Welta* 9X12

Overview

The Welta* 9x12 is a vintage, folding plate camera that was produced by the German company Welta-Kamera-Werk. Welta was a well-regarded camera manufacturer from the Dresden area, which was a hub for German camera production in the early 20th century.
Key Characteristics:

Folding Plate Camera: The term "folding plate camera" is key to understanding this camera. "Folding" refers to its design, where the lens and bellows fold into a compact body, making it relatively portable for its size. "Plate" means it uses individual sheets of film, or plates, in a holder, as opposed to roll film.
Optics and Shutter: Like many German cameras of its era, the Welta* 9x12 was often sold with high-quality lenses from respected manufacturers like Rodenstock, Voigtländer, or Carl Zeiss. These lenses were mounted in a leaf shutter, such as a Compur or Compur-Rapid shutter.
Construction: The camera bodies were generally made of metal and wood covered with leather or a similar material. They featured a large, durable bellows that extends when the camera is set up for use. Many models also included a ground glass screen on the back for precise focusing and composition.
Historical Context: The Welta* 9x12 belongs to a class of cameras that were popular before and around World War II. They were a step up from simple box cameras and a more affordable and portable alternative to the large studio view cameras. These cameras represented a period of transition in photography, bridging the gap between large-format studio work and the rise of more convenient roll-film and 35mm cameras.

In summary, the Welta* 9x12 is a classic example of a German-made folding plate camera. It is valued by collectors and enthusiasts for its craftsmanship, its historical significance, and its ability to produce high-quality images with a large negative format.

(++) Tiny for a 9x12 cm camera
(+) Mechanical durable body
(o) No modern film holder - I had to build and attach one
(-) The viewing screen had to be removed before before filme holder can be attached

*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

23.10.25

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