Balda Baldessa 1a (~1958)

Balda Baldessa 1a (~1958)

#458

Gentilmente oferecida pelo Daniel. Muito obrigado!

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The Baldessa is a range of modestly priced 35mm viewfinder and rangefinder cameras produced by Balda in Germany from c.1957 to the late 1960s.

Baldessas have an unusual folding film advance key in the base - requiring a 180° turn, along with a spring-out rewind crank. On the simpler models, this along with the front-mounted shutter release and the frame counter to the left of the viewfinder ocular leaves the top plate empty except for the accessory shoe. Early models have a removable back; later examples are hinged.

Source: Camera-wiki.org

The Balda Baldessa Ia (or Balda Baldessa 1a) is a 35mm rangefinder camera introduced by Balda Kamera-Werk in 1958, about ten years after founder Max Baldeweg fled Socialist Dresden to reestablish his company in the soon-to-be West German city of B ünde. The Baldessa Ia and its sister model the Ib are basically identical to the original Baldessa I with the addition of a coupled rangefinder. The Baldessa Ib then went a step further by also including a built-in light meter.

Source: vintagecameralab.com



Specifications

he Baldessa 1a was introduced in 1958, and adds a coupled rangefinder to the Baldessa I design. It was available with a Color-Westanar or Baldanar 45/2.8 lens in a Prontor-SVS shutter.

Source: Camera-wiki.org

I love unusual cameras and am happy to say that the Baldessa Ia boasts a number of peculiar design choices. First off, the Baldessa Ia’s top plate is completely barren apart from the cold shoe. Instead, the shutter button (which has a threaded socket for a cable release on its underside) is adjacent to the Baldanar 45mm f/2.8 lens on the front of the camera. Both shutter speed and aperture control rings are on the lens barrel as expected but a black tab has to be pushed in for either of them to move. Most cameras are focused via a ring on the lens barrel but the Baldessa Ia’s designers decided to use a wheel embedded into the body above the shutter button instead. Also on the front are a flash sync socket just off the lens barrel at five o’clock and an accompanying flash mode selector on the lens barrel at nine.

As we move to the camera’s bottom plate, we encounter more eccentricities. The tiny “kickstand” which allows the camera to balance on a flat surface can also be shifted to the “R” position to release the comma-shaped film rewinding lever. Opposite the rewind mechanism is a winding key which, when unfolded, reveals an automatic film counter while advancing the frame with every half turn. In the middle of it all is a tripod socket which also houses a film speed indicator. Last but not least on the list of oddities are the two silver buttons on the user’s right-hand side which can be simultaneously depressed to open the back of the camera.

Source: vintagecameralab.com


Model

Serial number 097513


Reference sites

Camera-wiki.org

vintagecameralab.com


Manual

Balda Baldessa Manual in english

Film

35mm film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

SC-911 Camera

 

SC-911

#457

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

A cheap plastic camera sold in Portugal, with a Portuguese instruction leaflet.

Source:


Specifications

35mm film

35mm focus freen lens

Source:


Model

No serial number. 911-03-2 engraved in the interior.

Reference sites


Manual

Film

35 mm film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Voigtlander Vito B (1954-1960)

Voigtlander Vito B (1954-1960)

#456

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The Vito B is an attractive and compact 35mm viewfinder made by Voigtländer and produced between 1954-60. It has the fine Color-Skopar 50mm f/3.5 or f/2.8 lens (a four element Tessar-type) in a 4-speed Pronto or 8-speed Prontor shutter.

The Vito B was equipped with either a 4-speed Pronto (B, 1/25th, 1/50th, 1/100th, and 1/200th sec) or 8-speed (B, 1, 1/2, 1/5th, 1/10th, 1/25th, 1/50th, 1/100th, and 1/300th sec) Prontor SVS shutter, the 4-speed shutter being discontinued in 1957. The shutter is cocked by the film engaging a sprocket wheel, preventing double exposure, and so will not cock if there is not a film present; this has led some to mistakenly diagnose the shutter of a working Vito B as broken.

The self-timer mechanism can be engaged by moving the synchronising lever to the V (green) position; however, given the age of the camera and the weak governing spring, using this feature is discouraged, as it can cause the camera to stop working.

The Vito B's body is compact and rounded, a look characterised as "cute". It has some nice features including a hinged baseplate for easy loading (which also releases the back) and a milled film counter that counts down rather than up.

The Vito B body existed in two versions, the first one (1954-57) had a small viewfinder and low profile top plate. The later version (1957-60) had a larger bright-frame viewfinder; while brighter and more useful than the original Vito B's viewfinder, some enthusiasts feel that this spoiled the appearance of the camera.

Source: Camerapedia

Small, sweet little scale-focus classic from Voigtlander. One of those cameras that you really need to hold in your hot little hand to appreciate. My sample is the ‘budget’ version, with 4-speed Pronto shutter instead of the better Prontor-SVS shutter. A later model (BS) has an oversized viewfinder that while more practical, in my opinion throws off the ‘look’ of this sleek little package.

The Vito B sports the same semi-legendary Color-Skopar found on the everpopular Vito II and other Voigtlander classics. It is a sharp Tessar style lens, occasionally found in the faster 50/2.8 configuration. f8 and better is quite impressive. The shutter is very smooth and silent even in this model, and with the scale focus this becomes a great stealth camera.

