Looks like Old Fast Glass and their manufacturing division, OFG Customs, are making existing cameras even better...again!
Pre-NAB 2024, Old Fast Glass announced a custom modified Fuji GFX100II, complete with power options and an onboard raw recorder.
Old Fast Glass Custom 65 camera based on the Fuji GFX100II
It looks like they are back with yet another cool innovation, this time with their Bolex modifications. These include an HD Video Tap, Battery Plate, RS Hand Grip, and custom cage pieces. The photos reveal a battery plate and PL mount, complete with iris rods, a full FIZ motor setup, and a video viewfinder. This is quite the upgrade for any serious cinematographer.
Currently, the mods are designed for the ECM motorized model Bolex, but the post mentions that other versions are in the pipeline. This suggests there will be more exciting updates to come for other models. As an owner of an SBM model that was modified to the ultra 16 format, I’m particularly interested in how these new modifications will perform and enhance the capabilities of vintage cameras. I’ll be watching the progress on these modifications closely and can’t wait to see what OFG Customs comes up with next. Their commitment to innovation and quality is certainly making waves in the camera community. I personally have a SBM model Bolex which I've had converted to the ultra 16 format. For those of you wondering what the ultra 16 format is, here is a great write up on it by Noam Kroll: https://noamkroll.com/super-16mm-vs-ultra-16mm-why-im-converting-my-arri-sr-ii-to-ultra/.
There are also a few companies out there offering services to modify the Bolex to the more popular and scannable Super 16 format.
The new Bolex form Old fast Glass modifications can be found individually on the OFG Customs site, although they do not seem to be available through the website just yet and the company has asked for interested parties to email them for information. Here's a blub from their about page:
"OFG Customs is the design and product development branch of Old Fast Glass. Over the past few years we have created custom accessories based on the needs of our clients. The products were developed internally for our rental inventory. However, due to overwhelming interest and demand from other rental houses and cinematographers, we decided to make some of our custom equipment available for purchase.
Our first products will be available soon, and we have others in development now. Sales are not currently available through our website. Please email us directly if you have questions about pricing or availability"
Old fast glass is based in Los Angeles California and specializes in you guessed it...the modification and rehousing of vintage lenses, though mostly a rental facility they appear to be dabbling in camera and lens modifications for sale.
Here is some info from their website: "Old Fast Glass is a Los Angeles based rental house, specializing in high-end digital cinema cameras, as well as 35mm, 16mm, and 8mm film cameras, cinema lenses, and a huge selection of professional camera accessories. We have a 12,000 square foot facility complete with many spacious prep bays, private prep bays, 2 lens test studios, and a friendly staff ready to help you select the right gear for your shoot, as well as assist you with your camera prep."
You may also remember OFG from their incredibly details "Ultimate lens tests" which are a free resource online. OFG has partnered with ShareGrid to do these tests and get the information out there. You can find ShareGird's website here https://www.sharegrid.com/learn/. I know I've used the online tests more than once to determine a starting point for projects before asking a rental house what I'd like to test in person.
Here are a few more photos of the modified Bolex from their Instagram post:
Exciting times and another marker of how film is still alive and making a resurgence! We look forward to updates on the modifications.
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