Balda Baldessa Ib (1958–)
A compact 35mm viewfinder camera with a fixed 45mm f/2.8 lens and built-in selenium meter, made in West Germany for reliable everyday photography.
Overview
The Balda Baldessa Ib is a 35mm viewfinder camera introduced in 1958 by Balda Kamera-Werk in Bünde, West Germany. Designed for ease of use and portability, it features a fixed 45mm f/2.8 Baldanar lens, a Prontor SVS leaf shutter, and an uncoupled selenium exposure meter. The camera uses the Light Value System (LVS) to simplify exposure settings and includes automatic parallax correction in the viewfinder. Built with an all-metal body and a bottom-mounted film advance key, it reflects Balda’s focus on durable, cost-effective construction for middle-class photographers.
Specifications
| Lens | 45mm f/2.8 Baldanar coated four-element lens |
| Shutter | Prontor SVS leaf shutter |
| Shutter speeds | 1 second to 1/300 plus bulb |
| Exposure system | Light Value System (LVS) for simplified exposure settings |
| Meter | Uncoupled selenium exposure meter |
| Viewfinder | Features automatic parallax correction |
| Film advance | Bottom-mounted film advance key |
| Film loading | Removable back for loading |
| Body construction | All-metal construction |
| Weight | 588–590 g |
Design
The Baldessa Ib features a streamlined, rounded form with a die-cast metal body for cost-effective manufacturing and durability. It has a front-mounted shutter release and a bottom-foldout winding mechanism operated by a thumb key. An integrated accessory shoe sits on the top plate, and the Prontor shutter is seamlessly built into the body for efficient exposure control. The design emphasizes portability and ease of carry, with a fixed-lens layout and self-timer functionality.
Context
The Baldessa series emerged in the post-war era as Balda reentered the competitive 35mm camera market. Aimed at middle-class consumers, it offered a user-friendly alternative to expensive rangefinders like Leica and rising Japanese models from Canon. Positioned in the mass market, the Baldessa reflected West Germany’s shift toward accessible, reliable cameras during a period of intense international competition.
Market
The Balda Baldessa Ib is valued at $24.99 CAD in non-working condition with excellent external preservation, as listed by McBain Camera. Its robust metal construction has allowed many units to remain functional decades after production. However, degraded light seals are a known issue and may cause film fogging over time.
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