This camera, made circa 1952, was originally planned to be known as the Bolsey Model A.
But the Bolsey name ultimately never appeared on it, and it was marketed by La Belle as the Pal.
It is quite scarce. How scarce? I do not know for certain, since I cannot find any indication of a serial number. I watched for one for many years. Then finally, this example recently came within reach.
It needed cleaning, repair, and adjustment, but patience and care paid off.
General body shape and size are somewhat like the Bolsey B and C series cameras, but then comparisons end.
The Pal lacks a rangefinder, the shutter is more primitive, and the optics are not of the same quality.
But it does have some niceties that the other Bolseys lack. The viewfinder is big and easy. There is a wind lock coupled to a double exposure prevention system. And the shutter release button is well situated on top.
Last week I loaded up a roll of Kodak 200 and took it for a spin.
After a couple starter shots at home I took it to the National Museum of Transportation. Did not know until I got there, but they were hosting a car show on the upper parking lot. It was unusual, in that every car in the show was an Oldsmobile!
I had nearly a half roll of film remaining, and stopped at the Twin Oaks City Park along the way. This was a new venue for me. The park is tucked in a hollow and I never knew about its existence until a few weeks ago.
Camera showed a significant vignetting at the corners when stopped down to smaller apertures, and evidence of flare or light leak in the bottom corner of many frames. But despite the flaws, I enjoyed shooting with it. Focus was by "guesstimation" of distance. In full sun I used the fastest shutter speed on the dial, 1/100 second, and the smallest aperture marked, f:16.
Please click on thumbnails to see enlarged.
All images are @2018 E.J.Kowalski.
Thanks! Ed