Description
Balda Baldessa 1A film camera comes with original case. *** Not tested but shutter is working
Balda Baldessa 1A is a charming mid-century 35 mm viewfinder camera made by Balda Kamera-Werk of Bünde, West Germany. Balda was one of several German firms producing affordable but stylish cameras in the 1950s–60s, competing with Agfa, Voigtländer, Kodak AG (Retinette), and others.
Balda Baldessa 1A – Overview
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Type: 35 mm viewfinder camera
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Maker: Balda-Werk, Bünde (West Germany)
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Introduced: Around 1958–1960
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Film format: Standard 35 mm cartridges (36 × 24 mm)
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Market position: An attractively designed, budget-friendly option for amateur photographers.
Key Features
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Lens:
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Typically fitted with a Steinheil Cassar 45 mm f/2.8 or Isco-Göttingen Color-Isconar 45 mm f/2.8 (triplet designs, decent sharpness stopped down).
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Shutter:
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Pronto or Prontor-SVS, speeds from 1/25 – 1/200 s (Pronto) or up to 1/300 s (Prontor-SVS), plus Bulb.
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Focus:
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Zone focusing (no rangefinder), marked distance scale on lens.
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Aperture: f/2.8 – f/22.
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Viewfinder: Simple optical finder, no meter.
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Film advance: Bottom wind lever (a quirky feature — not the usual top lever).
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Flash sync: PC socket + accessory shoe.
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Design note: Sleek mid-century styling with a large shutter release button on the front panel, giving it a distinctive look compared to rivals.
