Anamorphic lens adapter for 16mm and super-16mm cameras enabling 2x squeeze anamorphic cinematography.
Technical Details
The Bolex Anamorphot system consists of cylindrical front-mounted lenses with a 2:1 compression ratio, which are attached in front of standard lenses. Focal lengths range from 12.5mm to 75mm with aperture values between f/2.8 and f/16. The weight varies between 450g (12.5mm) and 850g (75mm). The lenses operate with a minimum focusing distance of 1.5 meters and require precise alignment of the cylindrical elements. The system uses a special bayonet mount and is compatible with Bolex H16 cameras, and later with Arriflex 16SR models via appropriate adapters.
History & Development
In 1961, Bolex was the first manufacturer to introduce anamorphic optics for 16mm cameras, following the establishment of CinemaScope in the 35mm sector since 1953. The development was carried out in collaboration with the Swiss optics specialist Kern Paillard. In 1967, Bolex expanded the series with longer focal lengths up to 150mm. In the 1970s, documentary filmmakers adapted the system for affordable widescreen productions. With the advent of digital workflows, the system lost importance from the 1990s onwards, as anamorphic effects could be simulated digitally.
Practical Use in Film
Bolex Anamorphot was mainly used in European low-budget productions and experimental films. Jean-Luc Godard used the system for test shots for "Pierrot le fou" (1965). Documentary filmmakers like Frédéric Rossif employed it for widescreen shots in "Mourir à Madrid" (1963). The workflow requires projection through corresponding anamorphic adapters or optical de-squeezing in the lab. Disadvantages include reduced light transmission by one stop, increased camera weight, and more complex focus pulling during pans.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike the contemporary Panavision systems for 35mm, Bolex Anamorphot exclusively uses front-mounted lenses rather than integrated anamorphic lenses. Modern alternatives such as the Hawk V-Lite or SLR Magic Anamorphot series offer better optical quality and light transmission. The Cooke Anamorphic/i series now dominates the professional field. Digitally simulated anamorphic effects (Digital Intermediate) are increasingly replacing optical solutions, but they cannot reproduce the characteristic lens flares and bokeh of true anamorphic optics.