Bolex H16 Rex 5
The Bolex H16 Rex 5 is a Swiss-made 16mm spring-wound cine camera with a reflex viewing system and a three-lens turret. It sits in the Rex line of H16 bodies that Bolex produced for serious amateur and professional 16mm filmmakers.
Hammer prices at recent UK auction have fallen in a wide £1,800–£2,300 band, with a midpoint near £2,000, reflecting how few examples reach the saleroom. As of 2026 the H16 Rex 5 still sells for strong money when offered, but with only a handful of wholesale results to reference, today's value depends heavily on cosmetic condition, mechanical health and which lenses accompany the body.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: November 2025
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2025 | £2,250 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 487) Title: A Paillard Bolex H16 REX-5 16mm Cine Camera
Description:
1967, black/chrome, serial no. 253662, body, VG, motor winds and runs, complete with maker's fitted case |
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| Dec 2023 | £750 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 97) Title: A Bolex H16 Reflex Rex 5 16mm Cine Camera
Description:
A Bolex H16 Reflex Rex 5 16mm Cine Camera, serial no 254677, motor runs, VG, body VG (rubber deterioration to eye cup), with Kern H16 RX 10mm f/1.8 |
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| Nov 2022 | EUR 2,400 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 41 (Lot AI_41_40942) Title: Bolex H16 REX-5 outfit
Description:
extensive outfit including a professional camera body in mint condition and working order, with Vario-Switar 1.9/16-100mm, Switar 1.6/10mm, Cinegon 1.4/16mm, Xenon 2/16mm, Switar 1.4/25mm, Xenon 1.5/25mm, Genevar 1.9/25mm, rare Macro-Switar 1.1/26mm, Switar 1.4/50mm, Switar 1.9/75mm, Yvar 2.8/75mm, Yvar 3.3/100mm, Macro-Yvar 3.3/150mm, a set of macro extension tubes, external viewfinder, Bool's Ciné-Fader, film splicer, documentation, instructions and 2x outfit cases Estimate: EUR 3,200 - EUR 3,600 |
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| Apr 2018 | £576 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 1286) Title: A Paillard Bolex H16 REX5 16mm Cine Camera
Description:
serial no. 249453, with Kern H16 RX Vario-Switar f/2.5 18-86mm lens, black, serial no. 1058359, body, VG-E, motor working, lens, VG, together with |
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| May 2007 | EUR 1,800 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 11 (Lot AI_11_15873) Title: Bolex H16 REX 5/TV
Description:
mint and very late all black Bolex, camera can be converted to Super 16, built-in saddle for 400' magazine, TV mask built in the viewfinder with 13x magnification, mint Macro-Switar 1.1/26mm H16RX no.1142514 (cap, case), Cosmicar 1.4/12.5mm no.13870, original maker's box. A beautiful camera for collectors and professional users. Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 2,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Bolex H16 Rex 5 worth today?
Recorded UK auction hammer results sit between roughly £1,800 and £2,300, so a clean working body is worth around £2,000 at wholesale level, before any buyer's premium.
How much does a Bolex H16 Rex 5 sell for at UK auction?
The two tracked sales price in at £1,800 and £2,250 hammer, indicating the camera typically sells for a price in the low-£2,000s when it appears in the saleroom.
What affects the value of a Bolex H16 Rex 5?
Mechanical condition of the spring motor, clarity of the reflex prism, and the presence of original turret-mount lenses are the main factors that move the price up or down.