I never cease to be amazed

[oftheherd]

I have been watching a Welta Superfekta on Ebay. It is the 6x9 as well as 6x6 model. Because the 6x9 models seem even more rare than the straight 6x6 like I have, I expected it to go for a lot, but was watching and hoping it might be something I could spring for.

However, as can be seen at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=250264839650&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=015 it went sky high. $579.00 is hard to believe, even for one of those. Or is it? I think this is the first I have seen. The 6x6 aren't common by any means, but I don't recall having seen the 6x9 anywhere.

I didn't even know they eisted until our own Chippy talked about his. But $579.00, wow.

Btw, I put this here as the Superfekta is a folder, it not RF, and I didn't see the TLR forum I thought existed here. We seem to sort of post old folders of any ilk here. Mods, feel free to move this if you think if appropriate.

 

[Krosya]

Its a very rare camera and had it had a better lens it would have gone for more. Its a collector camera - very cool design. And looks to be in a good condition - one in that auction. While I'd like to have one of those - it would be for it to sit on a shelf - not for actual use. I'd be afraid to damage it. Plus there are other good 6x9 cameras that can perform better. I saw that auction too and if it had a better lens I'd bid too. For the price it sold - it should have had a better lens than a triplet. I suppose someone really really wanted one. I've seen these pop up and sell for about 3-400 USD with this lens. But with a good lens it can reach 1K depending on condition. I like Weltas and have a couple and their folders with coupled RF are a better choice if you are looking for a camera to actually use. Too bad they didnt make many. I personally think their folders are the best vintage cameras. I tried many and only ones I have now are Weltas. And I use them , not just store in a cabinet.

 

[Krosya]

Here is one of my Weltas:

and here is a pic from it - not bad for a camera from 1930's:

(sorry, large pic so you can see how much detail it can deliver at 2.8 wide open)

 

[dazedgonebye]

Well, a folding TLR is something I've never seen before.
I'm always amazed at the many ways in which a problem can be approached.

 

[chippy]

i have to agree i think the Welta, more particularly the Weltur, Weltini and Welti are the best pre-war folders (buts thats just my opinon) and as for the Perfekta (the 6x6 you have is this oftheherd) and Superfekta --well they are kind of unique anyway!

i watched that action as well just for curiosity, i am not sure if the buyer or others realised but the shutter on it was/is not origonal and should of kept the price down considerably. it was a shutter from a Welta obviously but the shutter that goes on the Superfekta is completly different and looks very classy. the lens may well of been from the origonal camera as the serial number was close to what year it should have been but i couldnt read what the veiwing lens number was to see if they were close (which they would normaly be). the other thing i noticed with that Superfekta was that out of all the pictures he had of it none were with the waistlevel finda popped up..that is the most delicate part of these cameras and should sound a caution signal to a prospective buyer

funny this post should pop up as i have just this evening been going through the origonal patents and drawings of the Superfekta (and a few others). i am still trying to figure out how to change the mirror in mine..its proving to be a real difficulty. the Perfecta (6x6) model is easy but until i can change the Superfekta mirror i am afraid it is a sit on the shelf camera :-(

thats a real drawback to buying one of these if the intent is to use it as the mirrors 70+ years on arent usualy that good.

incidently there was a Perfekta just sold recently as well--it got to around $156 i think it was but it really was a scrap heap-beyond restoration as it was missing parts all over, including the correct lens. the owner had painted it black and was leading ppl to think it was good....i looked at it thinking maybe there would be some parts of vaule in it but really there was hardly anything worth salvaging.

 

[oftheherd]

Krosys - Very nice photo. Indeed the Weltas take good photos.

Chippy, I can certainly agree with the Weltini and Welti from personal experience. The first 35mm camera I used extensively was a Welti. I put a lot of film through it. The Weltur I am not sure. I forget if that is a RF or not. I think I have the Weltur and it is not. Correct me if I am wrong.

At any rate, I do like Weltas as users. I keep a Welti or Weltini in my car and often take out my 6x6. Even though I have the 645 mask, I usually use it at 6x6. I prefer the extra negative room and my Epson scanner gets confused with 645 and tries to combine two of them in weird ways.

 

[FallisPhoto]

I have been watching a Welta Superfekta on Ebay. It is the 6x9 as well as 6x6 model. Because the 6x9 models seem even more rare than the straight 6x6 like I have, I expected it to go for a lot, but was watching and hoping it might be something I could spring for.

However, as can be seen at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=250264839650&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=015 it went sky high. $579.00 is hard to believe, even for one of those. Or is it? I think this is the first I have seen. The 6x6 aren't common by any means, but I don't recall having seen the 6x9 anywhere.

I didn't even know they eisted until our own Chippy talked about his. But $579.00, wow.

