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

Dacora Subita (1953)

Dacora Subita (1953)

#415

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The Subita was a medium format folding camera with optical viewfinder for type 120 film rolls. It is the first one of the Dacora 120 film folding cameras series.

Source: camerapedia

The Subita was a folding camera with optical viewfinder for 120 film made by the German manufacturer Dacora. The Dacora 120 was a slightly more sophisticated version of it, and the Dacora I was the top model of the line. The basic model, the Subita, was an undemanding item with just two shutter speeds, two apertures, stepless distance selector, a shutter-cocking shutter release lever without double exposure prevention, and a solid opening/unfolding mechanism driven by two powerful springs.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Specifications

Year of launch: 1953
Manufacturer: Dacora
Film: type 120 film rolls
Viewfinder: optical viewfinder
Lens: Subita 75mm f/6.3 Anastigmat, distances 1m to infinite
Shutter: Singlo shutter with speeds 1/25, 1/75, + B, and with flash connector. Cocked on the long shifting travel of the release lever
Aperture: sonnig (sunny=1:11) and trüb (dull=1:6.3)
Dacora Optina is a name variation of Subita and made for the Canadian Eaton stores' camera brand Optina.

Source: camerapedia

Type: folding viewfinder camera
Manufacturer: Dacora
Film: type 120 film rolls
Viewfinder: optical viewfinder

Year of launch: 1953
Lens: Subita 1:6.3/75mm Anastigmat, distances 1m to infinite
Shutter: Singlo shutter with speeds 1/25 sec., 1/75 sec, and B, and with flash connector. Cocked on the long shifting travel of the release lever
Aperture: sonnig (sunny=1:11) and trüb (dull=1:6.3)

Source: camera-wiki.org


Model


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

camerapedia


Manual


Film


Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Adox Golf S (1954-1959)

Adox Golf S (1954-1959)

#206

Esta fotografia é do exemplar que possuo

Características

Adox Golf 63 is a folding film camera manufactured by Adox Fotowerke, Wiesbaden, Germany, produced between 1954-59.

Fonte: camerapedia

Golf was the name of a family of rollfilm cameras, first introduced during the first years of the 50s, comprised by three different models (I, II and IV) that received different combinations of shutter and lenses. Model I is the simplest (also known as Golf 63) and model IV the best equipped (known as Mess-Golf, including an uncoupled rangefinder). I have still to find a reason for the absence of a Model III.

All the Golf cameras used 120 roll film, providing 12 pictures per roll, size 6x6. Mess-Golf (Model IV) usually mounts a Steinheil Cassar 75mm, with apertures between f/3.5 and f/22 and focusing from 1 metre to infinity, by means of the rotating front element of the lens. A DOF scale is usually present around that front element, with hyperfocal "red dots". Shutter for this camera is usually an 8-speed Prontor-S, from 1 sec to 1/300, plus B, flash synchronized as is common among filding cameras of that era. The Golf 63 usually mounts an Adoxar lens (rebadged 3-element glass from Will Wetzlar), with a focal length of 75mm and apertures between f/6.3 and f/32. Shutter for the Golf 63 is usually a 3-speed Vario, with 1/25, 1/50 and 1/200 plus B, again flash synchronized.

In all cases, shutter is cocked by means of a lever located at the shutter's body, whose release button can be found at the top cover, that enables the use of a remote cable for firing. Film advance is accomplished by means of a turning wheel, also located in the top cover, that includes a double exposure prevention mechanism, locking the release button and displaying a small red dot near it.

Camera has a die-cast body, with rear door that opens from the side, and that includes the typical ruby window to position film during advance and identify the number of the current frame. Covered in black leatherette, there us a tripod bush at the bottom plate.

Camera's top cover houses the shutter release button, the door release button, the film advance wheel and the viewfinder / combined rangefinder depending upon the model. Viewfinder has neither parallax compansation not dioptric compensation, and shown approximately 2/3 of life size. Rangefinder, in Model IV, shows a magnified image of the center area of the composition. This rangefinder is "coincidental" (quite like those on Isolette III, for example) and distance measures are made by rotating a small wheel in the leftmost part of the top cover. Being uncoupled, once distance has been measured, it has to be read off the cover and transferred to the lens by means of its rotating front element.

