The Welta Belmira is a 35mm camera. It was built in the 1950s by various VEBs (Volkseigener Betrieb) in the GDR.
In the rangefinder camera is a Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 1:2.8/50 mm and a Vebur shutter. In some models, a Meyer-Optik Trioplan 1:2,9/50 mm is also installed.
The Belmira can be set completely manually, aperture, exposure time and focus. It does not have an exposure meter, but there is a rangefinder for focusing. The viewfinder is equipped with parallax compensation.
Film transport is also manual, but the Welta Belmira has a fast-wind mechanism that should transport the film without much effort.
The Welta Belmira uses normal 35mm film (eBay / Amazon*) and exposes it with a format of 24 x 36 mm. Batteries are not necessary to operate the GDR camera.
A flash can be attached to the hot shoe without center contact and fired with the PC socket on the left side. A filter can be screwed in front of the lens (M 30,5×0,5).
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 50 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 80 cm / 2.624 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | GDR (German Democratic Republic) |
| Estimated value / Used price | 70,40 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 5 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 95,08 Euro (102.83 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 97,00 Euro (104.99 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 88,46 Euro (95.25 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Welta Belmira
Is the Welta Belmira easy to use for someone who's never used a camera before?
While it's fully manual, meaning you control everything, the basic functions aren't overly complicated. It might take some practice, but understanding aperture, shutter speed, and focus is key. Many online resources can help.
What kind of film does this rangefinder camera take?
The Belmira uses standard 35mm film, the common type found in most camera stores. It produces the classic 24x36mm image format.
Does the camera have a light meter to help with exposure?
No, the Belmira doesn't have a built-in light meter. You'll need to rely on other methods like the sunny-16 rule or a separate light meter to determine the correct exposure settings.
Can I use a flash with my camera?
Yes, it has a flash shoe and a PC sync socket. You can attach most flashes, though it's important to note the flash fires via the PC socket, not the shoe.
How do I advance the film after taking a picture?
The Belmira has a rapid film advance lever, which makes moving the film to the next frame relatively quick and easy. This is a manual process, unlike automatic cameras.