Baldix
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.
Baldix versions
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 75mm 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[1].
Baldix image by John Nuttall (Image rights) |
With Baltar 75mm f/4.5 lens image by Mark Tomlinson (Image rights) |
Mess-Baldix
The Mess-Baldix is an improved variant of the Baldix. Its reverse Galilean viewfinder includes an uncoupled superimposed rangefinder with a pretty good rangefinder base. It was available with Enna Ennagon f:3.5 75mm or Isco Westar lens f:2.9 75mm in Prontor-SVS shutter, Balda Baltar f:2.9 80mm in Prontor-SVS shutter, Baltar f:4.5 75mm lens in Prontor shutter, or Baltar f:4.5 80mm lens in Pronto shutter. The Mess-Baldix has the postwar Baldax's clever ratcheting film counter which obviates the need for checking frame count using the traditional external red window (the camera has one with sliding cover for lining up the first frame); this incorporates double-exposure prevention.
Mess-Baldix with 75mm f4.5 Baltar image by SteveMPhoto (Image rights) |
another view of the Mess-Baldix image by SteveMPhoto (Image rights) |
Mess-Baldix with 80mm f2.9 Baltar image by Nicholas Middleton (Image rights) |
Hapo 66-E
The Hapo 66-E is essentially a 6×6cm Mess-Baldix, equipped with a color-corrected Enna Haponar f:3.5 75mm lens, and a Pronto shutter with speeds up to 1/200 sec and a self-timer, made by Balda for Porst under the Hapo brand.
Hans Porst Hapo 66E image by Hans Kerensky (Image rights) |
Notes
- ↑ For 1956: see this page by Karl Riess. For 1959–60: see this page with prices at Tigin's Classic Cameras.
Bibliography
- McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover).
Links
- Baldix at je2luz, with black and white and colour sample pictures
- Baldix at mgroleau.com (in French)
- Baldix at Matt Denton's
- Hapo 66-E on www.kamera-geschichte.de (in German)