At HCR, we repair, service, and overhaul all models of Bolex H16 cameras — Rex-5, EBM, EL, SBM, non-reflex, and everything in between. We've been renting, maintaining, and collecting Bolex cameras for nearly 20 years. Now we're excited to offer our Bolex repair services to you from our HQ in Los Angeles.
The Bolex is one of the most precisely engineered cameras ever made. Like all fine mechanical instruments, it requires periodic servicing to perform at its best — but when properly maintained, it can last a lifetime and beyond.
Need your Bolex repaired? CLA'd? Contact us today, and we'll get you sorted.
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Bolex Camera Repair & Service In Los Angeles.
Professional repair, CLA, and mechanical overhaul for Bolex H16 cameras. Rex-5, EBM, SBM, non-reflex, and more. Mail-in accepted nationwide.
Bolex Camera
Repair & Service
los angeles
Professional repair, CLA, and mechanical overhaul for Bolex H16 cameras. Rex-5, EBM, EL, SBM, non-reflex, and more. Mail-in accepted nationwide.
About Our Repair Service
BOLEX SERVICE
Recommended servies for the bolex
our SERVICES
How much does a Bolex CLA cost?
Pricing varies by model and condition. We offer free estimates — contact us at info@highlinecamerarentals.com or (213) 444-2422.
What Bolex models do you repair?
All major H16 models including Rex-1 through Rex-5, EBM, SBM, H16 M, and non-reflex variants. Select Super 8 models also accepted — contact us to confirm.
Do you offer mail-in repair?
Yes. We accept mail-in repairs from across the United States. Contact us first — we'll confirm we can service your camera and send packing instructions.
How long does a repair take?
Standard CLA turnaround is typically 2–4 weeks. Rush service may be available — mention your deadline when you reach out.
Where are you located?
Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA 90027. By appointment only. Call (213) 444-2422 or email to schedule.
What is a CLA and does my camera need one?
CLA stands for Clean, Lube & Adjust — the standard preventative maintenance for mechanical cameras. If your Bolex hasn't been serviced in a while, or you're noticing speed variations or transport issues, it's time for one.
CLA
The Full CLA is the complete service. The camera is completely disassembled, cleaned, lubricated, and calibrated — including shutter timing, registration, film path inspection, and gate cleaning. If something is worn or out of spec, we address it. If your Bolex hasn't been serviced in years, this is where to start. A properly serviced Bolex will run reliably for decades — this is what keeps it that way.
SWITAR LENSES
Switar lenses are disassembled down to the focus mechanism, cleared of old grease, and relubricated so everything moves with the silky feel these lenses are known for. The aperture ring, barrel, and knurled rings are cleaned and polished, and in most cases we can bring a frozen focus ring back to life.
VIEWFINDER CLEANING
If your viewfinder looks hazy, spotty, or dim, you're not seeing your full image — and that affects every shot. We clean the internal optics of the Bolex viewfinder so that what you see through the eyepiece is sharp, bright, and accurate.
FILM GATE CLEANING
Even microscopic debris in the film gate can cause scratches, uneven pressure, or soft edges on your image. We thoroughly clean the gate, pressure plate, and film rails, removing any emulsion buildup, dust, or residue that could damage your film or degrade image quality. Film gate cleaning is also included as standard in every Full CLA.
LEATHER RESTORATION
Decades of use leaves its mark on the leather. We re-cement, or restore your Bolex, so the outside matches the precision within.
SHUTTER TIMING ISSUES
Accurate shutter timing is critical to proper exposure. Over time, the Bolex shutter can drift out of calibration — resulting in over or underexposed footage even with correct camera settings. We test, adjust, and verify shutter timing to ensure your camera is exposing exactly as it should at every frame rate. Shutter timing is also tested and calibrated as part of every Full CLA.
REgistration issues
Unsteady or drifting footage is a telltale sign of a registration problem. The Bolex relies on precise mechanical timing to hold each frame perfectly in place — when that's off, the result is a wobble or weave in the image that no amount of post-production can fix. We inspect and recalibrate the registration mechanism to restore the rock-solid steadiness the Bolex is known for. Registration is also checked and corrected as part of every full CLA.
