DACORA DACORA I
The Dacora I is a 6×6 medium format folding camera produced by Wirgin under the Dacora brand in West Germany, introduced in 1956. Designed as an affordable yet capable folding camera for amateur photographers, it combines compact portability with the image quality of 120 roll film.
Overview
Introduced between 1952 and 1956, the Dacora I belongs to a generation of postwar German folding cameras that sought to balance quality optics, mechanical reliability, and cost-effective production. Marketed toward amateur and enthusiast photographers, the Dacora I offered a practical solution for those seeking medium format image quality in a portable form factor. As a 6×6 folding camera, it produces 12 square exposures on standard 120 film, delivering high-resolution negatives suitable for enlargements—a significant advantage over 35mm cameras of the era.
The Dacora I was positioned as a mid-tier model in Dacora’s lineup, which included several variants such as the Dacora II, III, and IV, each differing primarily in lens and shutter specifications. While not as sophisticated as high-end contemporaries like the Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta, the Dacora I provided a compelling combination of solid build, decent optics, and ease of use. It was manufactured in Wiesbaden, West Germany, during a period when German camera engineering was regaining international prominence after World War II.
The camera features a leather-clad cardboard body with a collapsible metal front standard, allowing the lens assembly to fold into the body for transport. This design made it significantly more compact than rigid-body medium format cameras, enhancing its appeal for travel and street photography. Despite its modest price point, the Dacora I includes features such as a coupled viewfinder and rangefinder (on some variants), a rotating back for portrait and landscape orientation, and a simple but effective focusing mechanism via a front-panel knob.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Type | Folding viewfinder/rangefinder camera |
| Film Format | 120 film (6×6 format, 12 exposures) |
| Years Produced | 1956–1959 |
| Lens Mount | Fixed lens (non-interchangeable) |
| Shutter | Prontor SV shutter, speeds B, 1–1/300 sec |
| Aperture Range | f/4.5 to f/22 |
| Lens | 75mm f/4.5 Steinheil Culminar (4-element Tessar-type) |
| Metering | None (uncoupled or no built-in meter) |
| Exposure Modes | Manual only (shutter speed and aperture set manually) |
| Viewfinder | Optical frame lines with parallax correction; |
| Focusing | Manual via helical focus knob (linked to lens standard) |
| Flash Sync | PC sync socket and X/M flash contacts on shutter |
| Dimensions | Approx. 150 × 90 × 55 mm (folded); weight ~550 g |
| Back Type | Fixed rotating back with red window for frame counting |
Key Features
- 75mm f/4.5 Tessar-type lens (Steinheil Culminar or Schneider Xenar) providing sharp, high-contrast images with minimal aberrations.
- Compur or Prontor shutter with speeds from 1 second to 1/300 second and B setting, offering flexibility in exposure control.
- Folding design with rotating back allows for both portrait and landscape orientations without repositioning the camera.
- Parallax-corrected viewfinder with brightline frame markings for accurate composition.
- Robust German engineering with metal lens standard, leather bellows, and precision focusing mechanism.
Historical Context
The Dacora I was released during a period of resurgence in the West German camera industry, following the economic recovery of the early 1950s. Companies like Wirgin, which marketed cameras under the Dacora brand, aimed to capture a share of the growing consumer photography market by offering well-built, medium format cameras at competitive prices. The Dacora I competed directly with other folding 6×6 cameras such as the Kodak Retina I (Type 117), Wirgin Edinex, and Agfa Isolette, all targeting amateur photographers who desired better image quality than 35mm could offer but without the bulk of larger format systems.
Despite its solid construction and reputable lens options, the Dacora I never achieved the same level of international fame as cameras from Zeiss Ikon or Rollei. This was partly due to Wirgin’s stronger focus on its Edixa line of 35mm SLRs, which received more marketing attention. Nevertheless, the Dacora I represented a technically sound product with optics and mechanics derived from proven designs. Its use of high-quality lenses like the Schneider Xenar—a design renowned for its sharpness and color correction—gave it an edge over budget models that used simpler triplet lenses.
Collectibility & Value
Today, the Dacora I is a relatively obscure but increasingly appreciated camera among medium format film enthusiasts and collectors of postwar German cameras. Its value remains moderate, typically ranging from $80 to $150 USD in functional condition. Models equipped with the Schneider Xenar lens generally command higher prices than those with the Steinheil Culminar, though both are optically excellent.
When purchasing a Dacora I, collectors should inspect the bellows for pinholes or brittleness, ensure the shutter speeds are accurate (especially at slower settings), and verify that the focusing mechanism operates smoothly. The leather covering may be worn or detached on older examples, and the red window (if present) can become fogged or scratched. Because the camera lacks built-in metering, it pairs well with modern handheld light meters, making it a functional choice for film shooters.
Due to its limited production numbers and overshadowing by more famous contemporaries, the Dacora I is considered a niche collectible. However, its combination of quality optics, compact form, and historical significance within the Wirgin product line ensures steady interest among discerning collectors.
Similar Cameras
- Kodak Retina I (Type 117) – German-made 6×6 folding camera with high-quality lenses and excellent build.
- Agfa Isolette I – Compact folding 6×6 camera with coupled rangefinder and sharp Solinar lens.
- Wirgin Edinex – Sister model to the Dacora I, often sharing components and design.
- Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta C – Premium folding camera with advanced features and legendary optics.
- Rollei 4×4 – Though using 127 film, shares the compact folding ethos and German engineering.
Repair & Maintenance
The Dacora I requires no batteries and is fully mechanical, making it suitable for long-term use with proper maintenance. The most common issues include stiff or inaccurate shutters, particularly in cameras that have been stored for decades. A full CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) by a technician experienced with vintage leaf shutters (Compur or Prontor) is recommended for reliable operation. Bellows replacement is possible but requires careful fitting due to the folding standard’s design. The focusing mechanism may need cleaning or lubrication if it becomes gritty. As with all folding cameras, storage in a dry, temperate environment is essential to prevent mold and deterioration of leather and rubber components.
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