Just bought off Craigslist a Welta Welti, dating from 1936/37 (based on the lens and shutter serial numbers; the body itself has no serial number). 35mm viewfinder folder; Steinheil 50/2.9 Cassar triplet, uncoated, front cell focus; Welta-Compur shutter (1/300 top speed). The seller bought the camera (along with the house and all the rest of its contents) 40+ years ago. The shutter seems right on; glass appeared a little hazy and I cleaned a few internal surfaces, but really that's more a function of the lack of coating. Evidence of prior owner names on and inside the camera, and on the case.
It looks its age -- "honest wear," as they say, but all intact and smoothly functional. Along the way, apparently the cone on the bottom with the tripod mount must have gotten loose, because someone with a file or grinder cut three symmetrical flat ledges into it and tapped threaded holes through it and into the body. Very professional job. Screwed onto the back is a beautifully executed enameled metal depth of field table; quite detailed and perfectly legible. They don't do details like this anymore.
The case isn't original to the camera; it is not a fitted case but rectangular with a top flap. Marked "E.K. 1943" so it's likely a Kodak case of some sort. Heavy leather, quite well made; stitching all intact. A leather and brass closure. The whole thing is reminiscent of a cartridge box. It's probably been with the camera for close to 80 years at this point.
Looking forward to seeing how it does!
