Balda Baldessa 1B shock results!

Testing my latest ebay "untested" purchase - a late 50s Balda camera from West Germany

[@user-tz4uc9zk5j]

Interesting. I did a brief review of the Balda Baldax before getting injured from the 1930s as only an introduction video. The earlier build quality is outstanding. Enjoyed the vid.

[@seanchang4442]

Beautiful camera, keep shooting my friend. So exciting to see ppl like you keeping the film alive.

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks. I will never stop shooting film while it is available. I love old cameras too. Cheers, Keith

[@jimgraves4197]

I would send that Balda for a service, those photos aren't that bad to be fair. Pre WW2 Balda cameras are great, well made and reliable. Post WW2 are a bit hit and miss.

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks Jim. It's a pity, especially as that rangefinder spot is the best I've ever used. I was referring to you about the folders and how much you obviously like yours. Cheers, Keith

[@Ham-yj1od]

I have this very camera. It was such a joy to take photos with. The view finder is so bright and the RF adjusting wheel is so comfortable to deal with. I wish if other cameras could minic this design.

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks. I don't think anyone can criticise the designs of the Baldas. It's just a shame there are so many broken ones out there. Cheers, Keith

[@kevinthephotographer9346]

I suspect that in the *bay world, the word "untested" means "I know it doesn't work but I'm not going to admit it"

[@theoldunsshot1005]

I tend to look at the feedback and items sold by the seller. If they have sold a lot of photo gear then I don't believe the "untested" claim. The house clearance types are more likely to be "untested". Caveat emptor applies on all online purchases and that's why I don't spend big bucks on the old cameras. Cheers, Keith

[@northstar1950]

Great pity but you loose some and then you win some. Those pics you uploaded look pretty good, lovely exposures.

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks. It is disappointing, especially when my other working Balda is so good. I've been banned from looking at ebay for a while too! 😂 Cheers, Keith

[@kevinthephotographer9346]

I have a Baldessa 1 - a simpler model without exposure meter or rangefinder - and the shutter doesn't fire at any speed. Having one speed would be sheer luxury!

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks Kevin. I am beginning to think the Baldas were bought by the sort of people who didn't much care of them. Cheers, Keith

[@indobleh]

That's a very happy Cat !

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Happy to video-bomb me! Thanks, Keith

[@iainmc9859]

Hey ho, its the way it goes. I thought I'd picked up an unusual Sony bridge camera recently, until I put a battery in it and the zoom started jamming, ten minutes later it just reverted to juddering. Plastic cogs and gears once misaligned ain't ever going to work again. I suppose I can see it as a financial donation to a charity 🤷‍♂ Your photo's looked savable but I guess a singular fast shutter speed limits the cameras type of usage.

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks Iain. Waiting to see if ebay purchases work is about as exciting as life gets these days. It wasn't the best outcome but it was still enjoyable. I will just keep on keeping on 🤣. Cheers, Keith

[@mr_dowsett]

nice work sir!

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks. I appreciate that. Cheers, Keith

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Unlucky, Keith. The images didn't look too bad, but I was watching on my phone. Definitely, it sounds like they weren't as good as a kodak, especially if you drop them.😮

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks Andrew. I hoped they wouldn't look too bad on the video, but on the screen they do lack sharpness. Cheers, Keith