Piccochic
Balda Piccochic image by bratieres (Image rights) |
The Piccochic is a strut-folding camera for 3x4 cm pictures on 127 film, made by Balda in Dresden, in about 1930. It is rather similar to the Korelle 3x4 by Kochmann,[1] or the 3x4 Dolly by Certo.
Like many folding cameras of the 1930s, it was available with a wide range of 5 cm lenses, from moderately-priced f/4.5 triplets including a Radionar or Trioplan, to an f/3.5 Tessar, f/2.9 Xenar or f/2.7 Makro-Plasmat (by Meyer).[1] McKeown even refers to an Elmar.[2] A similarly wide range of shutters was available, from Vario to Compur-Rapid.
Some examples have front-element focusing; others have helical focusing with a focus lever moving through a short arc on the lens board. The cited example at Westlicht, with one of the best available lenses, has studs next to the viewfinder to attach an accessory rangefinder; the two examples pictured by McKeown lack these.[1][2]
There is a folding frame finder, which erects itself when the lens is pulled out to unfold the camera. The camera has a tripod bush, and a folding table stand attached to the shutter unit, that allows it to stand on a level surface for horizontal pictures.
The Piccochic was re-badged by Birnbaum as the Embirella, and by Photo-Schaja as the Schaja-Fix.[2]
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Piccochic, incorrectly identified as a Kochmann Korelle, with Meyer 5 cm f/2.7 Makro-Plasmat, Compur shutter with speeds to 1/300 second, and studs to attach an accessory rangefinder; offered but not sold at the 21st Westlicht Photographica Auction, on 23 May 2012.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 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). p106.