Its dimensions are 135x90x40 (closed) or 135x90x100 (opened), and weights around 470 grams.

Fonte: jnoir.eu


Especificações

Uses 120 roll film 120 and picture size is 6x6cm It has a coated Adoxar 1:6.3 f=75mm lens with turnable front lens element for focusing. The lens is combined with a flash-synchronized Vario leaf shutter. Speeds are B, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100 and 1/200 sec. The diaphragm is stoppable down to f=22 . The camera's top contains the optical viewfinder of reverse Galilean type, upon the top are the film advance knob, the shutter release button, an accessory shoe and the front opening button. The camera case for an Agfa Isolette II might fit for an Adox Golf 63 too.

The Version Golf 63 S has a Pronto leaf shutter with self-timer. Other small differences are possible between Golf 63 entities, for example the color of the release button might be black or metal-colored.

Fonte: camerapedia


Modelo

A minha é da versão S. Tem o n.º de série na lente 436369.


Sítios de referência

camerapedia

jnoir.eu


Manual

Manual em alemão


Filme


Fotografias tiradas com esta máquina


Vídeos

Balda Baldixette (~1950)

Balda Baldixette (~1950)

#196

Esta fotografia é do exemplar que possuo

Características

A simple 6x6 camera, very similar to Goldeck 6x6 and Dacora Digna cameras. They all have a similar concept, all metal construction, the collapsible lens tube and a poor viewfinder. Baldixette has two shutter speeds: 1/60 and B (Is it a speed?), for timed exposures. It has also a PC flash terminal for bulbs.
As a young boy I owned a Dacora Digna camera which is like a copy of this Baldixette. (Or perhaps vice versa)
The appearance promises more that the features really are.
The truth is that Balda Baldixette is a plain box camera with the exception that the box cameras usually gives you 6x9cmm negatives instead of 6x6 as Baldixette.

Fonte: thecamerasite.net

The Baldixette is a simple camera taking 6x6cm images on 120 film. It has a collapsible lens tube, which springs out when a release button on the top plate is pressed. It was introduced in 1956[1] by Balda Bünde in West Germany. There is one instantaneous shutter speed + B, and the 72mm (7.2cm) Baldar lens has two apertures, f9 & f16 set by a switch beside the lens.

Fonte: camerapedia

Built some time in the 1950's by Balda Werk, in West Germany (BRD), it is a typical 1950's 6x6 camera, pretty much the point-and-shoot variety. In many ways, it is similar to the old Diana or the contemporary Holga. However, the optics are considerably better than the Holga, although that's not much of a comparison. The build quality is much higher than the Diana or Holga: it is nearly all metal with a minimum of plastic used, and there are no light leaks nor vignetting whatsoever. In addition, it has a pressure plate inside to keep the film flat.

The Baldixette has two aperture settings, f9 and f16. The two-element Baldar lens is a little soft overall, especially at f9, but stopped down to f16, it produces acceptable pictures for the type of camera that it is, with minimal distortion. It has two shutter speeds: 1/60 (designated as "M" on the camera), and B, for timed exposures.

The oddest feature of the camera is the retractable lens plate, which pops out to the ready position by touching the button on top of the camera next to the film advance knob. The extending apparatus is a cylindrical and spring loaded chrome housing, and it retracts by simply pushing it back towards the camera. This "folding" action adds to the Baldixette's portability, as it loses more than an inch in profile when retracted.

Simple "modifications" that I have made on the Baldixette include using a lid from a pill bottle as a lens cap and adhering a laminated exposure chart to some Velcro (which, in turn, covers the red window on the back of the camera). I also affixed an updated film speed reminder to the top of the camera, using paper and tape.

Overall, it is a decent camera for the price. If you want a sub-$20 camera and had considered the Holga or Diana, I would suggest that the Baldixette is at the top of the class for these types of shooters. Disassembly of most of the camera for cleaning is quite intuitive for even the novice.

