Difference between revisions of "Baldina"

From Camera-wiki.org
Jump to: navigation, search
m (correcting Collection Appareils link)
(Links)
(19 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
 
In addition to marketing cameras under their own brand names, [[Balda]] sold their cameras to the German distributor [[Porst]], who re-branded them as the '''Hapo 35''', and to the American firm of Peerless, who re-branded them as the '''Rival 35'''; there may have been others as well. Balda did not make their own lenses — the Balda Baldinars, Baltars and others were rebranded lenses from third party optical houses, usually as a lower cost option.  
 
In addition to marketing cameras under their own brand names, [[Balda]] sold their cameras to the German distributor [[Porst]], who re-branded them as the '''Hapo 35''', and to the American firm of Peerless, who re-branded them as the '''Rival 35'''; there may have been others as well. Balda did not make their own lenses — the Balda Baldinars, Baltars and others were rebranded lenses from third party optical houses, usually as a lower cost option.  
  
Pre-war Baldas were well made, and most continue to function well. Some of their engineering was, admittedly, less than elegent. The  pre-war Baldina's film counter was inconvenient to use, and the rangefinder on the Super Baldina was rather clumsy looking at best. The owner's manuals of the post-war Rigona, Baldinette, and Super Baldinette warn "Do not press the body shutter release unless the shutter is cocked. If you do so, the mechanism will be disturbed" (these statements themselves are a bit disturbing!) Also, the Super Baldinette's front cover will not close when either the synch lever is in the "M" position or the lens is not at the infinity position.
+
Pre-War Baldas were well made, and most continue to function well. Some of their engineering was, admittedly, less than elegent. The  pre-war Baldina's film counter was inconvenient to use, and the rangefinder on the Super Baldina was rather clumsy looking at best. The owner's manuals of the post-war Rigona, Baldinette, and Super Baldinette warn "Do not press the body shutter release unless the shutter is cocked. If you do so, the mechanism will be disturbed" (these statements themselves are a bit disturbing!) Also, the Super Baldinette's front cover will not close when either the synch lever is in the "M" position or the lens is not at the infinity position.
 
   
 
   
= Prewar by Balda Dresden =
+
= Pre-War cameras by Balda, Dresden =
 
== '''Baldina''' (folder) ==
 
== '''Baldina''' (folder) ==
  
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="right" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="right" style="text-align: center;"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/26092923@N02/3532342820/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2026/3532342820_34dff7bf3b_m.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/26092923@N02/3532342820/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2026/3532342820_34dff7bf3b_m.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
|| The Baldina's unique film counter<br/><small>image by {{image author|Jack Hufnagel}}</small> {{with permission}}
+
| The Baldina's unique film counter<br/><small>image by {{image author|Jack Hufnagel}}</small> {{with permission}}
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/26092923@N02/3532033316/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2141/3532033316_07759ebba4.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/26092923@N02/3532033316/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2141/3532033316_07759ebba4.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
|| The first of the line: 1935 Balda Baldina w/ Carl Zeiss Tessar lens<br/><small>image by {{image author|Jack Hufnagel}}</small> {{with permission}}
+
| The first of the line: 1935 Balda Baldina w/ Carl Zeiss Tessar lens<br/><small>image by {{image author|Jack Hufnagel}}</small> {{with permission}}
 
|}
 
|}
  
The '''Baldina''' was a 35mm [[folding]] [[viewfinder camera]] made by [[Balda]] in Dresden, Germany, before World War II. Introduced in 1935, the Baldina bore a strong resemblance to both the [[Welti|Welta Welti]] of the same year and the original [[Kodak Retina I|Kodak Retina (type 117)]] introduced a year earlier.
+
The '''Baldina''' is a 35mm [[folding]] [[viewfinder camera]] made by [[Balda]] in Dresden, before World War II. Introduced in 1935, the Baldina bears a strong resemblance to both the [[Welti|Welta Welti]] of the same year and the original [[Kodak Retina I|Kodak Retina (type 117)]] introduced a year earlier.
  
The Baldina featured a [[parallax]] compensating viewfinder, a knob film advance, a frame counter, and, on the better lenses, unit focusing. There was no double exposure prevention. There were significant variations in the shutter release mechanism. The camera was originally made with no body release and a film advance key; subsequent models had a body release either on the top plate or on the lens bed door itself, double exposure prevention, and a film advance knob.
+
The Baldina has a [[parallax]] compensating viewfinder, a frame counter, and on the better lenses, unit focusing. There is no double-exposure prevention. There are significant variations in the shutter release mechanism. The camera was originally made with no body release and a film advance ''key''; subsequent models have either a body release on the top plate or a release in the hinge of folding bed itself; they have a double-exposure prevention interlock, and a film advance ''knob''.
  
Production of the Baldina appears to have continued until at least late 1941, though there is evidence that these wartime cameras were assembled from a hodgepodge of parts. One camera, with a [[Schneider]] lens made in November 1938, has a number of unplated brass parts (advance knob and shutter release), typical of wartime production. Another wartime camera, with all plated parts, has a [[Schneider]] Xenar five element lens made in mid to late 1941, which utilizes the front element focusing normally found on simpler lenses.  
+
Production of the Baldina appears to have continued until at least late 1941. There is some evidence that the specification of wartime cameras was affected by availability of parts: one camera, with a [[Schneider]] lens made in November 1938, has a number of unplated brass parts (advance knob and shutter release), perhaps reflecting the difficulties of wartime production. <!-- Another wartime camera, with all plated parts, has a five-element [[Schneider]] Xenar lens made in mid to late 1941, which utilizes the front element focusing normally found on simpler lenses. (Commenting this out: the five-element Xenar was designed only for small-format hand cameras; it often has front-element focus. See this Schneider catalogue: http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/schneider_2.html p 14-16  D McA) -->
  
Production resumed after the war in both East and West Germany (see the sections below).
+
Production resumed after the War in both East and West Germany (see the sections below).
<!--this "all rights reserved" image was invited to the camera-wiki.org Flickr pool.  D. Broglin has added other photos to our pool. Next editor, please remove/replace this if not added to pool by 9/2011. -->
 
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="right" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="right" style="text-align: center;"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/dbroglin/3980094744/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2637/3980094744_36861acc01_m.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/dbroglin/3980094744/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2637/3980094744_36861acc01_m.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
|| Baldina with Xenon from 1942.<br><small>image by {{image author|David Broglin}} {{with permission}}</small>
+
| Baldina with Xenon from 1942.<br><small>image by {{image author|David Broglin}} {{with permission}}</small>
 
|}
 
|}
 
The choice of lens/shutter on the Baldina included:   
 
