Bilora Bella 55

Photos by Bernard Faure text by Sylvain Halgand. From the collection of Bernard Faure. Last update 2024-01-02 par Sylvain Halgand.

Manufactured or assembled in Germany from 1955 to (After) 1955.
Index of rarity in France: Infrequent (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 14525

See the complete technical specifications

Chronology of cameras Bilora

During the second half of the 1950s, Bilora (the company's name is Kürbi & Niggeloh) managed to develop a complete range of similar-looking cameras that turned out to be quite different. The first model is manufactured under Ferrania license. They are all made of cast alloy. The early models use 127 film, but depending on the model, they produce negatives of different dimensions. The number in the model name often indicates these dimensions... but not always. The hood of the early versions has a bulge integrating the viewfinder and supporting an accessory shoe. As the successive versions were introduced, the hood became flatter, somewhat standardizing the overall shape of the camera. Models for 120 film are later; their shape is different, more angular. As 127 and 120 films gradually fell out of favor among enthusiasts, the camera was adapted for 135 film. There are numerous technical modifications to the Bella 35; however, the elegant overall shape has been maintained.

	Film 127			120		135
From (c.)	4 x 4 cm	4 x 6 cm	4 x 6,5 cm	6 x 6 cm	4 x 4 cm	24 x 36 mm

1953			Bella
1954
1955		Bella 55	Bella 56
1956		Bella 46		Bella 66
1957		Bella D		Bella 66
1958	Bella 44
1959		Bella 46		Bella 66	Bella DC4
1960	Bella 44					Bella 35
1961				Bella 66
1962	Bella 44			Bella 66 Standard

Each of these models could have been produced with variations in lens and shutter.

Several of these models exist under different brands, such as the Ansco Lancer or the Tower 5.

The patent DE1688606 from December 1954 describes a camera equipped with a socket for a large-sized flash bulb. It appears that no manufactured model ultimately utilized this patent.

The version with a flash bulb is called Bellaluxa. It is the subject of the patent DE1846892 from February 1962.

__________

If other Bella models were named 44 in reference to their 4x4 format based on 127 film, this one is called 55 because it was manufactured starting from 1955. Moreover, it is a 4x6, like the Bella 46. All of this demonstrates a high level of marketing mastery!
he body is that of the original Bella, released in 1953, but the top of the camera has transitioned from black to chrome. The lens is also slightly brighter, now opening at f/8.

Interesting links or bibliography :

Add a link or element of bibliography, a picture taken with this camera, a picture of box or an ads about this camera

Your photos taken with the same camera: