Regreasing the Helicoid on a 1930s Balda Baldax Folder (Compur shutter, Meyer Gorlitz 75mm f2.9 trioplan) + any general tips for use?

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Ellyrion

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Joined
Jun 22, 2022
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33
Location
London
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35mm
I recently came into possession of my Great Grandfathers camera - a lovely Balda Baldax 6x4.5 folding camera. The shutter seems to be in great working order, the aperture selector smooth, the self timer slow but working and bellows in great condition too.

I have noticed that there seems to be a very faint haze on the rear lens element and the helicoid seems a touch stiff - so I wanted to regrease (and probably recalibrate too) the helicoid and see if the haze is just evarporated grease that can be cleaned off.
Inked20221222_201814.jpg


I'm assuming temoving the front element is done by loosening this screw? It doesnt have the normal trio of friction grub screws around the element like some other folders do so I was unsure how to approach this.

Additionally if anyone here knows any good habits (self timer use, when you can change shutter speeds etc) with this shutter/camera I'd love to hear them! Cant find a copy of the manual online unfortunately - the Butkus page doesnt seem to work either. Curious about the dual film windows on the back too - is this normal for a 6x4.5 folder?

The camera seems to be identical to this 'Rodenstock Robra' - just made beforehand under the Balda brand with a pop-ip finder.

1671742821011.png


Any help would be greatly appreciated, many thanks :smile:
 
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