The choice of lens/shutter on the Baldina included:   
Line 44: Line 43:
 
** [[Carl Zeiss Jena]] [[Tessar]] 5cm f/2.8 with Compur 300
 
** [[Carl Zeiss Jena]] [[Tessar]] 5cm f/2.8 with Compur 300
  
* 5 element lens, normally with unit focusing, though a rare example may use front cell focusing:
+
* 5 element lens, with front-element or helical focusing:
** [[Schneider]] Xenar 5cm f/2.8 with Compur 300
+
** [[Schneider]] Xenar 5cm f/2.8 with Compur 300 (this five-element Xenar was made for a short time for small-format cameras<ref name=CE>[http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/schneider_2.html Schneider catalogue, 1939] (see pp 14-16) at [http://www.cameraeccentric.com/index.html Camera Eccentric].</ref>
  
 
* 6 element lenses, with unit focusing:
 
* 6 element lenses, with unit focusing:
** [[Rudolph]] Kleinbild-Plasmat 5cm f/2.7 with Compur-Rapid 500
+
** [[Rudolph]] Kleinbild-Plasmat 5cm f/2.7 with Compur-Rapid 500<ref>[http://www.auction2000.se/auk/w.Object?inC=WLPA&inA=20131004_0909&inO=585 Baldina] with Kleinbild-Plasmat 5 cm f/2.7, sold at the [http://www.auction2000.se/auk/w.AuctionList?inL=&inC=WLPA&inA=20131004_0909&inWLPAAuctionType=AUCTION 24th Westlicht Photographica Auction], on 23 November 2013.</ref>
 
** [[Carl Zeiss Jena]] Biotar 4.5cm f/2 with Compur-Rapid 500, a rare version sometimes called "Night Baldina" (Nacht Baldina)
 
** [[Carl Zeiss Jena]] Biotar 4.5cm f/2 with Compur-Rapid 500, a rare version sometimes called "Night Baldina" (Nacht Baldina)
 
** [[Schneider]] Xenon 5cm f/2 with Compur-Rapid 500
 
** [[Schneider]] Xenon 5cm f/2 with Compur-Rapid 500
  
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4891350461/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4891350461_055251a20c.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4891350461/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4891350461_055251a20c.jpg]
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4891948212/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4891948212_60d97811d7_m.jpg]<br><br>[http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4891350269/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4891350269_9665421fc2_m.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4891948212/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4891948212_60d97811d7_m.jpg]<br><br>[http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/4891350269/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4891350269_9665421fc2_m.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| colspan=2 | Baldina, Compur-Rapid, Kleinbild-Plasmat 5cm f/2.7 <br/><small>Pictures by eBayer Yalluflex</small> {{with permission}}
 
| colspan=2 | Baldina, Compur-Rapid, Kleinbild-Plasmat 5cm f/2.7 <br/><small>Pictures by eBayer Yalluflex</small> {{with permission}}
Line 61: Line 60:
  
 
=='''Jubilette''' (folder)==
 
=='''Jubilette''' (folder)==
Beginning in 1938, a simplified version of the Baldina was introduced as the '''Jubilette''', in honor of Balda's 30th anniversary. Most, if not all, were equipped with lower cost 3 element lenses:
+
{| class="floatright plainlinks" align="center" style="margin:0px 0px 25px 15px; text-align: center;"
 +
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3502274686/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3502274686_466830751f_n.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3501458541/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3501458541_f1a91ae4a4_n.jpg]
 +
|-
 +
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3501459953/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3501459953_80cabdda57_n.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3502273368/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3502273368_24f7ab0847_n.jpg]
 +
|-
 +
| Leaflet for the Jubilette, c.1938.<small>Scans by {{image author|rebollo_fr}}</small> {{public domain Germany}}
 +
|}
 +
Beginning in 1938, a simplified version of the Baldina was introduced as the '''Jubilette''', in honor of Balda's 30th anniversary. Most, if not all, were equipped with three-element lenses:
  
 
* [[Schneider]] Radionar 5cm f/2.9
 
* [[Schneider]] Radionar 5cm f/2.9
Line 68: Line 74:
 
* Balda Baltar 5cm f/2.9  
 
* Balda Baltar 5cm f/2.9  
  
These were all front cell focusing lenses. The Jubilette's viewfinder lacked the parallax adjustment of the Baldina.
+
These are all front cell focusing lenses. The Jubilette may be seen with or without a wheel to tilt the viewfinder for correction of parallax error (the brochure shown here offers it as an optional feature, costing an extra two Marks over the basic price of RM 50) and the shutter release may be on the top plate or in the hinge of the folding bed.
 
+
<br style="clear:both;"/>
  
{| class="plainlinks" align="left" style="text-align: center;"
+
{|class="floatleft plainlinks" style="margin:0px 0px 15px 15px;"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mfobrien/2226452013/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2032/2226452013_393fba841a_m.jpg]
+
|{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/mfobrien/2226452013/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image= http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2032/2226452013_393fba841a.jpg
 +
|image_align=
 +
|image_text= Jubilette with Trioplan and Compur shutter, and<br/>with shutter release in the hinge of the bed.
 +
|image_by= Mark O'Brien
 +
|image_rights= with permission
 +
}}
 +
|{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/century_graphic/274691952/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image= http://farm1.staticflickr.com/113/274691952_6261772eb0.jpg
 +
|image_align=
 +
|image_text= Jubilette with f/2.9 Baltar and Compur shutter, with body<br/>shutter release and parallax-error correction wheel.
 +
|image_by= Dustin McAmera
 +
|image_rights= with permission
 +
}}
 
|-
 
|-
|| Balda Jubilette w/ Meyer Trioplan.<br/>Later Jubilettes have a body shutter<br/>release, like the Baldina above right.<br/><small>image by {{image author|Mark O'Brien}}</small> {{with permission}}
 
|}
 
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
 
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3502274686/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3502274686_466830751f_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3501458541/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3501458541_f1a91ae4a4_m_d.jpg]
 
|-
 
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3501459953/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3501459953_80cabdda57_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3502273368/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3502273368_24f7ab0847_m_d.jpg]
 
|-
 
|| Leaflet for the Jubilette, c.1938 {{public domain Germany}}
 
 
|}
 
|}
 +
<br style="clear:both;"/>
  
 
=='''Super Baldina''' (folder)==
 
=='''Super Baldina''' (folder)==
The 1938 '''Super Baldina''' is a version with a [[coupled rangefinder]]. The rangefinder was of the split-image type, and separated from the viewfinder. The viewfinder had an automatic parallax correction, coupled with the focusing lever, a quite advanced feature for the time.
+
The 1938 '''Super Baldina''' is a version with a [[coupled rangefinder]]. The rangefinder is of the split-image type, and in a separate eyepiece from the viewfinder. The viewfinder has automatic parallax correction, coupled with the focusing lever, quite an advanced feature for the time.
  
