Agfa Ansco Box No.2 and No.2A

Agfa-Ansco Box No.2 - Red image by Tarn McDaddo (Image rights)

The No.2 and No.2A cameras were a series of basic box cameras made by Agfa Ansco beginning immediately after the merger of Ansco with the US division of Agfa, and continuing up until World War II. These cameras were a re-badged continuation of the No.2 and No.2A box cameras made by Ansco prior to the merger. The No.2 camera used 120 rollfilm, producing negatives of standard 2-1/4" x 3-1/4" size. The No.2A used 116 rollfilm, producing negatives of standard 2-1/2" x 4-1/4" size.

Both cameras were simple box cameras with two-way shutter release levers and basic internal mirrored viewfinders. There were many variations of these box cameras over the years that it was produced. Variations included one or two viewfinders, hinged or removable backs, and the No.2 was provided in a range of different color finishes. The No.2 camera was also referred to as the "No.2 Model E" in some cases. The No.2A camera was also referred to as a "No.2A Goodwin" camera in some cases.

Agfa-Ansco Box No.2 - Red (Rear) image by Tarn McDaddo (Image rights)

The use of the "Goodwin" name on certain cameras came from the earlier Ansco-built cameras that had been sold under the "Goodwin Film & Camera Co." name prior to the merger with Agfa. Ansco had purchased the Goodwin Film & Camera Co. shortly after Ansco formed, which coincided with the Goodwin Film & Camera Co. assets being offered for sale following the accidental death of Mr. Goodwin.

The camera model names were not indicated on the cameras themselves, but were only printed on the original packaging boxes and user manuals that were supplied with the cameras.