BELCA BELMIRA (1953–c.1958)

A compact 35mm coupled rangefinder camera made in Dresden. It has an unusual shape and precise double-image focusing.

Overview

The Belca Belmira is a 35mm coupled rangefinder camera made by Belca-Werk in Dresden, Germany, from 1953 to around 1958. Most Belca models were the cheaper end of the line. The Belmira is the exception. It has a coupled rangefinder with automatic parallax correction and a precision focusing system. It was built during the industrial reorganization of post-WWII East Germany, before Belca-Werk was absorbed into the state-owned VEB Pentacon conglomerate. After the Belca brand was dissolved, the Belmira stayed in production for a time under the Welta name.

Specifications

Type	35mm coupled rangefinder camera
Production Years	1953 to c. 1958
Lens	Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar coated (some with Meyer-Optik Trioplan f/2.9 50mm coated)
Aperture Range	f/2.8 to f/16
Shutter	Vebur shutter
Shutter Speeds	1 second to 1/250th second plus Bulb
Focusing Range	0.8 meters to infinity
Viewfinder	Coupled viewfinder and rangefinder with automatic parallax correction; yellow tinted; positioned on the right side
Rangefinder	Double image system with small coupled mirror in window above lens
Film Reloading	On the left side of the camera
Shutter Position	On the camera body under the viewfinder
Features	Double exposure prevention, rapid winder, accessory shoe

Design

The Belmira has a "push-button" thumb-operated film advance and an unusually shaped body that sets it apart from its contemporaries. The focusing ring has "little crancks for your fingers," which give you a better grip when focusing by hand. The aperture ring has clear and mid-positions for exposure settings. The shutter speed ring sits on the front of the lens. The viewfinder is on the right side of the camera and has a yellow tint, which helps visibility in varying light.

Context

Belca-Werk came out of the post-WWII reorganization of Dresden's camera industry and was folded into VEB Pentacon in the mid-1950s. The Belmira was one of the company's notable models, along with the Belfoca II and Beltica. All three sat above the usual budget-oriented Belca designs. The Belmira kept going under the Welta name after the Belca brand was dissolved, which reflects its durability and market appeal during a time of heavy industrial consolidation in East German optics.

Market

Current market listings show the Belmira at around £15.00, though it is often out of stock, so availability looks limited. The slow shutter speeds are a common problem. They hesitate, particularly at the 1-second setting. Many units have minor body dents from age and use, but the optics are typically clean and other functions often work. Collectors note the quiet mechanism and the pleasant shooting experience, and they praise the design and build quality.

eBay Listings

Belca Belmira vintage camera equipment - eBay listing photo 1

Belca Welta Belmira 35mm film rangefinder camera w. Zeiss Te

$101

See all Belca Belmira on eBay

As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.