The Super Baldina existed with a black finish (earlier version) or a chrome finish (later version).
+
The Super Baldina exists with a black finish (earlier version) or a chrome finish (later version).
  
 
The choice of lenses on the Super Baldina included:
 
The choice of lenses on the Super Baldina included:
Line 108: Line 121:
 
** [[Schneider]] Xenon 5cm f/2
 
** [[Schneider]] Xenon 5cm f/2
  
The camera was available with a [[Compur]] shutter to 1/300 or optionally with a Compur-Rapid shutter to 1/500.
+
The camera was available with a [[Compur]] shutter to 1/300 second, or optionally with a Compur-Rapid shutter to 1/500 second. The Super Baldina with Trioplan lens in a Compur shutter sold in New York in 1938 for $58.50 US (equivalent to $850 US in 2007).
The Super Baldina with Trioplan lens in a Compur shutter sold in New York in 1938 for $58.50 US (equivalent to $850 US in 2007).
 
  
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="left" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="left" style="text-align: center;"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/dbroglin/3130693628/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/3130693628_1bf633dd32_m.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/dbroglin/3130693628/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/3130693628_1bf633dd32_m.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
|| Balda Super Baldina of 1936 w/ Trioplan lens<br/><small>image by {{image author|David Broglin}}</small> {{with permission}}
+
| Super Baldina of 1936 with<br/>Trioplan lens<br/><small>image by {{image author|David Broglin}}</small> {{with permission}}
 
|}
 
|}
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="right" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="right" style="text-align: center;"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/dbroglin/3130693680/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/3130693680_df452447ab_m.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/dbroglin/3130693680/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/3130693680_df452447ab_m.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
|| Balda Super Baldina of 1938 w/ Trioplan lens<br/><small>image by {{image author|David Broglin}}</small> {{with permission}}
+
| Super Baldina of 1938 with<br/>Trioplan lens<br/><small>image by {{image author|David Broglin}}</small> {{with permission}}
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3501503881/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/3501503881_269a7b5a08_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3502316054/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3573/3502316054_0f9e48ef69_m_d.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3501503881/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/3501503881_269a7b5a08_m_d.jpg] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3502316054/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3573/3502316054_0f9e48ef69_m_d.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
|| Leaflet showing the Super Baldina, dated 1938 {{public domain Germany}}
+
| Leaflet showing the Super Baldina, dated 1938 {{public domain Germany}}
 
|}
 
|}
 
<br style="clear: left" />
 
<br style="clear: left" />
  
= Postwar by Balda/Belca =
+
= Post-War cameras by Balda/Belca, Dresden =
After the war, cameras were again produced in the [[Balda]] plant in Dresden (then East Germany) until 1951, when the name of the factory was changed to [[Belca]] as a result of legal action by Max Baldeweg.  
+
After the War, cameras were again produced in the [[Balda]] plant in Dresden (then East Germany) until 1951, when the name of the factory was changed to [[Belca]] as a result of legal action by Max Baldeweg.  
  
 
=='''Baldina / Beltica / Multina''' (folder)==
 
=='''Baldina / Beltica / Multina''' (folder)==
The pre-war Baldina was produced until 1951 when the camera was renamed the '''[[Belca Beltica]]''' (first model) when the factory name was changed to Belca. Note that Belca subsequently used the Beltica name for two versions of an entirely different 35mm folding camera.  
+
The pre-War Baldina was produced until 1951 when the camera was renamed the '''[[Belca Beltica]]''' (first model) when the factory name was changed to Belca. Note that Belca subsequently used the Beltica name for two versions of an entirely different 35mm folding camera.  
  
The '''Multina''' appears to be an East German Baldina with a Carl Zeiss Jena coated [[Tessar]] and a pre-war [[Compur-Rapid]] shutter.
+
The '''Multina''' appears to be an East German Baldina with a Carl Zeiss Jena coated [[Tessar]] and a pre-War [[Compur-Rapid]] shutter.
  
Determining the origin of any particular post-war Baldina may be difficult,  but it is likely that the East German Baldinas were fitted with the following East German lenses used on the renamed Beltica:
+
Determining the origin of any particular post-War Baldina may be difficult,  but it is likely that the East German Baldinas were fitted with the following East German lenses used on the renamed Beltica:
 
* [[Ludwig|E. Ludwig]] Meritar 50mm f/2.9
 
* [[Ludwig|E. Ludwig]] Meritar 50mm f/2.9
 
* [[Carl Zeiss Jena]] [[Tessar]] 50mm f/2
 
* [[Carl Zeiss Jena]] [[Tessar]] 50mm f/2
  
Another possible lens on a post-war East German Baldina would be the [[Meyer]] Trioplan. Note that post-war lenses were usually coated and designated in millimeters; pre-war lenses were usually uncoated and designated in centimeters.  
+
Another possible lens on a post-War East German Baldina would be the [[Meyer]] Trioplan. Note that post-War lenses were usually coated and designated in millimeters; pre-War lenses were usually uncoated and designated in centimeters.  
  
