Micky 2

Balda Micky 2 (1932) image by Jaap Schelvis (Image rights)

In 1932 Balda-Werk Max Baldeweg in Dresden introduced a box camera for 127 film. The Micky cameras were primarily intended for use by children. The various models were comparable to the standard Balda Poka boxes for rollfilm 120. The Micky 0 and Micky 1 were the most simple cameras lacking for instance a cable release and/or tripod socket(s). Micky 2 was the model with both these features as well as the typical Balda sliding mechanism which enables to hold the shutter release down for long exposures. The camera also had a portrait lens allowing close focussing from 1 to 2 meters. The Mickyrelle was essentially the same as the Micky 2 but offered the extra possibility to take 16 pictures of 3x4 cm by inserting a mask.

Specifications

• Metal box covered with Leatherette
• Two 3/8 inch 16 UNC threaded tripod sockets
• Two brilliant finders for portrait and landscape orientation
• T and B shutter set by pulling the smaller upper lever
• Two apertures set by pulling the larger bottom lever
• Simple slide mechanism to hold the shutter release down for long exposures
• Cable release beneath the shutter release
• Periskop Doppel-Objectiv F:11
• Additional portrait lens (P) activated by slider beneath the lens

Size comparison of the Balda Micky 2 on the left for 127 film (4x6.5 cm) and Balda Pokarette on the right for 120 film (6x9 cm) image by Jaap Schelvis (Image rights)