Notable features: manual frame counter setting, the counter is subtractive (counts backward) so after loading set it to the number of exposures and let it count down to zero. Also the shutter is locked until you put a film in the camera, sometimes that will allow you to get a seemingly ‘broken’ one as a bargain.

Source: mattsclassiccameras.com

Specifications

Embossing on the top plate: Vito B

Lens:Color-Skopar 50mm f/3.5 filter slip-on

Aperture: f/3.5-f/22 setting: ring and scale on the lens, turns with the speed ring, according to Light Values 2-18, separate setting possible by a knob on the lens

Focus range: 1-20m + inf

Focusing: manual front element focusing, guess the distance

Shutter: Prontor-SVS leaf shutter, speeds: 1-1/300 +B. The shutter is cocked by the film engaging sprocket wheel, preventing double exposure, so will not cock if there is not a film in the camera. This has led some to mistakenly diagnose the shutter of a working Vito B as broken.

Setting : ring and scale on the lens, turns with the aperture ring, according to Light Values 2-18, separate setting possible by a knob on the lens

Shutter release: on the top plate, w/cable release socket

Cocking lever: long stroke, on the back of the camera

Frame counter: manual reset by milled film counter reseting ring on the front of the bottom plate, counts down, counter window at the center front of the top plate

Viewfinder: large 1/1 size crystal bright-frame viewfinder on tall housing

Re-wind knob: on the left of the top plate, a pop-up knob by a small lever on left side of the camera

Re-wind release: unlocks when the re-wind knob pops-up

Flash PC socket: on the left of the lens flange

Flash sync: X and M, sets by a lever on the left of the lens flange

Cold-shoe

Self-timer: set the synchronising lever to the V (green)

Back cover: hinged, a part of the bottom plate folds open to facilitate the exchange of the film cartridge as well as to open the camera's back door

Tripod socket: 1/4" (actually a 3/8" socket with a pre-installed 1/4" adapter)

Strap knobs

Body: metal; Weight: 610g

Source: Camerapedia


Model

Probably later version (1957-1960)

No serial number


Reference sites

Camerapedia

mattsclassiccameras.com

Manual

English manual

Film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Yashica Mimy (1963)

Yashica Mimy (1963)

#455

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The cute little Mimy was the most basic of several half-frame Yashica models. Half-frame cameras (18x24mm, half the size of the 35mm format but using the same film) had a brief spell of popularity in the mid 1960s; other examples on this site are the Canon Demi and Minolta Repo. The Mimy was essentially a dressed-down version of the Yashica 72-E (see below). Like the 72-E it was a viewfinder camera but with fixed focus and without manual exposure controls. Due to the short focal length of the lens (28mm, equivalent to about 40mm on full frame) the depth of field was relatively large, which was why Yashica could get away with a fixed focus lens. The focus distance was set at 3m, so one needed to stop down to at least f/11 to get infinity focus. Thus, this camera was more practical for street photography.

The Mimy was equipped with auto exposure: upon pushing the release button half-way down the bottom left corner of the viewfinder frame would change from red to yellow if light was sufficient. The camera could also run in aperture-priority mode, although it appears this was mainly meant to be used with flash, as the lightmeter window did not clearly indicate if the exposure was fine. Film was advanced by means of a small thumb wheel at the bottom of the camera. The Mimy was succeeded by the Mimy-S, which had a redesigned viewfinder area and a lens that could be focussed.

Source: cjs-classic-cameras.co.uk

The Yashica Mimy is a lovely half-frame 35mm camera from the early 1960s. The half-frame picture format is 18×24 mm rather than the 24x36mm of standard 35mm. This means that you get double the amount of shots out of a standard film roll (48 photos out of a 24-exposure roll or 72 out of a 36-exposure roll); this of course means your photos will have more noticable film grain. 

This camera has a fully automatic exposure mode powered by a selenium cell (no battery required). In addition, you can manually pick an f-stop (use this mode for flash photography). The lens is a nice fixed focus Yashinon 28mm f2.8; At f.28, everything from 2.39m-4m will be in focus; by f11 everything from 1.5m to infinity will be in focus (see the manual linked below for a full depth of field chart). 

Source: newwavepool.shop


Specifications

Country : Japan
Year : 1963
Type : 35 MM HALF FRAME
Format : 18 X 24 mm
Lens : Yashinon 2.8 / 28 mm
Shutter : Automatic
Support : Film 35 mm

Source: appaphot.be


Model

Serial number ME 3091796


Reference sites

appaphot.be

cjs-classic-cameras.co.uk

newwavepool.shop


Manual

English manual

Film

35mm film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Agfa Autostar X-126 (1972)

Agfa Autostar X-126 (1972)

#454

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The Agfa Autostar X-126 was a plastic viewfinder camera for 126 (Kodapak) film cartridges. It had a fake meter window.

Source: Camerapedia


Specifications

Type: viewfinder camera

Manufacturer: Agfa plant in Brazil

Year of launch: 1972

Film: type 126 cartridge for 28×28mm exposures

Lens: 1:12/42mm, fixed focus

Viewfinder: Galilean optical finder

Flash: X-flashcubes

Source: Camerapedia


Model

Serial number


Reference sites

Camerapedia


Manual

English manual

Film

Pictures taken with this machine

Videos

Halina 1600 (~1990)

Halina 1600 (~1990)

#453

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

W. Haking Enterprises Ltd. is a camera and binocular maker based in British Hong Kong. It was founded by Dr. Haking Wong (1906-1996) and Dr. Pauline Chan in 1956. In 2002 the company was taken over by Dr. Tony Chak-Leung Tai & Dr. Tai-Chin Lo and built a new factory in Xinhui (Guangdong).

