Balda Baldalux (1953–1956)
A folding camera made in West Germany with interchangeable lens-shutter units and support for three medium format film sizes.
Overview
The Balda Baldalux is a folding medium format camera produced from 1953 to 1956 by Balda Kamera Werk Rudolf Grüter KG in the Federal Republic of Germany. It succeeded the more advanced Baldafix models and offered three film formats—6 x 9, 4.5 x 6, and 6 x 6—using reducer masks. The camera features an optical viewfinder and a film transport system protected by German patents from 1952. It is easily recognized by its long, streamlined hood that fully encases one side of the body.
Specifications
| Film format | 6 x 9, 4.5 x 6, and 6 x 6 (using reducer masks) |
| Lens specification | Multiple lenses existed; common Radionar is 105mm f/4.5 |
| Viewfinder | Optical viewfinder (patent No. DE1641387 from 1952) |
| Film transport | Film transport system (patent No. DE1633996 from 1952) |
| Back features | Three non-actinic red windows |
Design
The Baldalux is easily recognizable by the long, streamlined hood that completely encases one side of the body. It featured superior lenses and shutters compared to contemporary Baldafix models, with multiple lens-shutter combinations available across production years, including Radionar and Trinar lenses paired with Prontor-SV, Prontor-SVS, and Synchro-Compur shutters.
Context
After WWII, Max Baldeweg resumed camera production in the Federal Republic of Germany under the Balda brand, while the East German factory was renamed Belca. West German Balda models closely resembled pre-war designs, with numerous folding cameras using 120 film. The Baldalux succeeded the Baldafix series, expanding format flexibility by adding 6 x 6 to the existing 6 x 9 and 4.5 x 6 options. Patents for the Baldalux were filed in 1953 by Balda Kamera Werk Rudolf Grüter KG, though the "Rudolf Grüter KG" name later disappeared from subsequent patents.
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