Belca Belfoca II

Belca Belfoca II (Feinmess Dresden Bonar 10.5cm f/4.5) 

Good Condition | Medium Format Folder | The Versatile Dual-Format German Legend

The Belca Belfoca II is a masterfully engineered folding camera, originating from the esteemed manufacturing hubs of Dresden. Featuring the sharp Feinmess Dresden Bonar 10.5cm f/4.5 lens, it is celebrated for its ability to capture large, detail-rich negatives on 120 roll film. This model is iconic for its "dual-format" capability, traditionally allowing photographers to switch between 6x9 and 6x6 configurations (with appropriate masks). With its robust metal chassis and the reliable Priomat shutter system, the Belfoca II provides the mechanical soul and analog brilliance that defined the high standard of East German photographic engineering in the 1950s.

Key Features

• High-quality Feinmess Dresden Bonar 10.5cm (105mm) f/4.5 triplet lens

• Versatile Priomat shutter with speeds ranging from 1/30s to 1/100s plus Bulb

• Dual-format flexibility, capturing expansive 6x9 or square 6x6 negatives on 120 film

• Compact folding design with a self-springing front for rapid deployment

• Integrated flash synchronization via the PC-socket on the shutter housing

• Durable, all-metal body finished in classic chrome and textured leatherette

• Two integrated viewfinders for both vertical and horizontal compositions

Introductory Paragraph The Belfoca II is the definitive choice for the analog enthusiast who values the immense resolution of a 6x9 negative in a portable, collapsible form factor. This specific unit is a standout because of its Feinmess Dresden optics, which are famous for their ability to render sharp centers with a soft, vintage roll-off at the edges—perfect for timeless landscapes and portraits. The 10.5cm focal length provides a "natural" perspective for the 6x9 format, offering a field of view that feels expansive yet intimate. Because it folds flat, it serves as an ideal companion for the traveling film photographer who wants medium-format quality without the weight of a modern system. Whether you are chasing the high-detail "3D pop" of 120 film or the tactile charm of a mechanical folder, this Belca provides the optical brilliance and mechanical reliability that made Dresden a world-renowned name in optics.

Condition Report Good condition. The Belca camera body shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its age. The bellows are light-tight and move freely. The Feinmess Dresden lens is optically clear; free from fungus, haze, or significant scratches. The Priomat shutter has been tested and is firing accurately across its speed range. The folding mechanism is snappy, locking firmly into place, and the film transport is smooth.

Specialist Note "The Belfoca II is a true enthusiast's tool. What I love about this model is the sheer size of the negatives it produces—a 6x9 frame has nearly six times the surface area of a standard 35mm frame. It’s a rugged, honest piece of German engineering that forces you to slow down and compose with intent. The Bonar lens has a specific 'glow' when shot wide open at f/4.5 that is absolutely beautiful for portraiture. For anyone looking to experience the 'Texas Leica' feel in a folding format, the Belfoca II is a fantastic and reliable choice."

What's Included

• Belca Belfoca II Medium Format Folding Camera

• Integrated Feinmess Dresden Bonar 10.5cm f/4.5 Lens
  

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Belca (formerly Balda-Werk Dresden)

• Model: Belfoca II

• Camera Type: Medium Format Camera

• Film Format: 120 Roll Film (6x9 or 6x6)

• Lens: Feinmess Dresden Bonar 10.5cm f/4.5 (105mm)

• Shutter: Priomat (V, B, 30, 60, 100)

• Category: 1. Cameras ▸ Medium Format Camera

• Battery Type: None (Fully Mechanical)