Its camera products of the brands Halina and Ansco are distributed nowadays in the UK, Ireland, the Middle East and Africa by a company named Halina Imaging, that belongs to the British photographic distribution company SPS Logistics.

Older cameras of Haking are marked as "Empire made"

Source: camerapedia


Specifications

The Halina 1600 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera is a simple to use and maintain. Simply load 2x AAA batteries and a roll of your favourite 35mm film to operate. This camera features a bright flash, electronic winder and manual rewind lever. This camera features a sharp lens with a choice of ISO settings, giving you shooting options when using different films. This little camera is a gem and its certainly fun to use!

This camera is great for travel, lifestyle and parties and is extremely light weight. 

Features:

Easy to use and maintain

Bright flash and sharp lens

Ideal if you are new to film photography 

Great fun to use 

Source: f16camerastore.co.uk


Model

"126B" written in the interior.


Reference sites

camerapedia

f16camerastore.co.uk


Manual


Batteries

2 AAA batteries

Film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Polo FMD System Motor Drive (~1990)

Polo FMD System Motor Drive (~1990)

#452

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

This article refers to a series of cheap plastic 35mm cameras, sold under a bewildering number of names and styling variations, designed to deceive the shopper. They are often seen advertised on auction sites at ridiculously high prices, sometimes as an outfit including an equally cheaply-made tripod and carrying case. They have been attributed to the Ouyama company based in Taiwan, and are manufactured in China.
Most shameless is the variety of names under which the camera is sold. "Olympia" is intended to sound vaguely like Olympus; "Nikai" or "Nokina" like Nikon; and "Tashika" like Yashica. Many others simply use counterfeit Canon (or "Canomatic") labeling—right down to the stylized font used for the name. Other names that have also been observed include Ouyama, Mitsuba, Panoramic, Sonaki, Elco, Ultima, Rokinon, Akira, Cyber 2002, Nikkei, Minotar, Panasound and even Sony. There are undoubtedly others.
An oddity of many of these models is the inclusion of a brilliant finder within the top housing (where a real SLR would have a pentaprism). As there is no focusing adjustment possible, this is simply a stylistic flourish; and recent models seem to omit it. The camera kit may also include a separate "potato masher"-styled electronic flash: Impressive-looking, but equally shoddy in its construction.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Specifications

Elaborate styling that superficially resembles an SLR, a metal weight in the base to conceal the all-plastic construction, and (typically) a battery-driven film advance (sometimes labeled as "Full Motor Drive") - all distract the buyer from noticing that these are basically trashcams. They have fixed focus, poor-quality "optical" lenses; and while the aperture may be adjusted from (nominally) f/6.3 to f/16, there is a single, non-adjustable shutter speed. The apparently large lens diameter is mostly a dummy clear plastic cover; the actual optics are much smaller and recessed into the plastic barrel.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Model


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

CollectiBlend

Manual


Batteries


Film

35mm film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Franka Solida II (~1954)

Franka Solida II (~1954)

#451

Câmara gentilmente oferecida por Adília Silva. Muito obrigado!

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The Franka Solida is a 6×6 folding camera released in 1936. There are different versions of the Franka Solida, called Solida I, Solida II, Solida III, Solida Junior and Solida Record. The Solida III is a vertical folding camera, the other Solida-Versions are horizontal folders. Some prewar Solidas used the 4.5x6cm format. There are also cameras with uncoupled rangefinder and uncoupled lightmeter (IIE, IIL, IIIE, IIIL) and one version with both meters (IIIEL) . The Solida were produced till 1962. Franka also built in 1957 a camera with the name Solida 35, a rare 35mm camera with interchangeable lenses.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Specifications

Most frequently found with 75/3.5 Ennagon lens on Pronto or Prontor-S shutters, with 4 or 5 speeds. Las units made by the end of the 60s were fitted with Jsco Westar lenses made by Schneider-Kreuznach.

Source: jnoir.eu


Model

Ennagon lens on Prontor-SVS shutter


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

jnoir.eu


Manual

English manual



Film

120 film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

No.1 Pocket Kodak (1926-1932)

No.1 Pocket Kodak (1926-1932)

#450

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The No.1 Pocket Kodak is designed to take Kodak’s then-popular but ultimately short-lived autographic film which allows you to use the camera’s metal stylus (which is usually found attached to the brackets just next to the shutter lever but is missing from mine) to record information about the photograph you just took by opening the squat T-shaped window on the rear panel of the camera and writing directly onto the margin of the negative via carbon transfer paper. Regular 120 film also works, of course.

Source: vintagecameralab.com

The Kodak No. 1 Pocket Autographic was produced in 1926.  There are a few different variants of the same model of the camera that year depending on where it was sold, but the main differences were limited to slightly different front plates.

This wonderfully ornate folding art deco styled camera shoots 6×9 photos on 120 film.  Originally designed for the Autographic film, it is great in that it was in a size currently still produced.  The whole camera folds into a flat shape which would have fit into a large overcoat pocket, thus its name, which is achieved by using bellows to extend the lens.

