, projection lamp, power cord and original box. I will also include the original oil bottle, however the projector lubrication was done with a far better new synthetic oil. I will double box everything to arrive safely!Buy it Now, or make an offer!Thank You

