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/Viewfinder models

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

Selectronic Sensor was a viewfinder camera derived from the Optima Sensor 500, with a similar CdS cell for aperture priority metering, and a three element lens, but featured a new Paratronic electronic shutter.

Selectronic S Sensor was a luxury rangefinder model with higher quality Tessar style 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 (SLR) Specifications

The specification of this camera is similar to, but not identical to its Chinon relative.

• 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. 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 8 to 1/1000 sec. on automatic; 14 conventional speeds from 8 to 1/1000th, sec. on manual, + "B". Both automatic and manual speeds electronically controlled. Two stage electromagnetic shutter release (first activates the meter) 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 (where the camera suggested speed LED is lit, and the user selected speed flashes).

• 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 SLR page at My 35mm Film Camera Collection
• Agfa Selectronic Sensor viewfinder page at My 35mm Film Camera Collection