Belca Beltica Analogue camera

De Belca Beltica is a classic, extremely compact 35mm folding camera from the former GDR (East Germany). These cameras were produced in Dresden by Belca-Werk, a factory that arose from post-war restructuring of the German camera industry. The Beltica is known for its sleek design; it is a camera that fits effortlessly in a jacket pocket, despite being a full-fledged analog folding camera. It is a beautiful, tactile device that represents a specific era of East German camera manufacturing and is highly valued by enthusiasts of classic box cameras and 'street photography' from the 1950s.

Key Features
Extremely compact folding design: A very slim profile, ideal for portability, with the lens and the bellows collapsing into the body.

E. Ludwig Meritar lens: Equipped with a 50mm f/2.9 lens, a characteristic lens from the Dresden region that delivers the typical soft, vintage rendering.

Depth-of-field table (Dieptescherpte-tabel): On the back of the camera is a handy, original table that gives the photographer immediate insight into depth of field at different aperture settings.

Robust mechanism: The folding mechanism is sturdy and reliable, a hallmark of the robust construction common in Dresden factories of the time.

Classic DDR aesthetics: A sober, functional design with a sleek black leather covering and metal accents.

Technical Specifications
Camera type: 35mm folding camera (box camera).

Lens: E. Ludwig Meritar 50mm f/2.9 (Serial no. 773967).

Shutter: Cludor central shutter with speeds from 1/25 to 1/200 sec, including 'B' (Bulb).

Serial number: Stamped into the body: 13400.

Condition of the item
Cosmetic: The camera is in used vintage condition with clear signs of age and wear. There are areas where the covering shows some wear, contributing to the authentic, well-loved look of this historical piece.

Optical: The lens is in reasonable condition but contains internal dust and possibly slight haze, consistent with the age and nature of these historical lenses.

Mechanical: The folding mechanism works and locks with a click. The shutter fires, though the accuracy of timings after all these years is not guaranteed. The transport knob turns.

Test status: This is a historical object for the collector. The camera has not been tested with film for light-tightness (bellows) or mechanical precision.

What’s included?
Belca Beltica 35mm folding camera.

Why buy this item?
The Belca Beltica is a must-have for collectors of 'Dresden cameras' or enthusiasts of early East German photography history. It is a camera with character; the combination of ultra-compact size and the classic bellows construction makes it a fascinating object to study, restore, or display.

Keywords
Belca Beltica, E. Ludwig Meritar, German camera, DDR photography, Vintage folding camera, Bellows camera, 35mm analog, Analog collection, Dresden camera, Retro photography, Cludor shutter, Analog camera, Historic photography.