Baldi camera with film inside - help!?

fleabag

Hi,
I've a Baldi 29 camera that I've had for years stuck on a shelf. Recently I saw some really nice photos on Flickr taken with one and decided to investigate mine - only to find there is already a film in there. I've wound the film on (the dial will only turn one way) and the number 4 has appeared in the porthole at the back of the camera. I presume that this is the 4th exposure on the film and that the film is therefore ready to expose? I'm just worried in case the film has already been exposed but never developed and I'd be getting double exposures by using the camera - I'd rather have the existing film developed. From what I remember of film cameras though when all the film is used it's normally just arrows instructing you to rewind the film to the end.

Also the lens has a bewildering array of settings and although I'm relatively ok with aperture, shutter speeds and focal lengths this is a little daunting. Can anyone provide any info/website help of what relates to what so that when I finally get the courage to take a few photos I stand a reasonable chance of getting something decent?

And lastly, is there anywhere in Ireland that could develop this film for me - the photos I saw on Flickr were developed by the photographer.

Many thanks!:)

DaireQuinlan

They're actually not too bad a camera, Balda was the manufacturer. Bunch of different models of 6x6 folder, including some top end coupled superimposed rangefinder models that I have had on a watch list on EBay for the last year or so waiting for a bargain By the looks of things the one you have is a cheaper model, but I'll bet it still takes fine pictures. It'll blow the socks off 35mm anyhow.

It takes 120 film, and the exposure is printed on the backing paper and revealed through a little red window on the back of the camera. So if 4 is showing you're on exposure 4 of 12. Once you get to the end just keep on winding until the entire roll is on the takeup spool and you can open the back and stick it up before giving it in for development. Gunns on wexford street, the camera exchange on Georges st, Conss, Photocare on abbey st, they'll all develop 120 colour at least. I'm guessing B&W too though I don't know for sure except for gunns.

fleabag

Great reply, thanks for the info. I'm really pleased I'll be able to get the film developed. Hope I manage the exposures correctly now!