Balda Baldinette
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Balda |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1951 |
| Classification | : | Miniature |
| Body Type | : | Folding Bed |
| Bellows Deployment | : | Self Erecting |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 135 |
| Film Width | : | 35mm |
| ImageSize | : | 36mm x 24mm |
| No. of Images | : | 36 |
| Lens Type | : | Schneider Radionare |
| Focus Type | : | Variable |
| Focal Length | : | 50mm |
| Focal Range | : | 4ft - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | 10 blade iris |
| Aperture | : | f/3.5 - f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Prontor |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T,B,1-1/300 sec |
| Size Closed (w x h x d) | : | 87 x 122 x 40 mm |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 87 x 122 x 85 mm |
| Weight | : | 465g |
Art Deco Credentials
Limited: Minor and insubstantial
- Produced after the main Art Deco period.
- Concentric lines on front plate.
- Chromed lens housing, struts and top plate
- Chromed wind and rewind knobs and depth of field plate.
- Concentric circles on winding knob.
Description
The Balda Baldinette came in various version including versions with blue or red leatherette covering. The blue or red versions are very rare.
As the camera was developed, various combinations of shutter and lens were used. Lenses include the Balda Baldanar 50mm f/3.5, the Balda Baldanar 50mm f/2.9, the Balda Baltar 50mm f/2.9, the Schneider Radionar 50mm f/3.5 and the Schneider Radionar 50mm f/2.9. The shutters used included the Prontor-S and the Compur Rapid.
The version that I have has the Schneider Radionar 50mm f/3.5 with the Prontor-S shutter.
A button on the side is pressed to allow the film to be wound on. A frame counter is provided. The camera has front focussing with a range of between 4ft and infinity. There is a lever to adjust the aperture between f/3.5 and f/16.
The shutter must be cocked and the shutter release is linked to the film advance to avoid double exposure. The shutter release is on the body of the camera. A telltale red dot is seen by the shutter release if the shutter is locked. There is a lever to produce a delay of the shutter release. On this camera it seem to be about 7 seconds.
There is an accessory shoe on the top of the camera where a flash unit can be connected. A PC socket is provided for flash synchronisation. A switch gives the option of using M or F type flash bulbs. Electronic strobe flash can also be used.
How to Use
You can find the manual for the similar Super Baldinette here:- Super Baldinette.
A variety of shutter speeds are available although the accuracy is not guaranteed. The aperture range is f/3.5 to f/16
If you don't want to bother with an exposure meter, follow the guide shown. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Film is so forgiving and will produce acceptable results even when overexposed by 2 or 3 stops or underexposed by 1 stop.
Remember that the exposure guide in the camera user manual may not be helpful as it is based on the use of old film with a low ISO value.
The tables assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summer's day in the UK.
If you are not sure about the light level, err on the side of overexposure - i.e. assume the smaller f number.
Where there is a choice, a larger f number will give a larger depth of field.
For the slower speeds, you may need a tripod to stop blur through shake.
Using ISO 100/125 film
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Shutter Speed (s) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/25 | 1/50 | 1/100 | ||
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | - | - | f/16 (Exp +1) |
| Sunny | Distinct | - | - | f/16 |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | - | f/16 | f/11 |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | f/11 | f/8 |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/11 | f/8 | f/5.6 |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/8 | f/5.6 | f/4 |