Bilora Radix 56

Photos by JPH text by JPH. From the collection of Jean-Paul Houdan. Last update 2024-01-28 par Jacques Bratieres.

Manufactured or assembled in Germany from (Circa) 1949 to (Circa) 1954.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 13637

See the complete technical specifications

Chronology of cameras Bilora

The Bilora Radix 56¹ has been available in several variants, including this one, which does not have any accessory shoe. Others have a accessory shoe on the viewfinder, or on the side of the hood. We also note that the focal length of this version is only 38 mm, and not 40 mm.

The film used by this camera is 35 mm, stored in a Karat cartridge, without axis. The receiving coil is strictly identical, which avoids rewinding and protects the views already taken in the event of accidental opening of the back. The film moves from one cartridge to another only thanks to its perforations.
This Agfa process will be used in the Agfa Rapid cartridge.

1 Name presumably due to the maximum aperture of the lens.

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Some of Bilora's older models feature an unusual back locking system. It involves a rotary lock. To unlock it, you need to press a tiny button. The system is effective but quickly disappears to be replaced by a simple slider, less secure but likely less complex and costly to manufacture.

The April 1951 patent FR977862 protects this closing system.

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