CERTO DOLLINA II

Name: Certo Dollina II
Brand: Certo

The Certo Dollina II is a compact, folding 35mm viewfinder camera made by Certo of Dresden, Germany, starting in 1936. Nobody is sure exactly when production ended. Around 1939 is likely, given wartime disruptions. It evolved from the original Dollina with modest improvements in build and usability, and it was aimed at amateur photographers.

Overview

The Dollina II came out in 1936, when German manufacturers were rushing to cash in on the popularity of Leica-inspired miniature formats. Certo was mainly known for its high-quality plate and roll-film cameras such as the Certo Reflex series. It entered the 35mm market with the original Dollina in 1933. The Dollina II was the direct successor, with user feedback and mechanical improvements aimed at usability and reliability. It was marketed to serious amateurs and traveling enthusiasts. It combined a rigid folding body with a coupled rangefinder (on certain models) and high-grade optics, which made it a premium alternative to more basic 35mm folders.

The Dollina II came with a range of lenses, most commonly the 45mm f/2.8 or f/3.5 Cella or Steinheil Culminar, mounted on a helical focusing unit. It used standard 35mm film in cassettes, advanced with a knob wind, and had a red-window frame counter on the back. The folding design made it very portable, and the lens standard stayed rigid when extended. Unlike many of its contemporaries, it had a top-mounted shutter speed selector and aperture controls, with a combined shutter-release and film advance mechanism.

Certo placed the Dollina II between its entry-level 35mm cameras and its more advanced press and studio equipment. It was not exported as widely as Leica or Contax models, but it found a loyal following in Central Europe among photographers who liked its balance of portability and image quality. Production ceased in 1940 because of wartime manufacturing restrictions, so surviving examples are relatively rare today.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	Folding 35mm viewfinder camera
Film Format	35mm (24 x 36mm)
Years Produced	1936–1940
Lens Mount	Fixed lens with helical focusing (non-interchangeable)
Shutter	Compur or Prontor-Compur leaf shutter; speeds from 1 sec to 1/300 + B
Metering	None (uncoupled)
Exposure Modes	Manual only
Viewfinder	Separate optical viewfinder and rangefinder (on RF models); not fully coupled in the way later cameras were
Dimensions	Approx. 110 x 65 x 40 mm (folded); weight ~380 g

Key Features

High-quality fixed lenses: Typically equipped with 45mm f/2.8 Cella or Steinheil Culminar, delivering sharp, contrast-rich images.
Precision leaf shutter: Compur or Prontor-Compur shutter with speeds up to 1/300 sec, offering reliable performance for available-light photography.
Rangefinder option: Select models featured a coupled rangefinder for accurate manual focusing, a significant advantage over basic viewfinder cameras.
Rigid folding design: Uses a strut-braced front standard that locks securely when extended, minimizing lens wobble.
Compact portability: When folded, the camera slips easily into a jacket pocket, making it ideal for travel and street photography.

Historical Context

The Dollina II arrived at a pivotal moment for 35mm cameras. By the mid-1930s, the success of the Leica I and the arrival of the Contax I had shown that small-format photography worked for both professionals and enthusiasts. German manufacturers like ICA, Wirgin, and Zeiss Ikon were rapidly expanding their 35mm lines, so Certo refined its earlier Dollina to stay competitive. The Dollina II improved on the original with a revised film advance and shutter sync. Only M-sync was standard, though, and X-sync was not available until postwar models.

Even with these improvements, the Dollina II faced stiff competition from more established brands. The Kodak Retina I (introduced in 1934) offered similar portability with a built-in film loading system, while the Leica remained the gold standard for image quality and lens availability. The Dollina II’s niche was premium German optics and solid build in a folding body, for photographers who wanted Leica-like performance without the premium price. Certo’s limited international distribution and lack of a comprehensive lens system held back wider adoption. Production ended abruptly in 1940 when Certo’s Dresden factory was repurposed for wartime optics, and the model was never revived post-war.

Collectibility & Value

Today the Certo Dollina II is a sought-after collector’s item, particularly models with the 45mm f/2.8 Cella lens and coupled rangefinder. Surviving examples are relatively rare, especially in working condition, because the folding mechanism is fragile and the shutter components are old. Unrestored examples typically sell for $150 - $300. Working, serviced models with good optics may reach $400 - $600 in strong markets.

When evaluating a Dollina II for purchase, collectors should inspect the shutter operation across all speeds, check for lens haze or separation (common in older Cella lenses), and ensure the folding struts are tight and free of corrosion. The leather covering is often deteriorated, but replacements are occasionally available. One common issue is misalignment of the rangefinder, which requires specialized calibration tools to repair. Given the complexity of the Compur shutter and the scarcity of replacement parts, repair should be undertaken only by technicians experienced in pre-war German cameras. Despite these challenges, the Dollina II remains a rewarding restoration project and a historically significant example of Germany’s rich 35mm camera heritage.

Similar Cameras

Kodak Retina I (Type 117) – Folding 35mm camera with high-quality lens and excellent build; introduced 1934.
Wirgin Edinex – German 35mm folder with interchangeable lenses; produced 1938–1940.
Zweiverschluss 45 – Dual-shutter 35mm folder with Compur and Ibsor shutters; known for precision.
Adox Adrette – Compact 35mm folder with coupled rangefinder; produced by Agfa subsidiary.
Plaubel Peco Profia – High-end folding camera with interchangeable lenses; targeted press photographers.

Repair & Maintenance

The Certo Dollina II is fully mechanical and needs no batteries. The leaf shutter (typically Compur or Prontor-Compur) is prone to lubricant hardening after decades of disuse, which leads to inaccurate speeds or complete failure. A full shutter service by a qualified technician is recommended before regular use. The film advance mechanism is generally sturdy but may need cleaning and lubrication to run smoothly. Inspect the folding struts and hinge system for wear, since loose joints can affect lens alignment. The rangefinder, if present, may need recalibration with a collimator. Spare parts are scarce, so sourcing replacements for damaged components (such as the viewfinder hood or shutter blades) can be difficult. Regular use and dry storage are advised to prevent corrosion and mold.