Difference between revisions of "Agfa Standard"

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(More detail about availability of coupled RF and brown leather.)
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'''Agfa Standard''' cameras are a range of metal-bodied folding cameras, some models for plates and pack film, and others for roll film. They were made by [[Agfa]] from about 1926, when the company had recently become part of IG Farben and taken over the [[Rietzschel]] factory, until the early 1930s.<ref name=McK>{{McKeown12}} p36-37.</ref> It is clear from patents filed by Rietzschel that the Standard range of cameras was already planned by the company before the change of name.<ref name=Pats>For example, [http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/originalDocument?CC=GB&NR=249383A&KC=A&FT=D&ND=3&date=19260325&DB=worldwide.espacenet.com&locale=en_EP British Patent 249383], ''Improvements in Roll-film Cameras'', filed on behalf of A. H. Rietzschel GmbH on 3 July 1925 and granted 25 March 1926, describes the swing-out spool holders of the roll-film Standard and other Agfa roll-film cameras, and [http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/originalDocument?CC=DE&NR=438404C&KC=C&FT=D&ND=3&date=19270602&DB=worldwide.espacenet.com&locale=en_EP German Patent 438404], ''Photographische Kamera, deren Objektivtraeger durch einen einen Stift umfassenden federnden Schieber in der Stellung auf Unendlich festgehalten wird'' (Camera whose lens carriage is held in the infinity position by a sprung fastening pin), filed by Rietzschel 12 March 1926 and granted 2 June 1927, describes the combination of a lens carriage latching at the infinity focus position, with a helical focus mechanism, as on the plate cameras; patents archived at [http://worldwide.espacenet.com/?locale=en_EP Espacenet], the patent search facility of the European Patent Office.</ref>
+
'''Agfa Standard''' cameras are a range of metal-bodied folding cameras, some models for plates and pack film, and others for roll film. They were made by [[Agfa]] from about 1926, when the company had recently become part of IG Farben and taken over the [[Rietzschel]] factory, until the early 1930s.<ref name=McK>{{McKeown12}} p36-37.</ref> It is clear from patents filed by Rietzschel that the Standard range of cameras was already planned by the company before the change of name.<ref name=Pats>For example, [http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/originalDocument?CC=GB&NR=249383A&KC=A&FT=D&ND=3&date=19260325&DB=worldwide.espacenet.com&locale=en_EP British Patent 249383], ''Improvements in Roll-film Cameras'', filed on behalf of A. H. Rietzschel GmbH on 3 July 1925 and granted 25 March 1926, describes the swing-out spool holders of the roll-film Standard and other Agfa roll-film cameras, and [http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/originalDocument?CC=DE&NR=438404C&KC=C&FT=D&ND=3&date=19270602&DB=worldwide.espacenet.com&locale=en_EP German Patent 438404], ''Photographische Kamera, deren Objektivtraeger durch einen einen Stift umfassenden federnden Schieber in der Stellung auf Unendlich festgehalten wird'' (Camera whose lens carriage is held in the infinity position by a sprung fastening pin), filed by Rietzschel 12 March 1926 and granted 2 June 1927, describes the combination of a lens carriage latching at the infinity focus position, with a helical focus mechanism, as on the plate cameras; patents archived at [http://worldwide.espacenet.com/?locale=en_EP Espacenet], the patent search facility of the European Patent Office.</ref><ref name=Pats2>[http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/originalDocument?CC=FR&NR=599471A&KC=A&FT=D&ND=3&date=19260113&DB=worldwide.espacenet.com&locale=en_EP French Patent 599471], ''Chambre pour films en rouleaux avec porte-bobines basculant à l'intérieur'' (Camera for roll films with spool-holders hinged from the interior), filed by A.H. Rietzschel GmbH June 1925 and granted January 1926; equivalent [http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/originalDocument?CC=US&NR=1591072A&KC=A&FT=D&ND=3&date=19260706&DB=worldwide.espacenet.com&locale=en_EP US Patent 1591072], ''Spool holder for roll film cameras'', filed July 1925 and granted July 1926 makes reference to the original German Patent filed in May 1924; both at Espacenet.</ref> All are easily identified by the name 'Standard' on a plate below the lens and shutter.
  
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There are plate cameras in 6.5×9 cm and 9×12 cm sizes, and roll film models for 6×9 cm on 120 film and 6.5×11 cm on [[116 film]]. Both plate and roll film cameras were available in a normal finish, with black leather and bellows, or a Luxus finish with light brown leather. All are easily identified by the name 'Standard' below the lens and shutter.
+
*Model 204 is for 6.5x9 cm plates, or 6x9 cm film-pack;
 +
*Model 208 is for 9x12 cm plates;
 +
*Models 254 and 264 (the same camera with a coupled rangefinder) are for 6x9 cm on 120 roll film (Agfa size B2);
 +
*Models 255 and 265 (again, the latter with a rangefinder) are for 6.5x11 cm on [[116 film|116 roll film]] (Agfa D6).
  
