Bolex H8 Reflex
The Bolex H8 Reflex is a Swiss-made Double 8mm cine camera produced by Paillard-Bolex, part of the long-running H-series cine line. Introduced in the 1950s, the Reflex designation denotes through-the-lens viewing via a prism, an upgrade on earlier non-reflex H8 bodies. It was aimed at serious amateur and semi-professional cine users.
At recent UK auction the H8 Reflex has been a modestly priced piece of cine kit: hammer prices in 2024–2025 have landed between £110 and £150, while earlier saleroom results across the dataset stretch from £126 up to £446, giving a median near £170. Today the price a working example sells for is driven chiefly by cosmetic condition, spring-motor health and whether any original lenses are included — exceptional outfits have carried a clear value premium at auction in the past.
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.
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Aug 2025 | £125 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 377) Title: A Bolex H8 Reflex Cine Camera
Description:
black, body G, motor not running, with lenses Switar 36mm 5.5mm and 12.5mm, and Bolex exposure meter, not responding. Note: The title of this lot was |
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| Jan 2025 | £110 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 479) Title: A Bolex H8 Reflex Cine Camera
Description:
A Bolex H8 Reflex Cine Camera, serial no 221191, body G-VG, with Kern Paillard 5,5mm f/1.6 Switar, 12.5,, f/1.3 Macro Switar & 36mm f/1.4 Macro |
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| Aug 2024 | £150 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 427) Title: A Bolex H8 Reflex 8mm Motion Picture Camera Outfit
Description:
black, body G-VG, motor winds & runs well, viewfinder clear & in-focus, together with a Switar f/0.9 13mm AR lens, body VG, optics G, some light haze |
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| May 2021 | £280 | David Duggleby | |
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Auction: Musical & Scientific Instruments, Cameras & Maritime (Lot 3101) Title: Bolex H8 Reflex 8mm cine camera with handgrip and turret for interchangeable lenses, KERN ...
Description:
Bolex H8 Reflex 8mm cine camera with handgrip and turret for interchangeable lenses, KERN ... |
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| Sep 2003 | £188 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & PHOTO EQUIP, INCLUDING A EUROPEAN LEICA COLLECTION (Lot 421) Title: Bolex H8 Reflex no. 217434
Description:
Bolex H8 Reflex no. 217434 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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| May 2002 | £446 | Christie's | |
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Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS, OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 129) Title: Bolex H8 Reflex no. 199400
Description:
Bolex H8 Reflex no. 199400 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Nov 2000 | £164 | Christie's | |
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Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS, OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 154) Title: Bolex H8 Reflex no. 212446
Description:
Bolex H8 Reflex no. 212446 Estimate: £25 - £100 |
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| Oct 1999 | £230 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 15) Title: Bolex H8 Reflex no. 198695
Description:
Bolex H8 Reflex no. 198695 Estimate: £150 - £180 |
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| Jul 1999 | £126 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 176) Title: Bolex H-8 Reflex cin camera
Description:
Bolex H-8 Reflex cin camera Estimate: £25 - £100 |
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| Jan 1998 | £230 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 39) Title: Bolex H8 Reflex no. 199399
Description:
Bolex H8 Reflex no. 199399 Estimate: £120 - £180 |
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