This unidentified and unremarkable 6 x 9cm plate camera has features identical to some Welta cameras and has been provisionally identified as such. The shutter mechanism is a common Gauthier Vario from the mid 1920s fitted to many German cameras of the period. The lens is an OMFA Doppel Anastigmat that was made in Munich, a type seen on other Weltas of the period. Welta didn't festoon their plate cameras with logos, often only a pressing in the cover for the ground glass screen. Unfortunately this camera didn't come with a screen, but the lack of markings, suggests Welta. The waist level finder is identical to others of the period. The style of milling and shape of the rack knob and rise knob are very similar too. The lens board has a step that is repeated on other Welta designs. But the lens board struts are not typically Welta shaped. Construction is a wooden carcase hinged to a pressed steel lens bed/hatch. The lensboard supports at first glance would appear to be cast alloy as was common in the period, but turn out to be hollow steel stampings. It's all quite average for the period, which again rings true as Weltas weren't that well regarded. This changed later with the Welta Welti and Superfekta. Based just outside Dresden, the company was eventually absorbed into VEB Pentacon.

This camera was donated in 2025 in tolerable condition and was destined for the tip by it's previous owner. It was given a thorough overhaul, partly to see if any marking could be found, but the camera gave up none of its secrets. Luckily it can borrow a glass screen from our Ensign Cameo and a compatible roll film back should enable it to take a photograph again.

Body No. None found
Shutter, Gauthier Vario, T, B, 25, 50 and 100th
Lens, OMFA Doppel Anastigmat 105mm f/6.8, unscrewing the front lens group doubles the focal length.
Condition, 5F

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