Baldix

the 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.

a Baldix

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.

Mess-Baldix

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 1:3.5 f=7.5cm or Isco Westar lens 1:2.9 f=7.5 cm in Prontor-SVS shutter, Balda Baltar 1:4.5/75 lens in Prontor shutter, or Baltar 1:4.5/80 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 light proof cover).

Hapo 66-E

The Hapo 66-E is essentially a 6×6cm Mess-Baldix, equipped with a well color-corrected Enna Haponar 1:3.5/75 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.

other view of the Mess-Baldix

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 [1]
• Baldix an Matt Denton's [2]
• Hapo 66-E on www.kamera-geschichte.de [3] (German)
• Photo of Hapo 66-E on www.flickr.com [4]