Introduction to the Balda Juwella
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- čas přidán 23. 04. 2014
- Balda Werk's Balda Juwella represents, I think, a camera which sought to innovate in a field of 'me-too' 6X9 folding cameras. Outfitted with innumerable minor variations and quite a suite of lens and shutter options, the Juwella was a camera that, during the 1930s, filled the need people today fill with smart phones and point-and-shoot cameras. It's not the best camera, but it's light. It's not the sharpest, but it cuts muster once you get to f11 and slower. It's a fun, simple camera to use and on each occasion when I've used it someone has stopped me to ask about it. People find them fascinating: They are.
Video Index:
Skip the Intro: 0:07
Market Info: 0:38
Camera Body Style Differences: 1:15
McKeown's Variations: 5:00
How old is my Juwella?: 5:41
Camera Features -- Top: 9:30
Camera Features -- Bottom: 10:30
Camera Features -- Front: 10:54
Camera Features -- Back: 11:37
Camera Features -- Inside: 11:55
Loading and Unloading Film: 12:16
How to Open and Close Your Camera Safely: 15:18
Thoughts about the Juwella: 17:03
Camera Don'ts: 20:57
Pleading for Affection: 22:18
Sample Photos: 22:45
Outtakes: 23:30
References:
www.phogulum.com/cameras/balda...
www.pbase.com/image/102301379
collectiblend.com/Cameras/Bald...
camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Bal...
camera-wiki.org/wiki/Viewfinde...
McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). p104-5.
www.collection-appareils.fr/x/...
camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Balda
My Photography Website:
www.5119photography.com/
My Blog:
beyondbokeh.blogspot.com/
feeds.feedburner.com/BeyondBokeh (reader link)
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David, thank you for this very detailed commentary about this camera. This video was very pertinent because I recently inherited one just like it (and two similar Kodak models I'm guessing were manufactured in the 1940s). Other than selling cameras on eBay, are there reputable businesses that purchase old cameras that they then resell? Thanks, again!
Thank you and for resale, some cities have small camera shops that do, yes. For instance, here in Denver there are two and I would think that any city of a larger enough size with either colleges or an arts community ought to have an option of some kind.
Excellent video David, Thank You. You have a very strong grasp of the importance of History.
Thank you! :D
Very informative video. Answered every question I had about the camera parts and usage. Thanks
Thank you!
Really interesting - I love these cameras feel so good in the hand ergonomically perfect I have a few but your video helped me understand so much more about them
Thankyou
Thank you!
I picked one of these up on from an oxfam store for 20 bucks, but it wasn't until I had it at home that I noticed some mold inbetween the lens. Any way I can clean it up?
Mine also came with a little wire with a thread on it that's basically a shutter button extender. If you look at yours you'll see a little threaded hole where next to the shutter, that's where it goes.
You CAN clean the mold but these old lenses can be tricky re re-assemble as the front cell can thread back on in multiple locations and the wrong one will prevent it from focusing correctly. Unless the mold is really bad, I'd let it be and let the image character be what it is for it.
Also you probably already said but what is the purpose of the metal bit just below the Balda name below the carry strap on the front please
I think that's a kickstand to keep it level for use when taking self-portraits or group shots. Just pop it on a picnic table or the like and it won't tip forward.
Hi, I bought one of these cameras. I want to ask that question. Does this camera have battery/cell ? How can I understand it is working or not ?
There is no battery for these. You can tell if it's working easily by popping open the back (assuming there's no film in it) and firing the shutter while pointing the camera at a lamp. You'll see a flash of light in the lens if the shutter works.
Greetings,
Does the 120mm film need any sort of bath after firing the shutter?
For how long should you keep the shutter open to take a decent picture?
I'm planning to buy this camera and as a student I have a very limited budget. I'm trying to do everything according to a plan so I won't end up with a camera which I cannot use.
For your first question, I'm not entirely sure what you mean by bath. Are you asking if it needs to be developed? If so, then yes, it will need to be developed.
For your second question, your best bet is to get a free light meter app for your phone, use your film ISO for the ISO setting, and then use the settings it indicates for your shutter speed and aperture.
As a general point about this camera, it's not a good first film camera. These are old and may not be perfectly reliable anymore. Also, they're fragile due to age. I would not recommend this as a student camera and suggest instead looking at a 35mm rangefinder or SLR camera instead.
@@DavidHancock Thank you for the advise.
@@DavidHancock Hello, I have another question: How does the focusing ring work, and does it have a lot of importance in general?
@@n.b.4977 Focus works by turning the lens and yes, it will be important. If your focus is incorrect, your images will be blurry or focused on the wrong thing. So you'll set the distance to your subject on the lens' focus scale. Simply align that distance on the lens' scale with the focus point index on the lens.
Wow, thank you for this amazing informative video :D Got one from 1939 also :D
Thank you and very nice!
Hi, I bought a Balda Juwella Anastigmat Camera for my granddaughter for Christmas. She is interested in figuring out how old cameras work.
Looks very much like the one in your video. Very interesting information - so glad I found your video. I have a problem trying to close it. I tried to press the metal hook-like on each side, but it's not budging and I'm afraid to push too hard. Thanks. Linda
Hmm. Check the hinges and connections for any rust. If there's none, it might just need a little more pressure. I think there's a trick to these with pressing the diagonal struts in or away from you (I forget for sure and I sold my Juwella a couple of years ago.) But barring any physical issues, it should close okay with the right touch on the diagonals.
I have the camera case with the camera...it's not easy to figure out.
No it's not. This was a curious one.
We had it given to us from a friend who passed and it hadn't been touched for decades, beautiful condition. The camera case was tricky to open. I'm so grateful for your video.
My daughter is taking into her photography class to enjoy seeing one.
I have purchased a Agfa billy record and as the manual is in German am not sure how to use, could I use the basics from this video and apply them to the billy record?
+jacob smith In general, perhaps, but some of the functionality will be different.
+David Hancock thanks
I was given a Balda Juwella last night as well as an Argoflex camera. Where can I find film for this camera? There is only one spool inside it.
It takes any 120 film. So Freestyle Photo, Amazon, Ultrafine, Adorama, and B&H are all good sources.
Thanks
whats the average price?
All over the place. Folding camera prices vary more than other cameras. If you saw one for $50, that would probably be a fair price if it were in the condition of the one I used to own.
tnx for the info mate. and no mine is much better preserved ,almost mint just doesnt have that winding key extension thingy in the bottom.
Nice! The key thing seems to be of some value, though the flash (or whatever it was) that attached to it probably has no remaining copies in existence.