Müller Noris
Art Deco Credentials ⓘ
Bold, geometric cameras from Deco’s golden age
Significant: Strong and recognisable Deco features
- Produced during the main Art Deco period.
- Four arcs in chrome on black enamel on faceplate.
- Ornate chrome struts.
- Curvilinear body design.
- Body covered in embossed leatherette.
- Chrome outline to body.
- Ornate chrome winder and shutter release.
- Ornate chrome sports viewfinder.
- Chrome and black enamel brilliant finder on lens standard
- Chrome table stand and tripod socket.
- Chromed red window covers.
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Balda |
|---|---|---|
| Retailer | : | Müller |
| Produced | : | 1936 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Folding Bed |
| Bellows Deployment | : | Self Erecting |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| ImageSize | : | 2¼ x 3¼ in |
| No. of Images | : | 8/16 |
| Lens Type | : | Friedrich München Corygon Anastigmat |
| Focal Length | : | 105mm |
| Focus Type | : | Variable |
| Focal Range | : | 1.5m - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Iris |
| Aperture | : | f/4.5 - f/25 |
| Shutter Type | : | 5 Leaf |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T,B,1/150 to 1 sec |
| Size Closed (w x h x d) | : | 87 x 160 x 35 mm |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 87 x 160 x 134 mm |
| Weight | : | 599g |
Description
A rare Balda‑built OEM model from the late 1930s, the Müller Noris blends a full‑size 6×9 Balda Pontina‑type body with the Balda Juwella‑style strut system, creating a distinctive hybrid unique to retailer‑branded production. The camera features a dual‑window film back and accepts a removable 6×4.5 format mask, allowing photographers to switch between 6×9 and 6×4.5 exposures on 120 film. The viewfinder includes its own 6×4.5 masking frame, confirming the camera’s factory‑intended dual‑format capability. Paired with a Prontor II shutter and classic Balda optics, the Noris delivers the solid engineering and elegant mechanics typical of pre‑war German folders. Its unusual mix of components and genuine multi‑format design make it a standout piece for collectors of Balda's lesser‑known OEM variants.
The camera is self-erecting, with a button release on the body. The focus is adjustable down to 1.5 metres. The aperture scale is annotated at 4.5, 6.3, 9, 12, 18 and 25. It has an everset shutter with speeds from 1 second down to 1/150 seconds, plus 'B' and 'T'. A cable socket is provided for remote shutter release.
The main viewfinder is a double frame type with a lens in each frame. There is also a brilliant finder mounted on the lens standard, which swivels for horizontal and vertical use. The film compartment opens with a small sliding latch, marked with an arrow, under the carrying strap. Inside the back, there are swing-out holders for the spools. The camera has two 3/8 inch tripod mounts for portrait and landscape images.
It normally comes with a mask for the film plane to produce the smaller images but these are easily lost - usually the case - and the one for this camera is missing. Likewise the viewer on the body has a mask that can be moved into place to allow the photographer to frame the smaller images. The camera has two red windows. When the mask is being used, 16 smaller images are produced. The film is advanced until the image number is seen in the first red window, and for the next frame, the film is advanced until the same image number appears in the second window. A sliding cover is used to protect the red windows.
How to Use
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/25 |
| Sunny | Distinct | - | f/25 | f/18 |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/25 | f/18 | f/12 |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/18 | f/12 | f/9 |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/12 | f/9 | f/6.3 |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/9 | f/6.3 | 4.5 |