Balda Pontina (1936–1937)
A folding 6×9 medium format camera made in Dresden, Germany, with dual viewfinders and Prontor II shutter.
Overview
The Balda Pontina is a folding bellows camera produced in Dresden, Germany, during the interwar period. Manufactured from 1936 to 1937, it captures images in 6×9 centimeter format and can be converted to 6×4.5 using an internal mask. The camera features a flip-out viewfinder with a magnifying lens, eye shield, and format mask, plus a second optical viewfinder with rotating cross-shaped framing for portrait and landscape orientation. Film is advanced via a knob, and the back includes two ruby windows with a sliding cover to protect against light leaks.
Specifications
| Format | 6×9 centimeter |
| Format conversion | Can be converted to 6×4.5 centimeter with a mask |
| Shutter | Prontor II |
| Shutter speeds | Fastest speed is 1/150 second; includes Time and Bulb options |
| Viewfinder | Flip-out viewfinder with large magnifying lens, shield with small eye hole, and flip-up mask for 6×4.5 format |
| Second viewfinder | Optical viewfinder mounted next to shutter, rotates 90 degrees, with cross-shaped framing edges |
| Film advance | Knob |
| Back | Two ruby windows with sliding cover |
| Tripod mounts | One on camera body (with 3/8-16 to 1/4-20 step-down insert), one on front door |
| Front door feature | Flip-out leg for vertical stand |
| Carrying handle | Leather handle attached to two square wire rings at latch end |
Design
The Balda Pontina is constructed from steel covered in leather, with a bellows that extends via sprung chrome hinge assemblies. The lens and shutter assembly folds under the front door when closed and extends perpendicularly when opened, guided by a cam mechanism. The enameled brass cover shows green oxidation marks.
Context
Made in Dresden during the interwar period, the Pontina reflects a time when manufacturers often assembled cameras from available parts. Balda was heavily involved in third-party production, and variants of the Pontina were sold in large quantities by Porst as the Hapo 10 and Hapo 45.
Market
The Balda Pontina is listed on a collectible cameras price guide at €88 in antique condition. It is described by a user as a "new mystery camera," with one noting the importance of the ruby window cover after experience with light leaks.
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Related Models
- Balda Baldalux
- Balda Baldix
- Balda Jubilette (1938-)
- Agfa Isolette Jsolette (1936-1937, 1946-1950)