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Agfa Kamerawerk AG, München, Germany

Agfa Recod II

 

Agfa Record II

Agfa has manufactured several 6x9 folders under the Record name.This camera is very similar to other contemporary 6x9 "full size" folding cameras. What is not so common is that it has an accessory shoe, self timer and a mechanism which prevents an accidental double exposure. All these features in generally quite a modest camera. One feature is missing, it has no range finder.
If this is what you are demanding you have to look at Model III.

This exapmle is manufactured in ~1952 - 1957. So it belongs to the youngest generation of the folding cameras. A few years later 120 film format was displaced by 35mm film.

The lens fitted is Agfa Apotar 1:4,5 / 105. Shutter is Prontor SV, B, 1 - 1/250sec.

It happens to be a film inside ! Would I offend against privacy if I develop it. !

Agfa Billy Record

 

Agfa Billy Record 4.5

An older but not significantly minor exaple of Agfa 6x9 folders. Most apparently this is made before the war because the lens seems to be uncoated and the decorative styling cites to thirties.
It is hard to believe that is is so old. It has practically no sign of use, the shutter is working and it even smells like a new. In my mind it is at least as beatiful decoration as any piece of the Murano glass. (escusi macarones)

 

  • Type: 6x9cm folder camera
  • Lens: Agfa-Anastigmat Apotar f4,5/10,5cm
  • Shutter: Prontor II, speeds 1 - 1/150 sec
  • Size: 160 x 80 x 40mm
  • Weight: 610g

 

What is the 120 film format ?

The 120 is a typical roll film which was invented by Eastman Kodak in 1901, and was one of the prime factors in making photography available for the common man. It was the most widely used film format in the late 1960s until it was replaced by 35mm film. Unlike many other old film formats the production of 120 film is still going on. This because it is further widely used by the professional photographers.

The 120 film allows several image formats, the most common are the 6 x 6 cm and 6 x 9 cm. You can take about 12 exposures per film when using 6 x 6 format, 15 for 6 x 4.5, 10 for 6 x 7, 9 for 6 x 8 and 8 for 6 x 9. 220 film doubles the length of 120 film and allows 20-32 shots/roll.

Loading a 120 film is slightly more complicated because unlike 35mm film, 120 film does not come in a light-tight cartridge but it has a black paper sheet which is all the way covering a film from light. The upper side of the paper has frame markings which can be seen from the red window on the camera back door. This is how you find the next unexposed frame. Black and White film is therefore highly recommended.

©2004 Reijo Lauro