  
= Postwar by Balda Bünde =
+
= Post-War cameras by Balda Bünde =
After the war, Baldas were also manufactured at Max Baldeweg's new Balda Kamera-Werk in Bünde, West Germany. The quality of cameras produced in Baldewig's new factory does not appear to be on the same level as the pre-war products. Noted British author and camera expert Ivor Matanle felt that "''If you happen to locate a Baldinette or Super Baldinette that has been little used, it is pleasant to own, but I would not recommend Balda cameras of the fifties as sound cameras for long term use... The post-war ''[rigid]'' Baldina and related series of rigid cameras of the fifties are not paticularly well built, and often give trouble when some thirty years old."<ref> ''Collecting And Using Classic Cameras'', Ivor Matanle, Thames and Hudson, Inc, 1986 ISBN 0-500-27656-0. </ref>
+
After the War, Baldas were also manufactured at Max Baldeweg's new Balda Kamera-Werk in Bünde, West Germany. The quality of cameras produced in Baldewig's new factory does not appear to be on the same level as the pre-War products. Noted British author and camera expert Ivor Matanle felt that "''If you happen to locate a Baldinette or Super Baldinette that has been little used, it is pleasant to own, but I would not recommend Balda cameras of the fifties as sound cameras for long term use... The post-war ''[rigid]'' Baldina and related series of rigid cameras of the fifties are not particularly well built, and often give trouble when some thirty years old."<ref>''Collecting And Using Classic Cameras'', Ivor Matanle, Thames and Hudson, Inc., 1986 <nowiki>ISBN</nowiki> 0-500-27656-0. </ref>
  
 
== '''Baldina''' (folder) ==
 
== '''Baldina''' (folder) ==
The first Balda Bünde camera was essentially the pre-war Baldina with a Balda Baldanar 5cm f/3.5 lens in a Prontor 300 shutter (and possibly others as well.) Thus, these later versions of the original Baldina had the distinction of being produced by two different companies in two different countries. In 1950, the western Baldina received a satin chrome top plate covering the width of the camera.
+
The first Balda Bünde camera is essentially the pre-War Baldina with a Balda Baldanar 5cm f/3.5 lens in a Prontor 300 shutter (and possibly others as well.) Thus, these later versions of the original Baldina had the distinction of being produced by two different companies in two different countries. In 1950, the western Baldina received a satin chrome top plate covering the width of the camera.
  
 
== '''Baldalette''' (folder) ==
 
== '''Baldalette''' (folder) ==
In 1950, the '''Baldalette''', basically a Jubilette with a body mounted shutter release, was introduced.  
+
In 1950, the '''Baldalette''', basically a Jubilette with a body mounted shutter release, was introduced. The lenses for the camera included a 50mm f/2.9 [[Schneider]] Radionar.
The lenses included:
 
* [[Schneider]] Radionar 50mm f/2.9
 
  
  
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="left" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="left" style="text-align: center;"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/w-tommerdich/3284680509/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3284680509_257848ccb7_m.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/w-tommerdich/3284680509/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3284680509_257848ccb7_m.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
|| Balda Baldalette w/ Radionar lens.<br/><small>image by {{image author|to.wi}}</small> {{non-commercial}}
+
| Baldalette with Radionar lens.<br/><small>image by {{image author|to.wi}}</small> {{non-commercial}}
 
|}
 
|}
 
<br style="clear: left" />
 
<br style="clear: left" />
Line 165: Line 175:
 
=='''Baldini''' / Central 35 / Hansa 35 / Rival 35 / Studiophot / Pinette (folder) ==
 
=='''Baldini''' / Central 35 / Hansa 35 / Rival 35 / Studiophot / Pinette (folder) ==
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="right" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="right" style="text-align: center;"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/captkodak/271778361/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm1.static.flickr.com/116/271778361_4ef0d9a4ec_m.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/captkodak/271778361/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm1.static.flickr.com/116/271778361_4ef0d9a4ec_m.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
|| "No Name" Baldini w/ Baltar lens,<br>possibly unbranded for resale by another distributor.<br/><small>image by {{image author|Steve Harwood}}</small> {{non-commercial}}
+
| "No Name" Baldini with Baltar lens,<br/>possibly unbranded for sale under another name.<br/><small>image by {{image author|Steve Harwood}}</small> {{non-commercial}}
 
|}
 
|}
  
The '''Baldini''' was essentially the pre-war Jubilette with a new name. In 1950, it received a satin chrome or black enameled top plate that covered the right half of the camera and contained the viewfinder, frame counter, and an accessory shoe. It was also sold as the '''Central 35''', '''Hansa 35''', '''Rival 35''' and '''Studiophot'''.
+
The '''Baldini''' is essentially the pre-War Jubilette with a new name. In 1950, it received a satin chrome or black enameled top plate that covered the right half of the camera and contained the viewfinder, frame counter, and an accessory shoe. It was also sold as the '''Central 35''', '''Hansa 35''', '''Rival 35''' and '''Studiophot'''.
  
 
Lenses included:
 
Lenses included:
Line 176: Line 186:
 
* [[Schneider]] Radionar 50mm f/2.9 (Studiophot)
 
* [[Schneider]] Radionar 50mm f/2.9 (Studiophot)
 
* Balda Baltar 50mm f/3.5
 
* Balda Baltar 50mm f/3.5
* Balda Enna-Baldanar 50mm f/3.5 (possibly the same lens as above w/ different label)
+
* Balda Enna-Baldanar 50mm f/3.5 (possibly the same lens as above with a different label)
 
* Balda Werk Bünde Jos Zacharias Regensberg 50mm/2.9 Xenostar Anastigmat
 
* Balda Werk Bünde Jos Zacharias Regensberg 50mm/2.9 Xenostar Anastigmat
 
This last lens appears to be a re-badged Zeiss Jena lens used in yet another of Balda's OEM re-branding efforts. Josef Zacharias opened a photographic specialty and optical supplies store in Regensberg, Germany in 1908.  They are still in business under the name [http://www.fotohaus-zacharias.de Fotohaus Zacharias].
 
This last lens appears to be a re-badged Zeiss Jena lens used in yet another of Balda's OEM re-branding efforts. Josef Zacharias opened a photographic specialty and optical supplies store in Regensberg, Germany in 1908.  They are still in business under the name [http://www.fotohaus-zacharias.de Fotohaus Zacharias].
Line 182: Line 192:
  
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="left" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="left" style="text-align: center;"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/26092923@N02/3611116173/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2237/3611116173_0553294799.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/26092923@N02/3611116173/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2237/3611116173_0553294799.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
|| Rival 35 w/ Ennagon lens.<br/><small>image by {{image author|Jack Hufnagel}}</small> {{with permission}}
+
| Rival 35 with Ennagon lens.<br/><small>image by {{image author|Jack Hufnagel}}</small> {{with permission}}
 
|}
 
|}
 
<br style="clear: left" />
 
<br style="clear: left" />
  
The Rival 35 shown above was a re-branded later version of the Baldini. The lens is a Enna Werk München Ennagon 5cm f/3.5 (3 element, front cell focusing) in a Prontor-S shutter (1-300 plus B and synch), which may be the same lens as the Balda Enna-Baldanar listed above. The camera lacks any identification as a Balda, foreshadowing Balda's production of cameras marketed by Minox, Voigtländer, and others. The use of an Ennar lens hints as to the manufacturer of the Balda banded lenses. The Rival 35 was marketed in the USA by the Peerless Camera store chain. This name was also used by Peerless on versions of the Baldinette and Mess Baldinette.
+
The Rival 35 shown above is a re-branded later version of the Baldini. The lens is an Enna Werk München Ennagon 5cm f/3.5 (three-element, front-cell focusing) in a Prontor-S shutter (1-300 plus B, synchronised), which may be the same lens as the Balda Enna-Baldanar listed above. The camera lacks any identification as a Balda, foreshadowing Balda's production of cameras marketed by Minox, Voigtländer, and others. The use of an Enna lens may be a hint as to the manufacturer of Balda-branded lenses. The Rival 35 was marketed in the USA by the Peerless Camera store chain. This name was also used by Peerless on versions of the Baldinette and Mess Baldinette.
  
