Finetta IV D
Finetta IV D
The Finetta IV D is part of the third-generation Finetta models. The first generation had a fixed mount, fixed aperture lens and two speeds, while here, it has a removable, focusing lens and four speeds. It is not a significant leap forward but a change in the third production year. See the Finetta Family page for more information.
The IV D here came in a miserable condition. Nothing moved, solidly stuck together, as if it spent 40 days and nights on the deck of Noah’s ark under constant rain. For the first time ever, I had to force parts apart using proper hand tools. After deep cleaning, soaking in rust removal solution, lubricating and polishing, the camera looked almost as new. All worked, including shutter and lens assembly, but the rewind spindle had snapped in place as if welded to mount. Shame, after what I put into it.
The camera is compact, pretty looking and easy to hold and control, but it is fairly crude and cheaply made. The body is plastic (bakelite?) with metal parts screwed into it.
The two-leaf shutter assembly is minimal, mounted flat on the front of the body under the plastic front plate. The back opens via the ‘A’uf / open and ‘Z’u / shut marks. However, the back plate is thin and flimsy; it takes all fingers to maneuver it back in place. Inside the back cover is a brutal pressure plate strong enough to hold back a company of crusaders. The plate has a life of its own and is in the way when mounting the back cover. I have never seen such a formidable plate. The back cover surrounds both sides of the body, so the camera looks naked once removed.
The lens assembly is odd as well. The aperture dial is semi-recessed and challenging to get a grip on. The focusing dial turns almost a full turn, but as with the other Finetta models, just a tiny bulge on the shaft keeps it from rotating further. If you apply slight force and keep turning, you’ll end with the lens in your hand.
The winder cocks the shutter as well, a fresh idea for a 1949 model. Once pressed, the trigger button stays down and pops up with winding.
When the back opens, a hinged arm at the bottom keeps the cartridge in place. A 22mm -7/8” diameter take-off spool turns half circle when cocked, so there could be a risk of different size images between the first and last.
List number | 13112 |
Brand | Finetta |
Model | Finetta IV D |
Manual | Butkus |
Value | camdex.ca |
Format | 35mm |
Introduced | 1949 |
AKA | Finetta-Werk, Saraber/Goslar |
Country | Germany |
Qty made | |
Initial price | 53 |
Currency | DM |
Type | Viewfinder |
Body material | Plastic |
Mode | Manual |
Weight | 370 gr, Body with lens |
Class average weight | 450 gr, Body with lens |
ASA range | N/A |
Kit lens | 4.0/43 |
Lens make | Finetar |
Filter size | N/A |
Lens mount | Thread |
Mount size | 26.5mm |
Aperture | |
Shutter | 2 leaves, scissors type |
Shutter make | |
Light meter | None |
Winder | Knob |
Lock | No |
Speeds | B, 25, 50, 100. 250 added on later models. |
Mirror | N/A |
Viewer | Viewfinder |
DOF preview | No |
Exposure lock | No |
Exposure compensation | No |
Shoe | Cold |
External sync | X/M |
Sync speed | 50 |
Timer | No |
Battery, original | N/A |
Battery, replacement | N/A |
Battery voltage | N/A |
Integral flash | None |
Other | |
Service / repair links | See camerlog.com |
More | Finetta family list CJ’s Classic Cameras Terry Gallacher Living Image |