It has an achromatic meniscus lens with four aperture settings marked 1,2,3 and 4. Not initially clear what they relate to in real aperture values but I measured it by comparing to another lens and it seems to be roughly f/4 (looks slightly bigger), f/5.6, f/8, and f/11.  The shutter is a Kodex in-lens and has four speed settings; 1/50, 1/25, Bulb and Time.

The viewfinder is on a hinge and can be positioned for both portrait and landscape modes.  Focus is achieved through a worm screw which you wind on the right-hand side, it has markings for both metres and feet.  It is an estimation of-course.  The lid has a great art deco styled kick stand and one of the two tripod sockets.  The other socket is near the right hand side at the bottom of the camera in landscape orientation.

Loading film into the camera required removing the main body of the camera from the outer shell and is then a matter of putting the film spool on one side and the take up spool on the side with the half circle wind-on key.  Once the camera is back into the shell, you wind on until you see the numbers in the little red window.  There is no double exposure lock, or automatic winding positioning, you need to line up the number of next frame manually.

Of-course one of the key features of the camera is the Autographic facility.  Firstly, there is a window at the back, positioned perfectly to have the writing come out on the frame of the picture.  Then there is beautifully decorated stylus, which usually sits on the side of the lens when not in use.

Source: photothinking.com

The No. 1 Pocket Kodak was made in USA from 1926 to 1932 (in UK from 1929-1933)[1] and took 6×9cm exposures on 120 rollfilm.

Source: camera-wiki.org

Specifications

The camera uses a achromatic meniscus lens with a maximum aperture of f/6.3 and a Kodex shutter with four speeds: time, bulb, 1/25, and 1/50. A rotating waist-level viewfinder can be found diagonal from the lens and focusing is achieved via worm screw on the user’s right side of the front panel with a focus distance scale on the left. The Pocket Kodak also features two tripod sockets: one just behind the worm screw for portraits and one on other side of the winding key for landscapes.

Source: vintagecameralab.com

In USA in 1929-31 as well as black it came in four colors: blue, brown, grey and green. These have the Kodar f7.9 111mm lens in a Kodex shutter.

All have the Autographic feature. Other lenses were the Kodak Anastigmat f6.3 and Kodak Anastigmat f7.7.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Model

Serial number 27449


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

photothinking.com

vintagecameralab.com


Manual

English manual

Film

120 film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Vredeborch Felica (1954-1955)

Vredeborch Felica (1954-1955)

#449

This photo is from the copy I own

Máquina gentilmente oferecida por José Paulo Costa.


History and technical features 

Felita is a medium format film viewfinder like box camera made by Vredeborch GmbH, Nordenham, Germany and introduced in 1955.
It is similar as Vredeborch Felica but with metal body. It uses roll 120 film for 6x6cm frames. It has a 60mm f/8 meniscus lens, zone focus and a central, Guillotine type shutter with two speeds, 1/25 and 1/50 +B. It was offered black and grey coverings. There is a rare version with red covering also.

Source: camerapedia

The Vredeborch Felica is a simple camera for 6x6 exposures on 120 film, made by the German firm Vredeborch. It is a modest step upwards from the most basic box camera, with scale focusing by twisting the front ring of the lens; two shutter speeds; aperture settings "sunny" or "cloudy"; and a yellow filter to enhance clouds in black & white photos. The series began with the Felita of 1955 and continued with the Felica Duo and Stafetta Duo, variations that offered a second 6x4.5cm image-format option.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Specifications

Type: viewfinder camera
Manufacturer: Vredeborch
Year of launch: 1954 or 1955
Film: type 120 film rolls
Lens: 60mm
Shutter: guillotine-type, flash synchronized, with speeds 1/25 sec., 1/50 sec. and B
Aperture: f8 or f16
Viewfinder: optical, Albada type
Format: 6x6 cm negative

Source: camera-wiki.org

Film: 120 roll, picture size 6x6cm
Lens: meniscus lens 60mm f/8, filter slip-on
Built-in yellow filter, sets with a lever on the lens-shutter barrel
Aperture: two apertures, sunny (f/16) and cloudy (f/8)
Setting: lever and symbols on the lens-shutter barrel
Focus range: 1.5-8m +inf
Focusing: manual front element focusing with three settings: 1.5-3m, 3-8m and 8m-inf
Shutter: central, Guillotine type with two speeds, 1/25 and 1/50 +B; setting: lever and scale on the lens-shutter barrel
Cocking and Shutter release: by the same knob, on the top plate
Viewfinder: reverse telescopic finder
Flash PC socket: on the lens-shutter barrel
Cold-shoe
Self-timer: none
Back cover: removable with bottom and sides of the front plate, opens by a latch on the bottom plate, then slide the front plate; w/ red window
The back cover is bent to compensate for the distortion of the lens
Tripod socket: 3/8"
Hand grip
Body: plastic; Weight: 257g

Source: camerapedia.fandom.com


Model

Serial number O/ 00762


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

camerapedia


Manual

English manual


Film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Pentax ME Super (1980-1986)

Pentax ME Super (1980-1986)

#448

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

In 1977, Pentax had introduced two compact 35mm SLRs, the MX and the ME, after the Olympus OM-1 presented in 1972 had introduced a new trend for compactness in SLR cameras.

