This is something of a mystery camera to me. Similar to this one, it’s completely unbranded, obviously made by Balda, but with no maker name or model designation on the camera. Probably this was sold as a “store brand” camera by a catalog or department store. This camera is very similar to the Balda Poka 2 version made in 1931-34, but without the close focus lens. Interestingly, I discovered while cleaning this that there is a slot below the lens on the front plate that could have accommodated the sliding focus distance selector switch on the front of the Poka 2, though this is covered over with leatherette.

From the side and back, this camera looks identical to the early Poka 2, before the little clip was added to allow for time exposures.


I took these photos on the coast of Maine.





