Balda Super Baldina - Anyone work on one?

[scott]

Hi all -

I'm considering a Balda Super Baldina (among other things...) and am wondering if these are relatively straight forward to work on. I don't mind doing the work, but also don't want something that's a complete jigsaw puzzle to get apart.

Also, is the camera worth the effort to rehab? I like collapsible lens cameras in general (love my Konica I) and this has a neat look about it. But if they don't produce decent images, well, what's the point? The one I'm looking at has the Baldanar triplet, FWIW.

Thanks,
Scott

[melek]

Do you mean the version with the lens that pops out? I have one of these somewhere with a Schneider Xenon (I think).

It was easy to service, although I never figured out how to disassemble the helical. I believe that I iforced some grease into it, and that worked.

I think that you remove the top deck by removing the strap lugs. I'm curious, so I'll search downstairs for it.

[melek]

Oh yeah - I found it. It was on a different shelf.

This one does have the excellent Schneider Xenon lens. The nameplate has worn away. I had another version in better condition with a lesser lens. I don't know if I still have it.

When you push the button, the lens pops out. It "SNAPS" out with authority. I usually use my other hand to allow it to slide out with less drama.

Simply push the lens back into position, and it will stay retracted.

The lens must be extended to release the shutter.

The camera weighs 1 pound, 5 ounces (595 grams).

I serviced it but haven't used it. I wasn't able to process film at the time. Perhaps it's time to give it a roll (of film)!

[PFMcFarland]

Balda information here: http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Baldina Accordingly, it states the Baldenar was used on the Baldinette and the Mess Baldinette of 1951. Further information here: http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Balda

PF

[scott]

Thanks guys. I'm thinking I'll make a low-ball offer and see what happens. This is one of the lower end models, Prontor-SVS and Baldanar, but looks like a fun project if I can get it cheap enough..

[melek]

They're fun cameras but I definitely wouldn't overpay for one. The top deck is stamped from very thin metal, and many of the models that I've seen have considerable corrosion. The one that I have looked really bad (very dirty) before I serviced it.

[scott]

Mike, this is the listing. He notes the rewind knob doesn't work; I'm hoping that means he hasn't released the knob on the bottom plate. Dunno. I'm thinking of offering $9.75 and see where it goes, but the $15+ shipping is a killer.

[melek]

$15 shipping is a lot, but it's probably because the postal service jacked up its rates. I shipped that Contax IIa to Texas, and it was almost $13. That used to be an $8 shipping cost a couple of years ago.

The rewind knob should spin freely. It has a "press and hold" rewind button.

He might be referring to the film advance, and that would mean that the shutter already is tensioned. You can't release the shutter unless the lens is extended.

I probably would bid $16, but that shipping cost is almost a deal breaker.

You can see the corrosion forming near the top deck and the body and under the lens. You just know this was found in a garage or basement.

[scott]

Thanks Mike, I figured it was questionable at best. Too good to be a deal. Considering I picked up a(nother) Super Memar and Speedex Special R yesterday (oops), I guess I’ll pass on this one.

The search continues...

[PFMcFarland]

I would also pass on that camera for a couple of reasons, the corrosion notwithstanding: In the first place there are models with better lens/shutter combos than that one, and secondly the lens front looks like someone tried to coat it with who knows what, so it's likely ruined anyhow. I recall that at one time there was some troll who bandied on about using Super Glue to re-coat a scratched lens front. That's what looks like happened with this camera. The kiss of death.

PF