The Pentax ME was the automatic model, but it had no manual mode. It was replaced in 1979 by the simpler MV and the more advanced ME Super, which was the smallest and lightest SLR (440g) available, with the following changes:

• manual mode added
• shutter speed range from 4s to 1/2000, sync at 1/125
• additional shoe contact for dedicated Pentax flash units
• different finder magnification
• The marking "ASAHI" in the pentaprism housing was eliminated sometime between the ME and the ME Super

The Pentax ME Super was an aperture priority automatic camera, with an electronic focal plane shutter from 4s to 1/2000, flash synchronized at 1/125. The camera also shoots manually (no battery) at the 1/125 flash speed. The shutter curtains were metal and had a vertical movement. For manual mode, the customary shutter knob was replaced by two buttons, up and down, to select the shutter speed. The exposure meter was of the standard TTL open aperture center weighted type. It was activated by a slight pressure on the release button.

The Pentax ME Super had a 0.95x viewfinder, covering 92% of the field. The finder screen was fixed, with a split image and a microprism ring in the center. The shutter speed chosen by the camera or the user was displayed in the finder, the aperture was not.

There was a self-timer and a hot shoe on the top of the prism with an additional contact for dedicated Pentax flash units. The selector around the release button had five positions: L (lock), Auto, M (manual), 125 and B. The Pentax ME Super could attach the external winder ME (1.5 i/s) or the later Winder ME II (2i/s). The Pentax ME Super could also mount a Dial Data ME databack, or the later Digital Data M databack via a cord adapter.

The lenses were interchangeable with the K bayonet mount. Together with the ME and MX, the SMC Pentax-M series of compact lenses were introduced.

The Pentax ME Super existed in chrome or black finish. There was a special edition called ME Super SE, only sold in chrome finish; the differences are the SE marking and the diagonal instead of horizontal split-image device in the focusing screen.

A derivative with a primitive autofocus mechanism, called the Pentax ME-F, was released in 1981. Production of the ME Super stopped in 1986.

Source: camerapedia


Specifications

Maker: Pentax
Dates: 1980-1986
Variants: chrome, black, SE
Lens mount: Pentax K with fully automatic diaphragm linkage
Shutter type: SEIKO MFC-E2 electronic focal plane, vertical, metal
Min. shutter speed: 4s
Max. shutter speed: 1/2000
Exposure meter: TTL, open aperture, center weighted by GPD cells. EV 1-19
Exposure modes: aperture priority, manual, 125 mechanical, Bulb
ASA/ISO range: 12 to 1600 ISO
Finder screen: fixed split-screen
Shoe: fixed hot shoe, contact for dedicated flash
X sync speed: 1/125
TTL Flash: no
Motor drive: external Winder ME (1.5i/s) or Winder ME II (2i/s)
Battery: 2 × 1.5V (SR44, LR44 or equivalent)
Weight: 445g w/o lens
Number produced: unknown

Source: camerapedia


Model

Serial number 2043604


Reference sites

camerapedia


Manual

English manual


Batteries

2 LR44 batteries

Film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Canon AT-1 (1976 - ~)

Canon AT-1 (1976 - ~)

#447

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The AE-1 with shutter speed-priority AE and TTL metering became wildly popular in Japan and overseas.

However in a few overseas markets, the AE-1 had a high price tag. There were also many users who still preferred manual metering. In response to these people, the AT-1 was developed. It had the same body as the AE-1. It featured match-needle metering and TTL centerweighted averaging metering with CdS photocell. The camera could use the same accessories as the AE-1.

Source: Canon Camera Museum

Canon introduced the AT-1 in late 1976, about eight months after the immensely popular AE-1 made its debut. Both SLRs utilize the FD lens mount.

While outwardly the two models are near-twins, and share many accessories, the AT-1 was an export-only model offering cost-conscious buyers a cheaper alternative. Where the AE-1 offers shutter-priority autoexposure, the AT-1 is a pure match-needle, manual-exposure camera. Its viewfinder display is a simplified throwback to earlier match-needle SLRs: an analog needle floats to reflect a TTL reading of the scene brightness; and the user adjusts either aperture or shutter speed until the EV "lolipop" aligns with the needle position. There is no indication of either the selected aperture or shutter speed in the viewfinder.

Despite these appearances, the AT-1 is not a full-blown retro mechanical SLR: it is based on the innovative cost-cutting electronics of the AE-1. The shutter is electronically timed and entirely dependent on battery power. A 10 second self-timer with blinking LED indicator is activated by rotating a tab alongside the shutter release to its forward position. (Rather illogically, returning the tab to its normal position does not cancel the self-timer; instead it fires the shutter immediately.)

While never selling in the same numbers as the AE-1 or AE-1P, today an AT-1 offers photographers access to numerous inexpensive, used FD-mount lenses, in a body free from extraneous bells and whistles.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Specifications

Type: 35mm focal-plane shutter SLR camera
Picture Size: 24 x 36 mm
Normal Lens: Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 SC
Lens Mount: FD mount
Shutter: Four-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. X, B, 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 sec. All speeds controlled electronically. Built-in self-timer (with blinking LED).
Flash Sync: X-sync automatic-switching sync contacts with German socket and hot shoe.
Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level pentaprism. 0.82x magnification, 93.5% vertical coverage, 96.3% horizontal coverage. Split-image rangefinder encircled by microprism rangefinder at center of fresnel matte screen. Metering match needle, overexposure warning (also battery check indicator), and underexposure warning provided.
Exposure Control:  CdS cell for TTL full-aperture, match-needle centerweighted averaging metering. Metering range at ISO 100 and f/1.8 lens: EV 3 – 17. Film speed range from ISO 25 to 3200.
Power Source: One 4G-13 6 V mercury oxide battery or 4LR44 alkaline battery
Film Loading & Advance: Slotted take-up spool. Advances with camera-top lever’s 120 stroke (partial strokes enabled). Ready position at 30.
Frame Counter: Counts up. Resets automatically when camera back is opened.
Film Rewind: Camera-top crank
Dimensions & Weight: 141 x 87 x 48 mm, 590 g

