Agfa Optima 35mm camera.
Agfa
Category
Photographic technology
Date
1959 - 1960
Materials
Metal, Plastic, Glass
Measurements
91 x 135 x 55 mm
Place of origin
Germany
Collection
Fox Talbot Museum, Wiltshire
NT 1525660.1
Summary
Agfa Optima 35mm camera. Optima original is a 35mm film viewfinder camera made by Agfa and produced 1959-60. Left hand "magic" exposure setting lever must be held down while pressing the top-mounted shutter release. Programmed auto-exposure prefers fast shutter speeds. Red/green signal for correct exposure is in the viewfinder. The lens Color-Apotar S 39mm f/3.9 and the shutter is special Compur-B with speeds 1/30-1/250. https://camerapedia.fandom.com/wiki/Agfa_Optima_(original) The whole is an Agfa Optima 35mm camera. The top of the camera has a circular disc wind mechanism with the letter R and an arrow showing the correct way to wind, there is a connection for the flash to be attached with the information AK 6817 stamped on it. The shutter button and the DIN and ASA option is here. The back of the camera has the view finder and the film winder. At the bottom is a small metal disc that when the shutter button is pressed and the film winder is used it moves to the left showing numbers. On the right hand side of the camera there is a silver/black plastic strip and at the bottom is a small silver lip that when pulled opens the back of the camera. With the camera back open is the standard mechanism for a film, along with a label with a picture of a film box Agfa ISOPAN IF 17 PAT 36 on the box. The Agfa logo with Isopan & Agfacolor is on the label. The bottom of the camera has 2 silver screws both sides and a screw that allows for the camera to be screwed into place in the camera case for security. There is a small silver button and when the camera back is open this is used to wind the film. The front of the camera has the left hand magic exposure setting lever, the front of the view finder and the lens. The word Agfa is on the camera with OPTIMA, AGFA COLOR APOTAR S, COMPUR around the lens.
Provenance
Donated to the Fox Talbot Museum by Clive Baker.
Makers and roles
Agfa, manufacturer