Balda Jubilette (1938–1940)
A 35mm folding viewfinder camera made by Balda Werke as a simplified version of the Baldina, released for the company’s 30th anniversary.
Overview
The Balda Jubilette is a 35mm folding viewfinder camera produced by Balda Werke from 1938 to 1940. Designed as a simplified version of the Baldina, it was named to honor Balda's 30th anniversary. It features a self-erecting front standard activated by a front release button on the top plate. The camera uses a simple viewfinder without built-in parallax correction, though an optional wheel was available to tilt the viewfinder for improved accuracy. It has a zone focus chart on the back and a unique film take-up spool with a central slot, requiring the film leader to be trimmed during loading.
Specifications
| Format | 35mm |
| Lens | Schneider Radionar 5cm f/2.9, Friedrich Corygon-Anastigmat 50mm f/2.9, Meyer Görlitz Trioplan 50mm f/2.9, or Balda Baltar 5cm f/2.9 |
| Shutter | Compur shutter with speeds T, B, 1–1/300 s |
| Aperture range | Down to f/16 |
| Close focus distance | 50 cm |
| Viewfinder | Simple viewfinder without parallax correction; optional parallax correction wheel available |
| Shutter release location | Top plate or hinge of folding bed |
| Film advance | Film advance wheel with double-exposure prevention interlock |
| Film counter | Additive counter showing number of exposures made |
| Cable release | Screw-in hole on edge of front standard |
Design
The Jubilette features a self-erecting mechanism triggered by a front release button on the top plate, which opens and positions the front standard automatically. It uses a rim-set shutter, where speed is set via a knurled front ring. The camera includes a zone focus chart on the back and a unique take-up spool with a centrally placed slot for the film leader, requiring the leader to be trimmed before loading.
Context
The Jubilette was a pre-World War II 35mm folding camera competing in a market dominated by solid-bodied models from Leitz, Zeiss, and Argus. It shares design similarities with the 1935 Baldina and the Kodak Retina 1. Other European manufacturers producing similar 35mm folding cameras during this period included Agfa, Beier, Certo, Voigtlander, Welta, and Zeiss Ikon.
Market
In clean, working condition, Balda Jubilette cameras sell for $75 to $130. They are not rare but are uncommon, especially in the United States. When inspecting one, check that all functions operate correctly and examine the bellows for pinholes.
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Related Models
- Balda Baldalux
- Balda Baldax Vest Pocket
- Balda Baldi 29
- Balda Baldix
- Agfa Isolette Jsolette (1936-1937, 1946-1950)