OddCameras.com
Welta Gucki
The Welta Gucki are rollfilm cameras for 127 film,
released by Welta in Freital near Dresden, Germany in the early 1930s. There was a strut-folding 3×4cm model, a strut-folding 4×6.5cm model and an ordinary 4x6.5 folder.
127
format film
was introduced by Kodak in 1912 for their Vest Pocket
folding camera, a very compact alternative to their 120 film folders.
127 format became very popular and it made even a comeback during the
1950s for small inexpensive cameras like the Brownies, until the 135
film cartridge became the standard for amateurs and kicked the film out
of the market. Kodak stopped producing 127 film in 1995 and most other
manufacterers followed, but the film is still available, nevertheless
it's expensive.
127 is a roll film, 46 mm wide. Frame number markings for the 4×4
and
4×6.5 image formats are printed on the backing paper, whereas 4×3
cameras have two red windows, so you move the number of the 4×6 frame
to the first and then to the second window. A roll gives 8 exposures in
4x6.5, 12 in 4x4 and 16 in 4x3. There are sophisticated cutting systems
to cut 127 size from 120 film. You will need some original spools. If
you can put your hands on old backing paper, this could be helpful.
The
front of the camera unfolds the ordinary way, there is a button on the housing to unlock. This also releases
the folding viewfinder, a
pair of metal frames with a lens in the front frame. Distance is set via turning the lens
(front cell focussing), it moves the lens out by 3mm..
Lens: Rodenstock Anastigmat 1:4.5 7cm, F4.5-18, min focus 0.5m
Shutter: F. Deckel (Compur) 1-1/300 B T
Weight: 397gr.
Size: 120x75x29 (100)
Some photos:
Camera closed. Tripod socket on the bed.
Camera back. Red window.
Unfolded, landscape format.
Unfolded, portrait format. There is a little folding stand.
Lens and shutter.
Back open.
The camera works like an ordinary 120 folder.