Agfa Selectronic

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Selectronic was a series of higher priced 35mm camera models sold by Agfa. The brand covered rangefinder cameras as well as SLR cameras under one name. Target audience were advanced amateurs.

Rangefinder models

Both Selectronic rangefinder cameras, introduced in 1970, were made by Agfa in their Munich factory.

Selectronic Sensor was derived from the Optima Sensor 500, inherited an CdS cell for aperture priority metering, but featured a new Paratronic electronic shutter.

Selectronic S Sensor was a luxury model with higher quality lens and improved metering display.

SLR models

Three Selectronic SLRs featuring the K mount were introduced in 1980. Agfa-branded lenses, as well es the cameras themselves, were in fact manufactured by Chinon. The only difference between these cameras and their Chinon originals were the Agfa-typical Sensor shutter release button and a more modern design.

Selectronic 1, the basic model, was based on the CM-4. It offered exposure metering but worked manually.

Selectronic 2 is an automatic (aperture priority) only camera like the CA-4.

Selectronic 3, the luxury model, was a CE-4 and could be switched between manual and automatic modes.

Agfa Selectronic 1 image by Alf Sigaro (Image rights)

Agfa Selectronic 2 image by Alf Sigaro (Image rights)

Agfa Selectronic 3 image by Alf Sigaro (Image rights)

Selectronic 3 Specifications

• Lens mount: Pentax K bayonet.

• Viewfinder: Pentaprism with central split image, microprism collar and ground glass. 16 LED's indicate shutter speeds and over/under exposure. Under exposure LED will glow when exposure is ≤ -1EV and will flash at ≥ +1EV. Magnification: 0.87 x with 50mm lens set at infinity. Viewfinder coverage 92%. DOF by depressing depth of field lever.

• Shutter: Seiko MFC electromagnetic metal blade focal plane shutter with vertical travel. Stepless speeds from 4 to 1/2000 sec. on automatic; 13 speeds from 2 to 1/2000th, sec. on manual, + "B". Both automatic and manual speeds electronically controlled. Two stage electromagnetic shutter release with safety lock and separate provision for cable release. Electronically controlled self-timer at 5 or 10 seconds with front-of-camera flashing red LED indicator. Two seconds before exposure, flashing frequency of red LED increases. Self-timer can be cancelled even after system has been activated.

• Meter: TTL, center-weighted averaging metering at full aperture using SPD (Silicon Photo Diode) cell. Half way depression of shutter release activates metering system.

• Exposure: Auto aperture priority, or match-the-LED manual exposure. Setting AE lock lever locks in shutter speed in effect at that time. Exposure compensation of +/- l EV in one third stop increments.

• Film Speed: 25 to 3200 ASA.

• Flash: Standard X-synch hot shoe at 1/60th

• Film Advance: Single stroke in an arc of 130° with 25° stand off. Coupling for motorized film advance with Chinon Power Winder. Multiple Exposure switch disengages film advance and frame counter.

• Size: 135.5 X 85 X 50.5mm (W x H x D).

• Weight: 485g.

• Battery: Three 1.5V Alkaline batteries (LR44) or 1.5V silver oxide batteries (SR44). Battery test with LED indicator.

Links

• Agfa Selectronic 3 page at My 35mm Film Camera Collection