Belca Beltica Analogue camera

De Belca Beltica is a classic, extremely compact 35mm foldable camera from the former GDR (East Germany). These cameras were produced in Dresden by Belca-Werk, a factory that arose from the postwar restructuring of German camera history. The Beltica is known for its slender 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 rangefinder cameras and street photography from the 1950s.

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

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

Depth of Field Table (Dieptescherptetabel): 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 typical of Dresden factories of the time.

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

Technical Specifications
Type of camera: 35mm folding camera (rangefinder).

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

Optical: The lens is in fair condition but contains internal dust and possibly light haze, appropriate to the age and nature of these historic lenses.

Mechanical: The folding mechanism works and locks into place. The shutter fires, though the accuracy of timings after all these years cannot be guaranteed. The film advance knob rotates.

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

What is 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.