"leaded" Bilora Bella 66
Feb 14, 2020 6:29:22 GMT -5
Post by belgiumreporter on Feb 14, 2020 6:29:22 GMT -5
When going through some drawers filled with camera parafernalia, this Belora Bella 66 popped up. I have never given it a second glance as with so many of these "simple" cameras, it dosn't fit in my collection.
But let's give it some credit. Simple it is with two shutter speeds and B, apperture 8 or 16 and a Rodenstock achromat lens wich dosn't state the actual focal lenght. Film transport is by thumb wheel, with double exposure prevention. I didn't shoot this camera myselve, but i've seen some great results achieved with it, sharp contrasty and fine tonal range B&W shots. These good results could be brought back to the large film format (120/6x6) and a decent lens with a small apperture.
This Bilora still has the customs "lead" on it, this was a practice used untill the late sixties where portable goods neede to get this customs(douane) lead seal as proof it was inported in Belgium via the right channels and the taxes due on it were paid. With this seal on it the camera could leave the country and brought back in without having to pay the taxes once more. In those days and even today Belgium has a very punitive tax system and buying in neighbouring countries could save you (a lot of) money.
All in all the bilora is a good looking camera and would make a nice asset to any vintage point and shoot collection.
But let's give it some credit. Simple it is with two shutter speeds and B, apperture 8 or 16 and a Rodenstock achromat lens wich dosn't state the actual focal lenght. Film transport is by thumb wheel, with double exposure prevention. I didn't shoot this camera myselve, but i've seen some great results achieved with it, sharp contrasty and fine tonal range B&W shots. These good results could be brought back to the large film format (120/6x6) and a decent lens with a small apperture.
This Bilora still has the customs "lead" on it, this was a practice used untill the late sixties where portable goods neede to get this customs(douane) lead seal as proof it was inported in Belgium via the right channels and the taxes due on it were paid. With this seal on it the camera could leave the country and brought back in without having to pay the taxes once more. In those days and even today Belgium has a very punitive tax system and buying in neighbouring countries could save you (a lot of) money.
All in all the bilora is a good looking camera and would make a nice asset to any vintage point and shoot collection.
