After various prototypes and a limited series of movie cameras and projectors, Paillard S.A., of Switzerland introduced the first Bolex H-16 type camera in the early thirties. It is not known what the letter "H" stands for, but it has become synonymous with versatile, compact, high-quality cameras. The Bolex outsold all other 16mm. cameras ever made.

Paillard first introduced this new type of camera in 1970 which had a heavy duty single bayonet mount for positive attachment of heavy telephoto and zoom lenses, instead of a a three-mount lens turret