Camex Reflex 8 Pierre Angenieux Zoom Type K3 (~9–36 mm f/1.8)
CHF 480.00
The Camex Reflex 8 "Cellule Reflex" is one of the most sophisticated French double-8 cine cameras of the late 1950s, manufactured in France and occupying a prestige tier equivalent to the Bolex H8 Reflex in the Swiss market. The "Cellule Reflex" designation denotes the TTL (through-the-lens) reflex viewing system with built-in CdS or selenium exposure cell — a genuine rarity for the format at the time of introduction. The camera's body carries the elegant Art Déco-inflected nameplate on the film door, the spring-motor wind is housed in the right-hand grip area, and the control layout — including a multi-speed selector calibrated from 8 to 32 fps, a variable shutter-speed disc, a footage counter, and a frame-counter — speaks to the semi-professional ambitions of its designers.
The lens fitted here is a Pierre Angenieux "Zoom Type K3," a 4× zoom optic made in Paris and widely regarded as one of the finest cine zoom lenses ever produced for the 8mm format. Angenieux's reputation — built on supplying optics to NASA, Kubrick's production team, and the French New Wave — lends immediate collector cachet to any camera bearing this name. The Type K3 designation typically covers a 9–36 mm zoom range at a maximum aperture of f/1.8, with silky-smooth focus and zoom rings engraved in the French style. The inscription "Lens made in France" is legible on the barrel, and an inventory label "40/12" suggests prior institutional or rental-house use — a detail that, while minor, hints at a professional pedigree.
From a collector's standpoint this ensemble — Camex Reflex 8 body plus Angenieux Type K3 zoom — is significantly more desirable than the same camera fitted with a fixed prime. The combination appeals equally to the vintage cine collector and to the contemporary filmmaker working with regular-8 film stocks (Kodak Vision3 50D slit to double-8 is now commercially available). The body serial number 54609, visible on the side plate, allows approximate production dating to the late 1950s or early 1960s. Condition is honest VG with no structural damage, making it a strong display or potentially working piece once properly serviced.
Material: Die-cast aluminium body with grey crinkle-lacquer finish, chrome-plated controls and trim, rubber eyecup, chrome and aluminium lens barrel
The lens fitted here is a Pierre Angenieux "Zoom Type K3," a 4× zoom optic made in Paris and widely regarded as one of the finest cine zoom lenses ever produced for the 8mm format. Angenieux's reputation — built on supplying optics to NASA, Kubrick's production team, and the French New Wave — lends immediate collector cachet to any camera bearing this name. The Type K3 designation typically covers a 9–36 mm zoom range at a maximum aperture of f/1.8, with silky-smooth focus and zoom rings engraved in the French style. The inscription "Lens made in France" is legible on the barrel, and an inventory label "40/12" suggests prior institutional or rental-house use — a detail that, while minor, hints at a professional pedigree.
From a collector's standpoint this ensemble — Camex Reflex 8 body plus Angenieux Type K3 zoom — is significantly more desirable than the same camera fitted with a fixed prime. The combination appeals equally to the vintage cine collector and to the contemporary filmmaker working with regular-8 film stocks (Kodak Vision3 50D slit to double-8 is now commercially available). The body serial number 54609, visible on the side plate, allows approximate production dating to the late 1950s or early 1960s. Condition is honest VG with no structural damage, making it a strong display or potentially working piece once properly serviced.
Material: Die-cast aluminium body with grey crinkle-lacquer finish, chrome-plated controls and trim, rubber eyecup, chrome and aluminium lens barrel
Condition notes
Overall condition grades VG to VG+. The grey crinkle body finish shows age-appropriate patina and light soiling consistent with decades of storage rather than heavy use — no deep dents or cracks visible. Chrome trim retains good lustre with only minor oxidation on the carry-handle clips and one protruding sync/accessory post. The Angenieux zoom lens carries a small paper or adhesive label on the front barrel (marked
camex
camex reflex 8
cellule reflex
angenieux
angenieux zoom
type k3
double-8
8mm cine