Fonte: jane.dallaway.com


Especificações

Film type 120 rolfilm
Picture size 6x6cm
Weight 420g
Lens Balda-Bunde Baldar 1:7,2 /~75mm
Shutter Click Clack ?
Shutter speed B ~1/30sec
Viewfinder Simple Galilean

Fonte: thecamerasite.net

There were two models; the Baldixette II added double-exposure prevention and a film counter.

Fonte: camerapedia

Baldixette 6x6 Specifications
Maker	Balda-Werk, W. Germany
Year	1950's
Film	120 film, 6x6cm/12 Exp.
Viewfinder	Basic viewfinder, shows subject at about half size
Lens	Baldar f7.2 (2-Elements in 1-Group), f9 & f16
Focus	5 ft to infinity, by turning the lens
Apertures	f9, f16
Shutter	Spring-loaded lever & rotating metal disk, 1/60 Sec, B.
Shutter release	Threaded button, cable release capable
Film advance	Manual knob/Red Window
Film speed "reminder"	Uncoupled knob, ASA 12-200
Flash	PC terminal on lens plate
Dimensions (WxHxD)	5" x 3 1/2" x 2 1/8" retracted (3 1/4" extended)
Cost	$15 in 2002 from a popular online auction site

Fonte: jane.dallaway.com


Modelo


Sítios de referência

thecamerasite.net


Manual

Manual em inglês


Filme


Fotografias tiradas com esta máquina


Vídeos

Lubitel 2 (1954-1980)

Lubitel 2 (1954-1980)

#189

Esta fotografia é do exemplar que possuo

Características

Lubitel (cyrillic: Любитель) means "amateur" in Russian. The Lubitel 2 was made in great numbers by the Leningrad GOMZ (later LOMO) factory. More than two million were produced between 1954 and 1980. There are versions with a cyrillic name plate or with one in latin script as the one shown, and it was rebadged for various other markets as Kalimar TLR100, Amatör II and Global 676[1]. It was also produced as a stereo version and sold as the Спутник (Sputnik). The camera body is made of plastic, possibly bakelite. The waist level finder and focusing rings are made of metal. These cameras were delivered with a case and strap made of artificial leather. There is a stepless aperture scale under the taking lens with apertures from 4.5 to 22. Winding the film is done by a black knob on the right side of the camera. This does not cock the shutter.

The most exceptional feature of the Lubitel that its focusable reflex finder has no simple matte screen but a big viewing lens which makes it looking like a brilliant finder. Inside the finder that lens has a small round plane matte screen spot for exact focusing. A collapsible loupe helps focusing exactly. This very clear finder helps you to compose your picture in dim light situations. The focusing is done on the small center spot. Four wedges help you orientate the picture. While very bright, this finder gives a "dancing" picture. This happens especially when the camera is hanging on your belly and you look down into the finder. This is rather strange, since this is the position you're supposed to look through it. When you look onto the glass from closer by, you often get a "tunnel" vision; the edges become darker (light falloff?). The finder hood can be folded partially so that front and back of the hood serve as sports finder.

The Lubitel has a LOMO T-22 75/4.5 taking lens. It is actually a little wider than the normal 80mm medium format standard lens. The shutter is cocked with a red-dotted lever. The aperture and the shutter button are all positioned around the taking lens.

The Lubitel-2 has no framecounter. When you turn the knob in the direction of the little white arrow, frame numbers on the back of the 120 film become visible through the little red window.

Fonte: camerapedia


Especificações

Produced: 1954-1980
Name: „Любитель-2“
Producer: GOMZ/LOOMP/LOMO
Lens: Triplet-22   4.5/75
Shutter ZT-5: 1/10s, 1/25s, 1/50s, 1/100s, 1/200s + B.
Shutter ZT-8: 1/15s, 1/30s, 1/60s, 1/125s, 1/250s + B.

Quantity:    2.232.245 units.

Fonte: Sovietcameras.com


Modelo

A minha tem o n.º de série 094047. Ainda não consegui identificar o modelo, através desta página: Sovietcameras.com


Sítios de referência

camerapedia

Alfredklomp.com

Sovietcameras.com


Manual

Manual em inglês


Filme


Fotografias tiradas com esta máquina


Vídeos