Ansco Lancer LG

Photos by Guy Lordat text by GL. From the collection of Guy Lordat. Last update 2024-09-17 par Michel Rochevalier.

Manufactured or assembled in Germany from (Circa) 1960 to (After) 1960.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 14732

See the complete technical specifications

Chronology of cameras Ansco

During the second half of the 1950s, Bilora (the company name is Kürbi & Niggeloh) managed to develop a complete range of cameras that looked similar, but which in fact turned out to be quite different. The first model was manufactured under Ferrania license. They are all made of cast alloy. The earliest models use 127 film, but depending on the model they produce negatives of different sizes. The number included in the model name often gives these dimensions... but not always. The top cover of the earliest versions has a bulge integrating the viewfinder and supporting an accessory shoe. Through successive versions, the top cover became increasingly flat, which somewhat standardized the general shape of the camera. Models for 120 film appeared later; their shape is different, more angular. As 127 and 120 film gradually fell out of use among amateurs, the camera was also produced in 135 format. The technical modifications on the Bella 35 are numerous; nevertheless, the elegant overall shape was preserved.

	127 Film			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
1963				Bella 66

Each of these models could be produced in variants with different lenses and shutters.

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

Patent DE1688606 of December 1954 presents a camera equipped with a socket for a large flash bulb. It seems that no manufactured model ever used this patent.

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

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The LG Lancer is an Ansco Lancer onto which a small Japanese exposure meter has been grafted. It is located on the front face and under the film winding knob.

This cell is more of a marketing gadget than a high-performance measuring instrument.

The needle indicates only 3 positions: Caution, Hazy 1/50, and Bright 1/100.

The Lancers are Bilora Bella 44 cameras.

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