Super 16 conversion
The Super 16 conversion modifies your Bolex H16 to expose a wider frame area — opening up the image to a 1.66:1 aspect ratio that's ideal for finishing in 1.85:1 or 2:1. The process involves machining the film gate and modifying the viewfinder to match the new frame lines. The result is significantly more image real estate, finer grain, and a format that scans and blows up beautifully to 4K. This is a permanent, irreversible modification — we recommend discussing your project needs with us before booking.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bolex CLA cost?
Pricing varies by model and condition. We offer free estimates — contact us at info@highlinecamerarentals.com or (213) 444-2422.
What Bolex models do you repair?
All major H16 models including Rex-1 through Rex-5, EBM, SBM, H16 M, and non-reflex variants. Select Super 8 models also accepted — contact us to confirm.
Do you offer mail-in repair?
Yes. We accept mail-in repairs from across the United States. Contact us first — we'll confirm we can service your camera and send packing instructions.
How long does a repair take?
Standard CLA turnaround is typically 2–4 weeks. Rush service may be available — mention your deadline when you reach out.
Where are you located?
Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA 90027. By appointment only. Call (213) 444-2422 or email to schedule.
What is a CLA and does my camera need one?
CLA stands for Clean, Lube & Adjust — the standard preventative maintenance for mechanical cameras. If your Bolex hasn't been serviced in a while, or you're noticing speed variations or transport issues, it's time for one.
HOW DOES THE REPAIR PROCESS WORK?
Simple. Fill out the repair form at the bottom of the page, and we'll take it from there.
- Submit the repair form with your camera details and a description of the issue.
- We'll follow up by email to confirm the service and walk you through the next steps.
- Ship your camera to us — no booking fee, and we'll notify you the moment it arrives.
- We inspect the camera and send you a full quote before any work begins.
- Once you approve and pay the invoice, your camera enters our repair queue.
- We complete the service, thoroughly test the camera, and notify you when it's ready.
- Your camera is carefully packaged and shipped back to you.
- No work is carried out until the quote is approved and payment is received.
- Turnaround is typically 2–4 weeks from the date of payment.
What Bolex models do you repair?
All major H16 models, including Rex-1 through Rex-5, EBM, EL, SBM, H16 M, and non-reflex variants. Select H8 models also accepted — contact us to confirm.
What is a CLA and does my camera need one?
CLA stands for Clean, Lube & Adjust — the standard preventative maintenance for mechanical cameras. If your Bolex hasn't been serviced in a while or you're noticing any issues, it's time to have it serviced.
How much does a CLA cost?
CLA is currently $750. That does not include parts if needed.
How much DO YOU CHARGE TO REPAIR A BOLEX?
Servicing starts at $149. Every camera gets a full inspection before we quote — you'll receive a detailed breakdown of exactly what's needed and why before we touch anything. No surprises, no work without your approval. Quotes are valid for 30 days. If anything unexpected comes up during the repair, we'll stop and let you know before going further. You're always in control of what gets done.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Turnaround is typically 2-4 weeks from the date payment is received. Bolex cameras are complex instruments, and we don't rush the work — some repairs take longer depending on parts availability or what we find during the inspection. We'll keep you in the loop throughout. Rush service may be available — mention your deadline when you reach out.
Does my repair come with a warranty?
Every camera is tested and inspected before it leaves our bench. All repairs come with a 30-day functional warranty covering the specific work performed — if something isn't performing as it should, get in touch, and we'll make it right. The warranty covers labor only and applies to the services agreed upon in your invoice. It doesn't cover damage from drops, moisture, misuse, improper voltage, or normal wear and tear. Shipping costs and any additional parts required for a warranty repair are the customer's responsibility.
Do you offer mail-in repair?
Yes. We accept mail-in repairs from across the United States. Contact us first — we'll confirm we can service your camera and send packing instructions.
Where are you located?
Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA. By appointment only. Please call (213) 444-2422 or email to schedule.
Get In TouchEmail
Book A Repair Estimate
Phone
(213) 444-2422
info@highlinecamerarentals.com
Location
2832 N Vermont Ave, Los Feliz, CA 90027
Hours
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To request a repair estimate, please call (213) 444-2422 or email info@highlinecamerarentals.com with your Bolex model and a description of the issue. We respond within 1–2 business days. All visits by appointment only.
GET IN TOUCH
Service request
PHONE
(213) 444-2422LOCATION
Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA 90027
HOURS
By Appointment Only — Mon–Fri, 10am–3pm
Mail-in available. Please contact us before shipping. We'll confirm compatibility and send packing instructions. Cameras shipped without prior contact may be returned unserviced.
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