Source: Canon Camera Museum


Model

Serial number 570051


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

Canon Camera Museum


Manual

English manual

English booklet


Batteries

V28 PX 6V battery

Film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Diana F+ with flash (Lomography edition) (2007-)

Diana F+ (Lomography edition)

#446

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

Manufactured since 2007, the Diana+ is a replica camera produced by Lomography in an attempt rekindle people's love for the original Diana of the 1960s - a "toy camera" produced by the Great Wall Plastic Co.

The radiant color-dripping lens, soft-focus surprises, all-plastic body and simple shutter of the original Diana were expertly duplicated to provide the authentic look and feel for the Diana+. During development, the decision was made to add new features, namely pinhole photography facilities and the option for endless panorama shots. Keeping the same 75mm plastic lens design, this has two formats, the original 16 frame 4.2x4.2cm, and a 12-frames-per-film 5.2x5.2cm, and also adds a tripod socket and shutter lock. Many accessories have been produced for the new Diana, including an instant-film back, a pinhole lens, a hot shoe and lens converters for Close-Ups, 20mm Fisheye, 38mm Super-Wide, 55mm Wide-Angle and 110mm Telephoto.

There are several special editions, in various colours, some to commemorate events or tie-ins with particular retailers; these include:

Black Jack (all black)
Edelweiss (all white)
Glow (glows green in the dark)
Hong Meow (black and white with panda logo on winding knob)
Meg (red and white, White Stripes edition)
Parisian
Dreamer
Aviator
Take My Heart
Tori (limited edition Tori Amos version)
Lomography World Congress Edition 2007
CMYK
Scarecrow
El Toro
Tokyo World Tour Edition
Chromiac
MoMa
Qing Hua
Rudolf

Lomography have also created the Diana F+ which offers a similar specification to the Diana+, but features a replication of the original Diana Flash. The flash face is cast in reflective silver, and it syncs with the Diana F+ via a traditional metal plug connection.

Source: camerapedia


Specifications

Two Shutter Speeds
Two Image Sizes
Multiple and Partial Exposures
Pinhole Function
Endless Panorama
Shutter Lock and Tripod Thread
2 Year International Warranty

Film format: 120
Size: 5" x 3.75" x 3" (12.5cm x 9.5cm x 7.6cm)
Variable shutter (Daytime & "B" for unlimited long exposures)
12-shot (5.2x5.2cm), 16-shot (4.2x4.2cm), and endless Panorama (4.6x4.6cm) formats
Removable lens for super-wide-angle pinhole shots
Includes the Diana F+ Flash with color gel filters

Source: lomography.com


Model


Reference sites

camerapedia

lomography.com

Manual

Manual in english, part one

Manual in english, parte two


Film


Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Zeiss Ikon Contina III (1955-1958)

Zeiss Ikon Contina III (1955-1958)

#445

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

During WWII Hubert Nerwin thought about a new 35mm folder. The results of his thoughts were developed after the war to Zeiss Ikon's first completely new postwar product, made since 1948 as Ikonta 522/24. As Zeiss was unable to produce sufficient Tessar lenses (due to war damage to their production facilities), this is one of the few Zeiss models ever to feature a non-Zeiss (Schneider Xenar) lens. The model was continued in 1953 as Contina, as one of the first cameras of the new Contina series of 35mm viewfinder cameras (one was a rangefinder) made in Germany by Zeiss Ikon. The first models were folders, later models were rigid. Some had linked shutter/aperture rings, using the Light-value system. The folding models had knob wind, frame counter and rewind fitted to the bottom; the later ones had top-mounted 180° lever wind, knob rewind and frame counter around the shutter release.

Source: camerapedia


Specifications

Manufacturer: Zeiss Ikon
Origin: Stuttgart, Germany
Introduced: 1951 (folder); 1954 (rigid)
Film: 35mm
Shutters: Prontor-SVS, 1sec-1/250 or 1/300 with X & M sync & self-timer, Prontor-SLK or Synchro-Compur

Source: camerapedia

Contina III
1955-58
529/24
Pantar 45mm/2.8
Light meter + convertible lens

Source: camera-wiki.org


Model

Serial number


Reference sites

camerapedia

camera-wiki.org


Manual

English manual


Film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Torel 110 Mini (1986-)

Torel 110 Mini (1986-)

#444

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

Anasuma and Co était un groupe japonais, tout à fait sérieux, fabricant pendant plus de 80 ans, des accessoires d'optiques. Au milieu des années 80, cette firme sortit une série de mini 110 gadgets dénommés Torel.