 
== '''Baldinette''' (folder) ==
 
== '''Baldinette''' (folder) ==
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="right" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="right" style="text-align: center;"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/4798191845/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4798191845_25a65378ae.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/4798191845/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4798191845_25a65378ae.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
|| Balda Baldinette with Baldanar 50mm f/3.5 lens and rare red leatherette.<br/><small>image by {{image author|Dirk HR Spennemann}}</small> {{with permission}}
+
| Baldinette with Baldanar 50mm f/3.5 lens and rare red leatherette.<br/><small>image by {{image author|Dirk HR Spennemann}}</small> {{with permission}}
 
|}
 
|}
 
A subsequent model (1951) with a redesigned chrome top plate cover was called the '''Baldinette'''. In 1953, the Baldinette sold in the USA for US$40 (equivalent to US$317 in 2009). Copies with red and blue leatherette are known, but very rare.
 
A subsequent model (1951) with a redesigned chrome top plate cover was called the '''Baldinette'''. In 1953, the Baldinette sold in the USA for US$40 (equivalent to US$317 in 2009). Copies with red and blue leatherette are known, but very rare.
Line 204: Line 214:
 
* [[Schneider]] Radionar 50mm f/3.5
 
* [[Schneider]] Radionar 50mm f/3.5
 
* [[Schneider]] Radionar 50mm f/2.9
 
* [[Schneider]] Radionar 50mm f/2.9
The above five lenses are listed from least to most expensive.<ref>A Lens Collector's Vade Mecum, Alex Wright, David Matthews Associates, 1999 ISBN 0-9535815-0-0</ref>
+
The above five lenses are listed from least to most expensive.<ref>A Lens Collector's Vade Mecum, Alex Wright, David Matthews Associates, 1999 <nowiki>ISBN</nowiki> 0-9535815-0-0</ref>
 
* [[Isco]] Westar 50mm f/3.5
 
* [[Isco]] Westar 50mm f/3.5
  
  
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="left" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="left" style="text-align: center;"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/alf_sigaro/288844457/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm1.static.flickr.com/102/288844457_4f1ec5181e_m.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/alf_sigaro/288844457/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm1.static.flickr.com/102/288844457_4f1ec5181e_m.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
|| Balda Baldinette w/ Radionar lens<br/><small>Picture by {{image author|Alf Sigaro}}</small> {{creative commons}}
+
| Baldinette with Radionar lens<br/><small>image by {{image author|Alf Sigaro}}</small> {{non-commercial}}
 
|}
 
|}
 
<br style="clear: left" />
 
<br style="clear: left" />
  
 
=='''Rigona''' (folder)==
 
=='''Rigona''' (folder)==
The original Balda Rigona was a 127 roll film version of the Baldina or Baldax cameras. After the war, Balda-Werk Bűnde produced the 35mm '''Rigona''', a lower cost version of the last model Baldinette, ala the original Baldina and Jubilette. The lenses and shutters were lower cost items as compared to the Baldinette. The factory referred to the camera as the Baldinette Rigona, but the camera itself was labelled just Rigona. The major identifying feature of a Rigona was its low cost Rigonar lens; in the first half of the 1950s, the Rigona sold for 25% less than the cheapest Baldinette (which had a Baldanar lens of the same aperture).
+
The original '''Rigona''' is a version of the Baldina or Baldax cameras for [[127]] roll film. After the War, Balda-Werk Bűnde produced the ''35mm'' Rigona, a lower-cost version of the last model Baldinette, like the original Baldina and Jubilette. The lenses and shutters were cheap items compared to the Baldinette. The factory referred to the camera as the '''Baldinette Rigona''', but the camera itself was labelled just Rigona. The major identifying feature of a Rigona was its Rigonar lens; in the first half of the 1950s, the Rigona sold for 25% less than the cheapest Baldinette (which had a Baldanar lens of the same aperture).
  
  
{| class="plainlinks" align="left" style="text-align: center;"
+
{| class="plainlinks" align="left"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/alf_sigaro/2293101879/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2207/2293101879_b991b9e213_m.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/alf_sigaro/2293101879/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2207/2293101879_b991b9e213_m.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
|| Balda Rigona w/ Rigonar lens<br/><small>Picture by {{image author|Alf Sigaro}}</small> {{creative commons}}
+
| Rigona with Rigonar lens<br/><small>image by {{image author|Alf Sigaro}}</small> {{non-commercial}}
 
<br style="clear: left" />
 
<br style="clear: left" />
  
 
== '''Mess Baldinette''' (folder) ==
 
== '''Mess Baldinette''' (folder) ==
The '''Mess Baldinette''' was a Baldinette with an uncoupled rangefinder and front cell focusing lens. "Mess" stood for measuring; the uncoupled rangefinder was used due to the cumbersome linkages that are necessary to connect the [[rangefinder]] to a front lens element ala the [[Kodak 35 RF]] and [[Zeiss Ikon]] [[Super Ikonta]]. The camera greatly resembled the '''Super Baldinette''' folder.
+
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/tatu_korhonen/16243621982/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8638/16243621982_e4a690b2b8_n.jpg
 +
|image_align= right
 +
|image_text= Mess Baldinette with Baltar 2,9/50mm
 +
|image_by= Tatu Korhonen
 +
|image_rights=  with permission
 +
}}
 +
The '''Mess Baldinette''' is a Baldinette with an uncoupled rangefinder and front-cell focusing lens. "Mess" is from the German verb ''messen''; 'to measure'. <!--Commenting out: without a ref, this is speculation)the uncoupled rangefinder was used due to the cumbersome linkages that are necessary to connect the [[rangefinder]] to a front lens element the [[Kodak 35 RF]] and [[Zeiss Ikon]] [[Super Ikonta]].--> The camera resembles the folding '''Super Baldinette'''.
 +
 