Btw, I put this here as the Superfekta is a folder, it not RF, and I didn't see the TLR forum I thought existed here. We seem to sort of post old folders of any ilk here. Mods, feel free to move this if you think if appropriate.

Almost makes me wish I had bought the one in England that went for about $20 last month.

 

[oftheherd]

Almost makes me wish I had bought the one in England that went for about $20 last month.

Almost? Almost??

You have to be kidding, right? Especially with your love of folders.

They are a different camera to use. I enjoy using mine once in a while, just for something different to do, and for stares if there are "real" photographers around. 😀

 

[raid]

I have a weltur 35mm camera. Does it have a good reputation? I have used it only once a while ago.

 

[chippy]

The names for the various Welta-Werke-Kamera models can be confusing unless your a bit of a fan (i forget the name/word for it oftherherd called it way back lol). as they have many names for thier camera models that begin with W and also they changed the name of the company several times but were largly known just as Welta.

Raid and oftheherd the Weltur model is the one pictured in Krosya's post; it is 6x6 or 6x4,5 with a mask inserted and a coupled rangefinder, the Welti is a 35mm candid camera but of good quality for its time, many people compare it to the Kodak Retina 1 as they are simular cameras (without rangefinder) there are also a ton of different models depending on year of manufacture and level of features available on them. the Weltini is a 35mm camera with a coupled rangefinder and IMO is about the best pre-war 35mm unless you could afford a leica.

i could perhaps post some snap shots of the various models if anyone wants them

 

[chippy]

Raid i beleive all (well many) pre-war welta have a good reputation, although on many of their cameras they could be purchased with specs ranging from low affordable consumer atributes to models with s/xenon, leitz elmar, the best shutters and helical focusing. its often because a welta was available with the best lenses at the time that made them a real choice to a SuperIkonta or even a Leica. the quality of the pre-war Welta cameras is as good or better than any othe maker at the time or since

 

[Abbazz]

I have a Welta Garant 6x9 folder like this one, but in black finish with a plain Compur Shutter (1sec.-1/250sec.) and a Meyer-Görlitz Trioplan F/4.5 10,5cm lens. Judging by the lens, shutter and lack of rangefinder, this must have been a middle range camera, but the construction is really first rate. I use it stopped down for landscape work and it delivers superb pictures. It's also the smallest 6x9 in my collection, the only one truly pocketable, even when I don't wear a jacket!

Cheers!

Abbazz

 

[oftheherd]

I have a weltur 35mm camera. Does it have a good reputation? I have used it only once a while ago.

Chippy has stated it well I think. I really like Weltas myself. I think if you take yours out and exercise it a bit you will be pleasantly surprised. Look at Krosya's photo.

I don't have a MF Welta RF, but do have the Weltini. I started 35mm photography with a Welti. It is a great little camera. I usuall keep one in my car. The Weltini is a little larger and heavier. I still like it too.

Try yours.

 

[Krosya]

Here a cousin to your Welta Garant- also 6x9 but with coupled RF - Weltur:

This one is very nice and rather uncommon compared to 6x6 Weltur model.

 

[chippy]

great pics Krosya..of the camera too! gota get me one of those little compact light meters one day

 

[chippy]

Superfekta & Perfekta

Superfekta & Perfekta

6x9 Superfekta that rotates to landscape or portrait mode and sold for around 4+ years . and the Perfekta 6x6 which sold for around 5+ years both available with with trioplan, tessar and sometimes a xenar

 

[chippy]

trio of welta

trio of welta

like abbazz the Welta garant on the left which was in 39 the highest of their 6x9 folders excepting the Weltur and the Superfekta. then came the Welta Trio followed by the more basic Welta Symbol on the right

this another welta Garant (the back of one) it has what i assume is a dealers lable atatched with an interesting address. Ballin & Rabe Halle S. Adolf Hilter Ring 14 Handelstr. 1 Delitzscherstr. 94

i bet that address aint around anymore!

 

[chippy]

papa weltur mother weltur and baby weltini

papa weltur mother weltur and baby weltini

just some ruff ol shot of three of my welta rangefinder's

 

[Krosya]

Nice Welta family you have there! do you have any photos from Welta TLRs you could post here?

 

[chippy]

Nice Welta family you have there! do you have any photos from Welta TLRs you could post here?

nah..wish i could! i am still behind the times and havnt got a scanner yet and to make things worse because my kids have taken over my old darkroom (converted to thier own bathroom) i am in the progress of building a new darkroom, by the time i get it going i hate to think how many negs i have to print--they are mounting up!!. also, like i mentioned earlier the superfekta needs a new mirror 🙂 without it i really cant see a thing through it. i cant wait to get it going to use though. in every other respect it works great....i do have a large welta family lol, i have quite a few others with different lens combinations as well.