Source: collection-appareils.fr


Specifications

Nom: Torel 110 (2)
Marque: ASANUMA; fabricant: Asanuma & Co Ltd; publicité: -
Pays: Japon
Date: début: ?1986; fin: ??
Type: (CFFCm)
Dimensions: 68x34x32;68x47x32mm; poids: 35
Matière: plastique; Couleur: blanc
Surface sensible: film 110; format: 13x17mm
Objectif: nom: ?; fabricant:?; ouv./focale: f8/25; fixation : fixe
Diaphragme: type: fixe; ouvertures: f8
Obturateur: nom: ?; fabricant: ?; vitesses: 1/80; pose: -
Retardateur: -; Armement: molette
Compte-vues: fenêtre; Protection 2 expos: oui
Synchro flash: X; flash intégré: électronique
Posemètre: type: -; plage: -; automatisme: manuel
Mise au point: type: fixe; mini: 1,5m; télémètre: -
Décentrement vert.: -; hor.: -; bascule avant: -; arrière: -
Viseur: cadre; Porte-accessoire: sabot non synchronisé; Niveau: -
Mode d'emploi: blister

Source: collectiongeven.com


Model

Blue model with leave (Canadian...?)


Reference sites

collection-appareils.fr

collectiongeven.com


Manual


Film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Revue SC5 Auto (1993-)

Revue SC5 Auto (1993-)

#443

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

Revue SC5 auto aka Cosina C2 sold by the German mail-order house Foto Quelle. Entry level SLR for 35 mm film with Pentax K-mount from 1993. Manual film advance and focussing was a bit old fashioned at that time.

Source: flickr.com

The C2 is a manual-focus 35mm SLR made by Cosina and using the popular K-mount bayonet for lens interchangeability. The camera offers a choice between manual match-LED exposure settings and aperture-priority autoexposure. In auto mode, the electronically-timed shutter offer speeds from 1/1000 sec down to 8 seconds. Flash sync is at 1/60th sec. Pressing the transparent red button on the front of the camera activates a electronic self-timer delay of 10 seconds, with an indicator lamp whose flashing speed becomes more rapid in the final 2 seconds.

The Cosina C3 is essentially the same camera, but with shutter speeds from 1/2 to 1/2000 sec. The Cosina C1s is a close sibling, lacking the electronic shutter and auto-exposure of the C2, but with a 1 to 1/2000 sec. shutter range and flash sync at 1/125.

The features of the Cosina C2 resemble those of the Cosina-manufactured Canon T60 and (with modifications) the Nikon FE10. The C2 has also been sold under other names, such as the Revue SC 5 auto and Carena 1000 SX. The C3 has appeared rebranded as the Voigtländer VSL 43, the Phoenix P2, and likely several other names.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Specifications

Manual exposure mode and aperture-priority AE mode.
Shutter speeds: 1 to 1/1000 s and B (M), 8 to 1/1000 s (AE), flash synchronisation 1/60 s
Film speed: 25 to 1600 ASA
Metering range: EV 1 to EV 18 (f/2, 2 s to f/16, 1/1000 s at ISO 100)
Batteries: 2x LR44 (1.5 V)
Weight: 370 g (body only)
Displays in viewfinder: array with shutter speeds, exposure modes, under/over exposure and B with LEDs aside. In M-mode selected and suggested shutter speed is indicated. Split image, micro prism collar.
Tripod socket, self-timer, cable release socket, hot shoe, frame counter, shutter button lock via "lock" on the dial. Vertically operating metal focal plane shutter, electronically controlled.
This camera has a mechanical sibling, the Cosina C1s.

Source: flickr.com


Model

Serial number 30109489


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

flickr.com


Manual

English manual (Cosina C2)


Batteries

2 LR44 batteries

Film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Balda Baldix (1950-1955)

Balda Baldix (1950-1955)

#442

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

Balda's Baldix cameras were a series of self-erecting folding cameras derived from the Baldax series. The cameras made 6x6cm exposures on type No. 120 film rolls.
The Baldix was like the postwar Baldax without the frame counter. The Mess-Baldix had the additional mechanical frame counter, and an uncoupled rangefinder. The Baldi 29 was a later, cheaper model based on the same body, with a more rounded top housing and a f:2.9 lens, hence the name. The range of cameras available at the 1956 Photokina included the Baldi 29, Baldix and Super Baldax, all models that were still available in 1959–60.

Source: Camerapedia

Sweet little folder that takes 6×6 pictures on 120 rollfilm, made by the famous Balda Kamera Werk in West Germany. Balda-Werk was located in Dresden from 1908 up until the end of WWII when it became part of VEB Pentacon group and was re-established in Bunde, (West) Germany. They made cameras up until 1985 when the camera production portion of Balda was sold to a Chinese joint venture. Balda AG is now manufacturing components for mobile communications, satellites and the medical industry. (Come to think of it, isn’t that more or less what Zeiss is up to these days?) Balda Werk made other similar folders such as the excellent (pre-VEB) Baldax and Baldalux and the (post-VEB) 35mm Baldinette. Shutters used in these cameras range from Vario to Compur-Rapid, lenses included Balda-Werk and Enna-Werk, Hugo Meyer and Schneider Kreuznach. They also made Baldax models sold as Lisette under the name Porst. This camera is imprinted Baldix, West Germany, Balda, Bunde, on the leather.

There are a lot of features packed into this comact but heavy pocket-sized folder. Double-exposure lock, PC sync and accessory shoe, self-timer (not working too well on this example), coated lens, positive spring-loaded extension. It’s extremely well-designed. Wind knob is ratcheting (cool idea) as part of the interesting (see below) double-exposure prevention. The Enna-Werk Ennagon lens is a real beauty. You can tell at a glance that it’s a high-quality German lens, with the same coated crispness I can see looking at my Meyer Oreston. Enna-Werk made the interchangeable lenses for the prized American rangefinder Argus C fourty-four, which is in fact the main reason that camera is valuable. The lens frontispiece has a red C that I assume stands for Color, which would mean that it was a color-corrected coated lens. (Color is part of the options on the film selection indicator, so I think it’s a safe assumption.)

