Welta Vario en

PL

Folding Camera in the cassette frame size 110×85. Provided the camera was Foto-Drogeria Blettermann Eberswalde, Eisenbahnstrasse 14. The camera is equipped with Vario shutter with speeds 25, 50, 100, B, T, and Lens Anastigmat „Prima” 1:6,6 F = 135.

Shutter was produced by Gauthier Vario with Calmbach in 1912. In 1929, construction has been modernized. Since 1917 it also produced a French company under the brand Gitzo 'Platos’,’ Plavicos’, 'VISTAR’, 'Gitzo.

Manufacturer of the lens and body, unfortunately I could not fix.  But I got an e-mail from Dieter, who has in his collection of 350 cameras. Dieter explained to me that the camera manufacturer is the company Welta-Kamera-Werk from Freital-Sachsen near Dresden, and operating under the brand since 1919. The company was founded in 1914 as the Weeka-Kamera-Werk by Walter Waurich and Theodor Weber.

Danke schön Dieter!!.

Despite further research I can’t find a photo of identical camera. The folding cameras on roll film are more popular. It seems that the camera was produced in a limited number before 1930. Makes me wonder, however, that there is a little bit similar cameras. Officially recognized as the first mass-produced camera in the Soviet Union, ie Efte1 is almost identical. You can see that this is a compilation of original imported components (Vario shutter and lens). Efte-1 was produced in the years 1929 to 1930 by the „Foto Trud company” but in small quantities. But design is very similar to my exhibit.

I bought the camera with one cassette sight (with screens available) for 163 PLN. It is in good condition.  I bought the film cassette later. It’s basically from Voigtländer, but fits well.

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