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The Weltini II is a 35mm folding camera made by the German company Welta, produced between 1938 and 1941. It follows the earlier Weltini model, which was manufactured from 1937 to 1938. Designed to compete with the highly successful Kodak Retina series, the Weltini II incorporates a coupled rangefinder system for more precise focusing.
The camera is equipped with a Steinheil München Cassar 50mm f2.9 lens (uncoated), and it features a Compur-Rapid shutter with speeds from B to 1/500 second. There are also other variants of the Weltini II that include lenses such as the Tessar 50mm f2.8, Xenar 50mm f2.8, Xenon 50mm f2, and Elmar 50mm f3.5.
The Weltini II stands out for its high-quality craftsmanship, with stainless steel top covers and an overall solid build. Despite being produced in the late 1930s and early 1940s, this camera is known for its excellent construction and continues to offer an enjoyable shooting experience.
The Weltini II is in very good condition for its age, with only minor signs of use. The top cover has light scratches, and the leather covering shows some slight fading, but these are typical of a camera of its vintage.
The camera has been fully serviced, and the bellows are in excellent condition with no light leaks. The rangefinder’s double image is quite faint, requiring some practice for accurate focusing.
The lens exhibits slight edge discoloration on the rear element, but there are no scratches or haze. The center of the lens remains clear and sharp, offering excellent image quality. There is a bit of dust inside the lens, but this has no noticeable effect on the photos.
When winding the film, remember to press the small button located near the bottom left of the front door to release the double exposure prevention lock. This is a common feature in folding cameras from this era.
This camera, with its functional mechanics and well-maintained appearance, would be a great addition to a collection or for use in classic 35mm photography.