 +
Lenses available included:
 
* Balda Werk Bünde Baldanar 50 mm f/3.5
 
* Balda Werk Bünde Baldanar 50 mm f/3.5
 
* Balda Werk Bünde Baltar 50 mm f/2.9
 
* Balda Werk Bünde Baltar 50 mm f/2.9
 
<br style="clear: right" />
 
<br style="clear: right" />
 +
{{br}}
  
 
== '''Mess Rigona''' / Hapo 35 / Rival 35 (folder) ==
 
== '''Mess Rigona''' / Hapo 35 / Rival 35 (folder) ==
The '''Mess Rigona''' was a Mess Baldinette with round, rather than square right rangefinder window and the less expensive Rigonar lens. It was sold in the United States by [[Peerless]] camera as the '''Rival 35''' and in Europe by [[Porst]] as the '''Hapo 35'''. Lenses included:
+
The '''Mess Rigona''' is a Mess Baldinette with a round (rather than square) right rangefinder window and the less expensive Rigonar lens. It was sold in the United States by [[Peerless]] camera as the '''Rival 35''' and in Europe by [[Porst]] as the '''Hapo 35'''. Lenses included:
 
* Balda Rigonar 50mm f/2.9 (Mess Rigona)
 
* Balda Rigonar 50mm f/2.9 (Mess Rigona)
 
* Enna Haponar 50 mm f/2.9 (Hapo 35)
 
* Enna Haponar 50 mm f/2.9 (Hapo 35)
Line 239: Line 260:
  
 
== '''Super Baldinette''' (folder) ==
 
== '''Super Baldinette''' (folder) ==
The '''Super Baldinette''' was a Baldinette/Mess Baldinette with a coupled rangefinder and unit focusing lenses. It introduced in 1951, it was the ultimate development on the line of cameras started by the Baldina in 1935. As Balda's premier camera, it was equipped with higher quality lenses:   
+
The '''Super Baldinette''' is a Baldinette/Mess Baldinette with a ''coupled'' rangefinder and unit focusing lenses. Introduced in 1951, it was the best-specified camera in the series started by the Baldina in 1935. As Balda's premier camera, it was equipped with high quality lenses:   
 
* 4 element lens:
 
* 4 element lens:
 
** [[Enna]] Ennit 50mm f/2.8
 
** [[Enna]] Ennit 50mm f/2.8
 
* 6 element lenses:
 
* 6 element lenses:
 
** [[Schneider]] Xenon 50mm f/2
 
** [[Schneider]] Xenon 50mm f/2
** [[Rodenstock ]] Heligon 50mm f/2
+
** [[Rodenstock]] Heligon 50mm f/2
  
  
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="left" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="left" style="text-align: center;"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/26092923@N02/3532064534/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3314/3532064534_0ab1dbdfa2.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/26092923@N02/3532064534/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3314/3532064534_0ab1dbdfa2.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
|| The end of the line: 1953 Balda Super Baldinette w/ Schneider Xenon lens.<br/><small>image by {{image author|Jack Hufnagel}}</small> {{with permission}}
+
| 1953 Super Baldinette with Schneider Xenon lens.<br/><small>image by {{image author|Jack Hufnagel}}</small> {{with permission}}
 
|}
 
|}
 
<br style="clear: left" />
 
<br style="clear: left" />
 +
  
 
== '''Baldina / Super Baldina''' (rigid) ==
 
== '''Baldina / Super Baldina''' (rigid) ==
Later, the names '''Baldina''' and '''Super Baldina''' were used again by the Western Balda company for a completely new series of rigid body 35mm [[viewfinder camera|viewfinder]] and [[rangefinder camera]]s with the lens and shutter mounted on a telescopic tube. Despite the lack of a rangefinder, the Baldina, with its brightline finder, utilizes the same top cover as the Super Baldina.
+
The names '''Baldina''' and '''Super Baldina''' were used again by the western Balda company in 1954, for a completely new series of rigid body 35mm [[viewfinder camera|viewfinder]] and [[rangefinder camera]]s with the lens and shutter mounted on a telescopic tube. Despite the lack of a rangefinder, the Baldina, with its brightline finder, has the same top cover as the Super Baldina.
  
 
These Baldinas were available with either [[Prontor]] SVS or [[Compur|Synchro-Compur]] shutters and a wide variety of lenses:
 
These Baldinas were available with either [[Prontor]] SVS or [[Compur|Synchro-Compur]] shutters and a wide variety of lenses:
Line 271: Line 293:
 
   
 
   
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
 
{| class="plainlinks" align="center" style="text-align: center;"
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevemphoto/256564635/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm1.static.flickr.com/80/256564635_2bc03f9d3d_m.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevemphoto/256564635/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm1.static.flickr.com/80/256564635_2bc03f9d3d_m.jpg]
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevemphoto/256564921/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm1.static.flickr.com/82/256564921_550421780b_m.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevemphoto/256564921/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm1.static.flickr.com/82/256564921_550421780b_m.jpg]
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevemphoto/256565016/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm1.static.flickr.com/106/256565016_f15d681365_m.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevemphoto/256565016/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm1.static.flickr.com/106/256565016_f15d681365_m.jpg]
|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/uwe_kulick/485192407/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm1.static.flickr.com/229/485192407_14ed471f28_m.jpg]
+
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/uwe_kulick/485192407/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm1.static.flickr.com/229/485192407_14ed471f28_m.jpg]
 
|-
 
|-
|| Baldina B with meter.''
+
| Baldina B with meter.''
|| Postwar Super Baldina rangefinder
+
| Post-War Super Baldina rangefinder
|| Super Baldina with collapsed tube
+
| Super Baldina with collapsed tube
|| Hapo 24, OEM version for [[Porst]]
+
| Hapo 24, OEM version for [[Porst]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| colspan=3 | <small>images by {{image author|SteveMPhoto}} </small>{{non-commercial}}
 
| colspan=3 | <small>images by {{image author|SteveMPhoto}} </small>{{non-commercial}}
|| <small>images by {{image author|Uwe Kulick}} </small>{{with permission}}
+
| <small>images by {{image author|Uwe Kulick}} </small>{{with permission}}
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
 +
== Notes ==
 +
<references />
 +
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==
Line 289: Line 316:
 
* [http://www.ukcamera.com/classic_cameras/Kamerahersteller/balda.htm A list of all Balda cameras] at [http://www.ukcamera.com/ The UK camera website]
 
