Agfa Optima Rapid 125C

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The Agfa Optima Rapid 125C is German made 35mm camera utilizing the Agfa Rapid 35mm film cartridges. Introduced in 1967 (Ref: http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=90), it is part of the Agfa Optima series of Agfa cameras from the latter 1960s. The Optima Rapid 125C camera is an automatic exposure camera, with a selinium cell exposure meter coupled to the aperature. The camera is a heavier version of the Agfa ISO Rapid cameras, having more metal parts, a film advance lever, and a better lens. The lens is a F2.8 /35mm Color-Apotar with settings somewhat similar to those used on the Agfa Isomat_Rapid_C camera. The "C" denotes that this camera uses Flashcubes.

Overview

The camera body of the Optima 125C is still made of similar black plastic as used in the ISO cameras, but the top cover, bottom cover, front chromed surround, and film door are made from metal. The most notable difference of the Optima 125C is the film advance lever is on the left bottom of the camera and is designed to be operated by the left hand, vs the right handed thumb-wheel of the ISO cameras. The film counter is on the bottom of the camera also. The top of the camera has only the shutter button, which contains threading for a cable release, and the recessed flashcube mounting. The recessed flashcube mounting can also use plastic hot shoe adapter which slides into place over the flashcube mount. The viewfinder is in the same location as on the ISO cameras, but has glass lenses and has etched frame guidelines.