Controls are simple – the top has ratcheting wind knob on the left, with the bellows release button next to it, the accesssory shoe in the center, the shutter release, and a knob that has a dial film indicator but doesn’t really do anything, it’s just supposed to remind you if you have Din 7 Ortho-Panchromatic film or if you’re using the ASA 100 Color film today. Only goes up to ASA 200 so it’s only marginally useful…. The other controls are all on top (side? depends on how you’re holding the camera) of the lens-mounted shutter. The shutter cocking lever cocks easily to one side with a finger. VXM self-timer/flash sync switch is color-coded Green Red Yellow, fairly standard. PC terminal is right there too, sticking out a little presumptuously. Focus is smooth and I assume the scale is in meters even though it doesn’t say.

One of the nicest things about this little beauty is the perfect placement of the shutter release button. Shooting with it feels like shooting a solid 35mm rangefinder while the result is a whopping 6x6cm instead of 24x36mm. It’s about the same size and weight as the Contaflex, and it is just a pleasure to shoot. Make sure you depress the shutter release all the way in one smooth movement, otherwise it goes click-click as the linkage engages and then the shutter releases, and you may miss your shot. Be firm, not timid.

Source: mattsclassiccameras.com


Specifications

Produced 1950-55 (1952?) Balda Kamera Werk, Bunde, Germany
Film type 120 rollfilm
Picture size 6cm x 6cm
Weight 18.2oz (516g)
Lens Enna Werk Ennagon C 75mm, f3.5 (stops to f22)
Filter size use Series VI with the 1 1/4″ (31.5mm) slip-on adapter
Focal Range 1m to infinity
Shutter Prontor SVS (has V, X, M settings)
Shutter speeds B, 1-300
Viewfinder in-body viewfinder
Exposure meter none
PC sync and accessory shoe
Film counter, double-exposure prevention
Close cousins HAPO (eg HAns POrst)

Source: mattsclassiccameras.com


Model


Reference sites

35mmc.com

baldabaldix/

Camerapedia

mattsclassiccameras.com



Manual

English manual


Film


Pictures taken with this camera


Videos

Beauty Lightomatic II (1960)

Beauty Lightomatic II (1960)

#441

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The Beauty Lightomatic is a series of 35mm rangefinder cameras made by Beauty Camera from 1959 to 1963. The early Lightomatics helped pioneer integral coupled metering, following the Mamiya Elca, Minolta Autowide and Konica S, made possible by their use of the Copal SV series of shutters.

List of versions:

Beauty Lightomatic or Beauty LM
Beauty Lightomatic II
Beauty Lightomatic III, Lightmatic III and Beauty Lite III
Beauty Lightmatic SP
It is sometimes said that the "Lightomatic LM" is a name variant of the Lightomatic II, but this is perhaps a mistake. A Beauty LM2 is also reported.

Source: camerapedia


Specifications

The 1960 Lightomatic II featured:

Cosmetic restyle and improvement of Lightomatic / LM chassis.
Addition of brightline finder window at front panel.
Coupled selenium meter with squared match-needle window on top, and magnified match-needle window seen in finder.
Copal-SV shutter with speeds B, 1sec to 1/500s.
Biokor-S 45 mm / f1.9 lens with 5 aperture blades. Rotation for focusing is opposite from earlier lenses.
And again the advance lever must be pulled out to unlock shutter release.

Source: camerapedia


The Beauty Lightomatics are a series of 35mm rangefinder cameras made by the Beauty Camera Company between 1959 and 1963.

Each model shares some common features.

Viewfinder: Integrated coincidence rangefinder/viewfinder with self-correcting bright line.
Focus: Coupled rangefinder with manual ring on lens barrel.
Meter: Selenium meter electro-mechanically coupled to lens barrel aperture, shutter speed settings, and film speed index.
Exposure: Centre-the-needle system with pointer window on the top plate of the camera.
Lens: 45mm f1.9 (6 elements in unknown number of groups) stopping down to f16.
Close Focus: 0.8m / 2'7".
Shutter:. Five blade Copal-SV shutter with speeds: B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250 & 500 sec,. plus B. Shutter speeds and aperture settings can be interlocked. The shutter release locks when the advance lever is flush with the camera body.
Cable Release: Standard socket in shutter release button.
Filter Size: 55mm screw in.
Flash: Cold shoe and PC terminal. M and X sync.
Film Advance Single stroke lever.
Frame Counter: Counts up. Resets automatically when camera back is opened.
Rewind: Collapsible crank, and rewind selector switch.

The Beauty Lightomatic II was introduced in 1960.
The lens is a Biokor-S.
The meter needle pointer window was re-designed so that it's shape changed from circular to rectangular, and the exposure adjustment graphic was abandoned along with the film type reminder. This was replaced by a table showing film speed setting parameters (e.g. a setting of 100 ASA accommodated films between 75 - 120 ASA.
The viewfinder was changed to Bright-Frame (i.e. projected lines) which required an illumination window, and this along with the rangefinder and viewfinder windows where unified by a singe glass covering.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Model

Serial number R 3980


Reference sites

camerapedia

camera-wiki.org

Manual

English manual


Film


Pictures taken with this camera


Videos