The Bilora Bella 3C is a camera from the 1950s. It was manufactured in Germany for the Bilora company. Optically it stood out at that time with its, today’s retro look, light blue-chrome housing. It is made of metal, which leaves a high-quality impression.
Various models were sold under the name Bella. The discussed model is the Bella 3C.
The construction of the Bilora Bella is very simple. It comes with a fixed lens. The achromat lens has a focal length of 70 mm. The aperture is adjusted manually. You can choose between f/8 and f/11, and the shutter speed can be set between 1/100 s, 1/50 s and bulb mode. The film camera does not have a built-in light meter.
The focus of the lens is also set manually. The closest focusing distance is one meter. A tool for checking the distance is not available. There is no information in the viewfinder.
On the bottom of the camera is a thread for a tripod. There is also a thread for a cable release. An external flash can also be used via the corresponding connections.
The weight of the camera is about 320 grams.
Films for the Bilora Bella
The Bilora Bella 3C is designed for the 127 roll film format. This format is similar to 120 roll film, but smaller. Exposed are pictures with a size of 4 by 6.5 cm.
Films for the 127 format and thus for the Bilora Bella are offered by the companies Rollei and Rera.
The film is transported from one spool to the other spool on the right side of the camera. Between the back and the film material there is paper, this protects the film from light and contains information about the current frame number. These numbers are visible through a small window.
The shutter is not coupled to the film transport. So multiple exposures are easily possible. The shutter release button cannot be fixed for transport.
To open the Bilora Bella, the small button on the left side of the back has to be pressed in and the wheel turned to the left. Once this step is done, you can remove the back of the camera according to the instructions.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 127 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/100 second, 1/50 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Weight | 320 Grams |
| Country of production | Germany |
| Estimated value / Used price | 34,23 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 52 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 33,59 Euro (35.72 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 32,31 Euro (34.64 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 32,58 Euro (34.64 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Bilora Bella 3C
Is the Bilora Bella 3C easy to use?
Yes, its design is quite simple. It features manual controls for aperture, shutter speed, and focus, making it straightforward for basic photography. However, it lacks a light meter, requiring you to estimate exposure.
What kind of film does this old camera use?
The Bilora Bella 3C takes 127 roll film, a format similar to 120 but smaller. You can find this film from manufacturers like Rollei and Rera. The pictures are 4 x 6.5 cm.
Does the camera have any features for taking better pictures?
It has a 70mm fixed-lens, offering a standard field of view. While it lacks an exposure meter, it allows for multiple exposures, adding a creative element. It also has connections for a tripod and external flash.
How do I advance the film?
The film is advanced manually. There's no automatic coupling between film advance and shutter, allowing for multiple exposures. The film transport is done by hand via a crank mechanism on the camera's side.
What's the camera made of and how heavy is it?
The Bilora Bella 3C is made of metal, giving it a robust and high-quality feel. It's relatively lightweight, weighing approximately 320 grams.