* [http://www.ukcamera.com/classic_cameras/Kamerahersteller/balda.htm A list of all Balda cameras] at [http://www.ukcamera.com/ The UK camera website]
 
In French:
 
In French:
* [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=10410 Baldina], [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=10411 Baldina B] and [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/balda/html/balda_baldina_special.php Baldina Special] at [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/general/html/francais.php Sylvain Halgand's www.collection-appareils.fr]
+
* [http://mgroleau.com/photo/allemagne/balda/balda_jubilette.html Jubilette] (describes an early type) at [http://mgroleau.com/photo/ Mario Groleau's website]
 +
* [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=10410 Baldina], [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=10411 Baldina B] and [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=10412 Baldina Special] at [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/general/html/francais.php Sylvain Halgand's www.collection-appareils.fr]
 
In German:
 
In German:
* Lists of [http://www.krahe-sw.de/kamerasammlung/Balda/Balda.htm#Balda%20Dresden Balda Dresden], [http://www.krahe-sw.de/kamerasammlung/Balda/Balda.htm#Balda%20B%C3%BCnde Balda Bünde], and [http://www.krahe-sw.de/kamerasammlung/Balda/Balda.htm#Belca Belca] cameras at [http://www.krahe-sw.de/ Reinhard Krahé's website]
+
* Lists of [http://www.krahe-sw.de/KAMERASEITEN/Balda/Balda.htm#Balda%20Dresden Balda Dresden], [http://www.krahe-sw.de/KAMERASEITEN/Balda/Balda.htm#Balda+B%FCnde Balda Bünde], and [http://www.krahe-sw.de/KAMERASEITEN/Balda/Balda.htm#Belca Belca] cameras at [http://www.krahe-sw.de/KAMERASEITEN/START.html Reinhard Krahé's website]
 
Manuals:
 
Manuals:
* [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/balda/blada_baldina_super/balda_baldina_super.htm rigid Baldina/Super Baldina manual], [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/balda/baldinette/baldinette/baldinette.htm Baldinette manual], [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/balda/baldinette/super_baldinette/super_baldinette.htm Super Baldinette manual], [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/balda/baldinette/baldinette_rigona/baldinette_rigona.htm Rigona manual] at [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ Mike Butkus' site]
+
* [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/balda/blada_baldina_super/balda_baldina_super.htm Rigid Baldina/Super Baldina manual], [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/balda/baldinette/baldinette/baldinette.htm Baldinette manual], [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/balda/baldinette/super_baldinette/super_baldinette.htm Super Baldinette manual], [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/balda/baldinette/baldinette_rigona/baldinette_rigona.htm Rigona manual] at [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ Mike Butkus' site]
* [http://mgroleau.com/galerie.php?dir=./photo/livres/manuels/jubilette&de=http://mgroleau.com/photo/livres/manuels.html&titre=Balda%20Jubilette Jubilette manual] at [http://mgroleau.com/photo/ Mario Groleau's website]
+
* [http://butkus.org/chinon/balda/baldix_6x6/baldix_6x6.htm Balda Baldix manual], [http://butkus.org/chinon/balda/baldalux/baldalux.htm Balda Baldalux manual], [http://butkus.org/chinon/balda/baldalux/baldalux.htm Balda Baldalux manual], [http://butkus.org/chinon/balda/baldinette/baldinette_rigona/baldinette_rigona.htm Balda Baldinette Rigona manual], [http://butkus.org/chinon/balda/balda_beltica_24x36/balda_beltica_24x36.htm Balda Beltica (35mm)] from [http://butkus.org/chinon/ OrphanCameras.com]
 +
 
  
=== References ===
 
<references />
 
  
 
[[Category: German 35mm viewfinder folding]]  
 
[[Category: German 35mm viewfinder folding]]  

Revision as of 15:20, 18 July 2017

The Baldina and Super Baldina were a series of cameras manufactured in Germany by Balda Werke from the mid 1930s to the mid 1950s. These cameras can be very confusing to the collector, as the basic original camera body was enhanced and marketed under more than a dozen different names by two different manufacturers (both of which used the name Balda for a period of time). To further complicate matters, the name Baldina (and Super Baldina) was used on two very different series of camera bodies. The cheaper variants tended to have 3 element front cell focusing lenses in Prontor shutters, while the more expensive varaints had 4, 5 or 6 element unit focusing lenses in Compur shutters.

In addition to marketing cameras under their own brand names, Balda sold their cameras to the German distributor Porst, who re-branded them as the Hapo 35, and to the American firm of Peerless, who re-branded them as the Rival 35; there may have been others as well. Balda did not make their own lenses — the Balda Baldinars, Baltars and others were rebranded lenses from third party optical houses, usually as a lower cost option.

Pre-War Baldas were well made, and most continue to function well. Some of their engineering was, admittedly, less than elegent. The pre-war Baldina's film counter was inconvenient to use, and the rangefinder on the Super Baldina was rather clumsy looking at best. The owner's manuals of the post-war Rigona, Baldinette, and Super Baldinette warn "Do not press the body shutter release unless the shutter is cocked. If you do so, the mechanism will be disturbed" (these statements themselves are a bit disturbing!) Also, the Super Baldinette's front cover will not close when either the synch lever is in the "M" position or the lens is not at the infinity position.

Pre-War cameras by Balda, Dresden

Baldina (folder)

The Baldina is a 35mm folding viewfinder camera made by Balda in Dresden, before World War II. Introduced in 1935, the Baldina bears a strong resemblance to both the Welta Welti of the same year and the original Kodak Retina (type 117) introduced a year earlier.

The Baldina has a parallax compensating viewfinder, a frame counter, and on the better lenses, unit focusing. There is no double-exposure prevention. There are significant variations in the shutter release mechanism. The camera was originally made with no body release and a film advance key; subsequent models have either a body release on the top plate or a release in the hinge of folding bed itself; they have a double-exposure prevention interlock, and a film advance knob.

Production of the Baldina appears to have continued until at least late 1941. There is some evidence that the specification of wartime cameras was affected by availability of parts: one camera, with a Schneider lens made in November 1938, has a number of unplated brass parts (advance knob and shutter release), perhaps reflecting the difficulties of wartime production.

Production resumed after the War in both East and West Germany (see the sections below).

