Beier Beirette K100 (1976–1986)
A viewfinder camera made by Beier during the production period of the Beirette K100.
Overview
The Beier Beirette K100 is a viewfinder camera made by Beier, a German manufacturer with roots tracing back to 1923. Founded by Woldemar Beier in Freital, the company began with medium-format wooden cameras and later transitioned to 35mm models like the Beira. The Beirette line evolved from these earlier designs, featuring an integrated optical viewfinder and a body style similar to the Beira. Though camera production briefly included a rangefinder-equipped Beirette II before being halted during wartime, the company resumed operations in 1948. The Beirette K100 emerged decades later as part of Beier’s postwar legacy, manufactured from 1976 to 1986.
Collectibility
A total of 411,053 units of the Beier Beirette K100 were manufactured, indicating broad production for its time. Today, it is considered frequent in non-specialized markets such as garage sales in France, reflecting its availability to collectors. The camera is described as mid 20th-century in origin, though its actual production spanned the late 20th century.
History
Woldemar Beier founded Freitaler Kameraindustrie Beier & Co on April 1, 1923, launching with the Edith, a medium-format wooden camera. In 1931, he introduced his first 35mm camera, initially named Beika and later renamed Beira. The first Beirette model shared the Beira’s body but added an integrated optical viewfinder. Production of a Beirette II with rangefinder appeared in catalogs but was cut short by wartime demands, during which Beier shifted to manufacturing components for bombers and submarines. Camera production resumed in 1948 with the Beirax 6x6. In 1953, Woldemar Beier lost control of the company due to tax debt and passed leadership to his son Werner.
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