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. Balda Werke built it from 1938 to 1940 as a simplified Baldina, and the name honors Balda's 30th anniversary. The front standard is self-erecting and comes out when you press the front release button on the top plate. The viewfinder is a simple one with no built-in parallax correction, though an optional wheel was available to tilt it for better accuracy. There is a zone focus chart on the back. The film take-up spool is unusual, with a central slot, so the film leader has 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 self-erecting mechanism is triggered by a front release button on the top plate, which opens and positions the front standard automatically. The shutter is rim-set, with speed set by a knurled front ring. The zone focus chart is on the back. The take-up spool has a centrally placed slot for the film leader, so the leader must 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 makers of similar 35mm folding cameras in 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 they are uncommon, especially in the United States. When inspecting one, check that all functions operate correctly and look over the bellows for pinholes.
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ BALDA JUBILETTE Nov 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $103 Latest $103 │ │ Median $53 Trend — │ │ Low $34 Volume ~2/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $200 ┤ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ $114 ┤ │ │ │ .│ │ │. │ │ │ . . . │ │ $0 ┤ │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │█ █ █ █ █│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2026-06 2026-06 2026-07│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.
eBay Listings
Recently sold on eBay: $34–$103 (median $53, based on 5 completed sales, past 12 months)
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