BELCA BELFOCA II

The Belca Belfoca II is a medium format folding camera produced in West Germany between 1956 and 1959. An updated version of the original Belfoca, it was designed for amateur and enthusiast photographers seeking high-quality 6×6 cm negatives on 120 film in a compact, portable body.

Overview

Manufactured by Belca (a brand name used by the Bavarian firm Optica Altenburg, unrelated to the later Japanese Belca company), the Belfoca II was part of a short-lived but technically competent line of folding cameras aimed at the post-war European consumer market. Released during a period of resurgence in German optical engineering, the Belfoca II represented a refinement of its predecessor, incorporating improved focusing mechanics, a more robust folding struts, and a redesigned top housing that integrated a combined viewfinder and frame counter. The camera was marketed as a precision instrument with a focus on portability and image quality, targeting photographers who desired the advantages of medium format without the bulk of a TLR or SLR.

The Belfoca II utilized a fixed, high-quality triplet lens—typically a 75mm f/3.5 Belar or Belux, depending on production batch—mounted in a Compur-Rapid shutter assembly. Its 6×6 cm negative format allowed for excellent detail reproduction and enlargement capability, making it suitable for both portrait and landscape photography. The folding design, with its leather-clad bellows and collapsible front standard, enabled the camera to fit easily into a coat pocket when not in use. Despite its modest branding, the Belfoca II shared design cues and components with more prestigious contemporaries like the Iloca and Wirgin Edinex folding models, reflecting the common practice of component sharing among German camera manufacturers of the era.

Specifications

Key Features

• Integrated top-housing viewfinder and frame counter – A design improvement over the original Belfoca, consolidating controls and improving usability.
• Compur-Rapid shutter with full speed range – Offers shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/400 sec, enabling versatile exposure control in varied lighting.
• High-quality 75mm f/3.5 triplet lens – Delivers sharp, contrast-rich images with minimal aberration for its class.
• Automatic film counter reset – Prevents double exposures and simplifies loading.
• Compact folding design with rigid struts – Ensures lens alignment stability and portability.

Historical Context

The Belfoca II was introduced in 1956, a period when German camera manufacturers were reclaiming market share in Europe and North America after the disruptions of World War II. While brands like Rollei and Zeiss Ikon dominated the premium segment, smaller firms such as Wirgin, Iloca, and Belca targeted the mid-tier market with well-built, affordable medium format cameras. The Belfoca II was positioned as a step-up model from basic box cameras, offering the image quality of 120 film in a portable body, appealing to amateur photographers and traveling enthusiasts.

It competed directly with models like the Iloca Rapid A, Wirgin Edinex 66, and the Kodak Retina I (Type 117), all of which used 120 film and folding designs. Unlike the Retina series, the Belfoca II lacked coupled rangefinder focusing, relying instead on scale focusing and a ground glass patch on the back for critical focusing (used during loading). This made it less precise than rangefinder-equipped contemporaries but also reduced cost and mechanical complexity. Despite solid build quality and excellent optics, Belca’s limited marketing reach and lack of international distribution hindered widespread adoption. Production ceased by 1959, likely due to increasing competition from Japanese imports and the rising popularity of 35mm cameras.

Collectibility & Value

The Belca Belfoca II is a rare find today, with fewer than 10,000 units estimated to have been produced. Its obscurity compared to better-known German brands contributes to its status as a niche collector’s item, particularly among enthusiasts of folding cameras and post-war European optics. In excellent, fully functional condition—with intact leather, clean glass, and a reliable shutter—the Belfoca II typically sells for $250–$400 USD at auction or through specialty camera dealers. Values increase significantly for examples with the rarer Belar lens, which is optically superior to the more common Belux variant.

When purchasing a Belfoca II, collectors should inspect the bellows for pinholes or brittleness, test all shutter speeds with a timing device, and verify that the focusing mechanism operates smoothly without play. Common issues include stiff or seized shutter blades (due to dried lubricant), light leaks from degraded foam seals, and misalignment of the viewfinder frame lines. The red window on the back may also suffer from degraded opacity, risking film fogging. Because the camera uses no batteries and has purely mechanical operation, it remains fully functional if well-maintained, making it a practical as well as historical tool for film photographers.

Similar Cameras

• Iloca Rapid A (1954–1958) – German folding 120 camera with 75mm f/3.5 lens and Compur shutter; nearly identical construction.
• Wirgin Edinex 66 (1955–1959) – Features similar layout, 6×6 format, and interchangeable lenses via adapter.
• Kodak Retina I (Type 117) (1954–1957) – Coupled rangefinder, 75mm f/3.8 lens, more refined finish.
• Rollei Universal (1958–1960) – Non-rangefinder folding Rollei, higher build quality but similar functionality.
• Alpa Prisma 120 (1957–1960) – Swiss-made, prism viewfinder option, though significantly more advanced and expensive.

Repair & Maintenance

The Belca Belfoca II requires no batteries and operates entirely mechanically, making it inherently reliable if maintained. The Compur-Rapid shutter is serviceable and commonly repaired by specialist technicians familiar with vintage leaf shutters. Regular maintenance includes shutter cleaning and lubrication every 10–15 years, depending on use. Bellows replacement is possible using archival-grade replacement materials, though original parts are scarce. Focus rail lubrication and leather dressing help preserve functionality and appearance. Due to the lack of electronic components, repair difficulty is moderate for experienced technicians, though sourcing spare parts may require donor cameras. Users are advised to store the camera extended for long periods to prevent bellows from setting in a compressed state.

eBay Listings

Germany Belca Belfoca II 6x9 6x6 Bonotar 4.5/10.5 Mint Box

$220

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