1935 6x4.5 Welta Perle, Freshly Serviced, CLA'd!

This is a 6x4.5 Welta Perle produced in prewar Germany in circa 1935. Prior to WWII Welta was a major German camera producer and the quality of its products placed it on equal footing with Zeiss Ikon and Voigtlander. The quality of this camera is excellent and it’s finished in real leather and chrome. The generous use of chrome indicates it was marketed to well-heeled individuals as a luxury item. During the 1930’s Great Depression chrome was quite expensive which is why so many cameras of the era are black.

Folded up, this lovely camera easily fits into a coat pocket. Unfolded it produces lovely photos on 120 roll-film. When it comes to film, bigger is better and this camera will produce a negative that’s more than three times larger than the average 35mm snapshot. So whether you’re interested in large prints, fine grain, rich tonal gradations or lovely colors, this camera will do all of that and may just become your favorite photographic companion.

This camera has been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. The shutter is missing the self-timer button but other than that everything works as it should. The quality Compur shutter works smoothly and all speeds (T,B & 1 sec - 1/250th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along smoothly and the fast speeds are clean and snappy. The bellows are supple and light tight. The viewfinder is clean and clear (it’s the version with red cross hairs).

The lens is a fast f2.9/7.5cm (75mm) Steinheil Cassar lens is very clean. There are no scratches, no cleaning polishing marks and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern color and b&w film.

The lens is based on the classic Cooke design (three elements in three groups). What collectors and photographers love about this lens is the lovely rendition in the back round. It’s referred to as bokeh. Simply said this lens has an attractive bokeh. Open up the lens or narrow the depth of field by getting closer and the focus rolls on and off quite smoothly. 

All in all, a lovely little classic camera. Load it with your favorite film and keep it handy for that perfect shot you’ve been looking for. You know the one... the one with the perfect Ansel Adams light breaking through the dark storm clouds that leaves you wishing you had a classic medium format camera with you.

When it comes to photography, bigger is better and with this camera you can create a negative that’s nearly 6 times larger than the average 35mm snapshot. So, whether you’re interested in very large prints, very fine grain, rich tonal gradations or lovely colors this camera will do all of that and may just become your favorite classic photographic companion

All in all, an excellent enjoyable vintage camera. Load it with your favorite film and keep it handy for that perfect shot you’ve been looking for. You know the one... the one with the perfect Ansel Adams light breaking through the dark clouds that leaves you wishing you had a classic camera with you.