The choice of lens/shutter on the Baldina included:

  • 3 element lenses, with front cell focusing:
  • 5 element lens, with front-element or helical focusing:
    • Schneider Xenar 5cm f/2.8 with Compur 300 (this five-element Xenar was made for a short time for small-format cameras[1]
  • 6 element lenses, with unit focusing:
    • Rudolph Kleinbild-Plasmat 5cm f/2.7 with Compur-Rapid 500[2]
    • Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 4.5cm f/2 with Compur-Rapid 500, a rare version sometimes called "Night Baldina" (Nacht Baldina)
    • Schneider Xenon 5cm f/2 with Compur-Rapid 500


Jubilette (folder)

Beginning in 1938, a simplified version of the Baldina was introduced as the Jubilette, in honor of Balda's 30th anniversary. Most, if not all, were equipped with three-element lenses:

These are all front cell focusing lenses. The Jubilette may be seen with or without a wheel to tilt the viewfinder for correction of parallax error (the brochure shown here offers it as an optional feature, costing an extra two Marks over the basic price of RM 50) and the shutter release may be on the top plate or in the hinge of the folding bed.


Super Baldina (folder)

The 1938 Super Baldina is a version with a coupled rangefinder. The rangefinder is of the split-image type, and in a separate eyepiece from the viewfinder. The viewfinder has automatic parallax correction, coupled with the focusing lever, quite an advanced feature for the time.

The Super Baldina exists with a black finish (earlier version) or a chrome finish (later version).

The choice of lenses on the Super Baldina included:

The camera was available with a Compur shutter to 1/300 second, or optionally with a Compur-Rapid shutter to 1/500 second. The Super Baldina with Trioplan lens in a Compur shutter sold in New York in 1938 for $58.50 US (equivalent to $850 US in 2007).


Post-War cameras by Balda/Belca, Dresden

After the War, cameras were again produced in the Balda plant in Dresden (then East Germany) until 1951, when the name of the factory was changed to Belca as a result of legal action by Max Baldeweg.

Baldina / Beltica / Multina (folder)

The pre-War Baldina was produced until 1951 when the camera was renamed the Belca Beltica (first model) when the factory name was changed to Belca. Note that Belca subsequently used the Beltica name for two versions of an entirely different 35mm folding camera.

The Multina appears to be an East German Baldina with a Carl Zeiss Jena coated Tessar and a pre-War Compur-Rapid shutter.

Determining the origin of any particular post-War Baldina may be difficult, but it is likely that the East German Baldinas were fitted with the following East German lenses used on the renamed Beltica:

Another possible lens on a post-War East German Baldina would be the Meyer Trioplan. Note that post-War lenses were usually coated and designated in millimeters; pre-War lenses were usually uncoated and designated in centimeters.


Post-War cameras by Balda Bünde

After the War, Baldas were also manufactured at Max Baldeweg's new Balda Kamera-Werk in Bünde, West Germany. The quality of cameras produced in Baldewig's new factory does not appear to be on the same level as the pre-War products. Noted British author and camera expert Ivor Matanle felt that "If you happen to locate a Baldinette or Super Baldinette that has been little used, it is pleasant to own, but I would not recommend Balda cameras of the fifties as sound cameras for long term use... The post-war [rigid] Baldina and related series of rigid cameras of the fifties are not particularly well built, and often give trouble when some thirty years old."[3]

Baldina (folder)

The first Balda Bünde camera is essentially the pre-War Baldina with a Balda Baldanar 5cm f/3.5 lens in a Prontor 300 shutter (and possibly others as well.) Thus, these later versions of the original Baldina had the distinction of being produced by two different companies in two different countries. In 1950, the western Baldina received a satin chrome top plate covering the width of the camera.

Baldalette (folder)

In 1950, the Baldalette, basically a Jubilette with a body mounted shutter release, was introduced. The lenses for the camera included a 50mm f/2.9 Schneider Radionar.



Baldini / Central 35 / Hansa 35 / Rival 35 / Studiophot / Pinette (folder)

The Baldini is essentially the pre-War Jubilette with a new name. In 1950, it received a satin chrome or black enameled top plate that covered the right half of the camera and contained the viewfinder, frame counter, and an accessory shoe. It was also sold as the Central 35, Hansa 35, Rival 35 and Studiophot.

Lenses included:

  • Schneider Radionar 50mm f/3.5
  • Schneider Radionar 50mm f/2.9 (Studiophot)
  • Balda Baltar 50mm f/3.5
  • Balda Enna-Baldanar 50mm f/3.5 (possibly the same lens as above with a different label)
  • Balda Werk Bünde Jos Zacharias Regensberg 50mm/2.9 Xenostar Anastigmat

This last lens appears to be a re-badged Zeiss Jena lens used in yet another of Balda's OEM re-branding efforts. Josef Zacharias opened a photographic specialty and optical supplies store in Regensberg, Germany in 1908. They are still in business under the name Fotohaus Zacharias.



The Rival 35 shown above is a re-branded later version of the Baldini. The lens is an Enna Werk München Ennagon 5cm f/3.5 (three-element, front-cell focusing) in a Prontor-S shutter (1-300 plus B, synchronised), which may be the same lens as the Balda Enna-Baldanar listed above. The camera lacks any identification as a Balda, foreshadowing Balda's production of cameras marketed by Minox, Voigtländer, and others. The use of an Enna lens may be a hint as to the manufacturer of Balda-branded lenses. The Rival 35 was marketed in the USA by the Peerless Camera store chain. This name was also used by Peerless on versions of the Baldinette and Mess Baldinette.

Baldinette (folder)

A subsequent model (1951) with a redesigned chrome top plate cover was called the Baldinette. In 1953, the Baldinette sold in the USA for US$40 (equivalent to US$317 in 2009). Copies with red and blue leatherette are known, but very rare.

Lenses included:

  • Balda Baldanar 50mm f/3.5
  • Balda Baldanar 50mm f/2.9
  • Balda Baltar 50mm f/2.9
  • Schneider Radionar 50mm f/3.5
  • Schneider Radionar 50mm f/2.9

The above five lenses are listed from least to most expensive.[4]

  • Isco Westar 50mm f/3.5



Rigona (folder)

The original Rigona is a version of the Baldina or Baldax cameras for 127 roll film. After the War, Balda-Werk Bűnde produced the 35mm Rigona, a lower-cost version of the last model Baldinette, like the original Baldina and Jubilette. The lenses and shutters were cheap items compared to the Baldinette. The factory referred to the camera as the Baldinette Rigona, but the camera itself was labelled just Rigona. The major identifying feature of a Rigona was its Rigonar lens; in the first half of the 1950s, the Rigona sold for 25% less than the cheapest Baldinette (which had a Baldanar lens of the same aperture).