Paillard A.G. Bolex H8
The Bolex H8 is an 8mm cine camera produced by Paillard A.G. of Switzerland, introduced in the late 1930s as the 8mm counterpart to the 16mm Bolex H series. It is a spring-wound movie camera aimed at serious amateur filmmakers when new.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Bolex H8 have sat in a tight band of roughly £100–£110, with a median around £100 across the sales on record. These are saleroom results — wholesale levels rather than retail asking prices — and as of 2026 the H8 is worth noticeably less than its 16mm H16 sibling, reflecting the narrower user base for standard 8mm film today.
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Prices updated: January 2025
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | £112 | £90 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 427) Title: A Paillard-Bolex H8 Cine Camera
Description:
black, serial number 142867, body VG, motor winds and runs, viewfinder slightly foggy, with a f/1.5 12.5mm lens, in the maker's fitted case with |
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| Mar 2023 | £100 | £80 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 634) Title: A Paillard Bolex H8 8mm Motion Picture Camera
Description:
black & chrome, serial no. 170129, c.1959, body G-VG, motor winds & runs, speed selection works, together with a Pizar f/1.9 5.5mm lens, optics G, (Qty: 1) |
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| Mar 2023 | £100 | £80 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 639) Title: A Paillard Bolex H8 Deluxe Double 8mm Motion Picture Camera
Description:
black & chrome, serial no. 159553, c.1959, motor winds & runs well, together with an Yvar f/1.9 13mm lens, optics F-G, some haze & light fungus (Qty: 1) |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Bolex H8 worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer prices for the Bolex H8 have clustered around £100, with examples selling between roughly £100 and £110 depending on condition and completeness.
How much does a Bolex H8 sell for at auction?
The limited sales on record show the H8 selling for about £100–£110 at UK auction, excluding buyer's premium.
Is the Bolex H8 worth more than the H16?
No — the 16mm Bolex H16 typically achieves higher prices than the 8mm H8, because 16mm film remains in wider use among enthusiasts and small-format film production.