Balda Rigona Folder Camera
Photo thanks to Bob Jay
[email protected]
Related Local Links:
Folder Camera FAQ Pages
This Balda Rigona folder camera used 127 film (3cm x 4 cm). While no
longer readily available, see our 127 film
resources page for more on finding and developing this 127 film.
These cameras were made in the 1936 to 1942 period by Balda-Werk of
Dresden, Germany. The format of 3cm x 4cm provided a total of 16
exposures, but note that this format is different from the usual 4cm x
4cm superslide format.
At least three lens variants are known in the usual Prontor
shutter:
Balda-Werk Corp. made a large number of successful folder and later 35mm
cameras. These optics are more highly regarded than the usual bottom-rung
mass produced folder cameras, partly due to the cachet of German optical
companies (e.g., Schneider) and the relatively high speed (f/2.9)
versions described here. So expect to pay somewhere in the $75 to $100 US
and up range for an example, depending on condition. However, for that
price, you have a potentially nice performing folder of German design and
optics.
See the above links for related medium format cameras and resources. The
Camera Library List Page provides a number of
interesting folder camera examples too.
Lens is Trioplan f2.9 50mm and is clear. Shutter is Prontor II - slow/sticky below 1/25. Self-timer is OK. Viewfinder is clear.
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