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The cameras have a variety of lenses, including the Double-anastigmat Helostar, and the Trilinear (one of Rietzschel's lenses). The Agfa Anastigmat was available as an f/7.7, f/6.3 or f/4.5. Even in the plate cameras, where the lens carriage slides on rails, the lens is mounted in a unit-focusing helical mechanism (i.e. the whole lens moves, not just the front element). This mechanism is frequently stiff because of dried grease.  
+
Both plate and roll film cameras were available in a normal finish, with black leather and bellows, or a Luxus finish (not described with this term in an early-1930s brochure) with light brown leather.<ref name=B>Agfa brochure ''Die Agfa Photographie'', undated but clearly of the early 1930s; most Standard cameras are still listed, and ''colour plates'' are offered.</ref> Brown leather added just 4 Marks to the price for equal lens/shutter specifications; however, some specifications were only available with brown leather: for example, the model 254 was offered with the Trilinear f/6.3 or f/4.5, and with the Automat shutter when in black finish, and with the same lenses and the choice of Automat or [[Compur]] shutters when in brown.<ref name=B/><ref>[http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/1218316 1929 Agfa Standard 6×9 Luxus roll-film model, with coupled rangefinder, 10.5 cm f/4.5 Solinar lens and Compur shutter]; a lot in an auction in October 2005 by [http://www.auction-team.de Auction Team Breker] (the listing is at the [http://www.liveauctioneers.com LiveAuctioneers] site.</ref>
  
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Plate model 208 (for 9x12 plates; the second camera illustrated here) has front rise; there is no shift. The lens carriage on this model latches at the infinity-focus position,<ref name=Pats/> at which the helical mechanism gives focus down to two metres, but the carriage can be drawn further forward to obtain closer focus, down to about one metre, using a scale on the right of the bed. Some of these cameras have double-anastigmat lenses, in principle [[Convertible lens|separable]], but the bed (with a simple pair of fixed rails) is not long enough to give infinity focus with the front group removed. Instead, slip-on front-mounted ''Verlängerungslinsen'' ('lengthening lenses') were available as accessories: model 'A' extends the focal length by a factor of 1.3, and model 'B' by 1.5.<ref name=B>Agfa brochure ''Die Agfa Photographie'', undated but clearly of the early 1930s; most Standard cameras are still listed, and ''colour plates'' are offered.</ref> This model seems to have been discontinued before the smaller ones: a 1930s Agfa brochure no longer offers model 208 (roll-film and 6.5x9 cm plate cameras are still listed); the [[Isolar]], with a more conventional lens carriage, rack-and-pinion focus and both rise and shift, is the only 9x12 camera offered.<ref name=B/>
+
The cameras have a variety of lenses. Those listed in the brochure cited above include the triplet Trilinear as an f/6.3 or f/4.5, the Solinar f/4.5 and the double-anastigmat Helostar f/4.5. Some cameras, perhaps earlier, have lenses engraved as Agfa Anastigmat, available as an f/7.7, f/6.3 or f/4.5 (and presumably the same lens as the Trilinear) or as Agfa Double-Anastigmat f/4.5, and presumably the same as the Helostar. Even in the plate cameras, where the lens carriage slides on rails, the lens is mounted in a helical mechanism for focusing (this gives unit focusing; i.e. the whole lens moves, not just the front element). In surviving examples, this mechanism is frequently stiff because of dried grease.
  
−
The shutter is usually the Automat [[everset shutter]] illustrated here, with speeds 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50 and 1/100 second, plus 'B' and 'T'. This has the [[Gauthier]] logo on it. The cameras were also available with a Compur shutter, giving 1 - 1/200 or 1/250 second plus 'B' and 'T', with a [[self-timer]].
+
The shutter is usually the Automat [[everset shutter]] illustrated here, with speeds 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50 and 1/100 second, plus 'B' and 'T'. This was made by [[Gauthier]]; it is not marked with a name, but has the company's logo on it. As noted above, some models were also available with a Compur shutter, giving 1 - 1/200 or 1/250 second plus 'B' and 'T', and with a [[self-timer]].
 +
 
 +
Plate model 208 (for 9x12 plates; the second camera illustrated here) has front rise; there is no shift. The lens carriage on this model latches at the infinity-focus position,<ref name=Pats/> at which the helical mechanism gives focus down to two metres. However, the carriage can be drawn further forward to obtain closer focus, down to about one metre, using a scale on the right of the bed. Some of these cameras have double-anastigmat lenses, in principle [[Convertible lens|separable]], but the bed (with a simple pair of fixed rails) is not long enough to give infinity focus with the front group removed. Instead, slip-on front-mounted ''Verlängerungslinsen'' ('lengthening lenses') were available as accessories: model 'A' extends the focal length by a factor of 1.3, and model 'B' by 1.5.<ref name=B/> This model seems to have been discontinued before the smaller ones: the 1930s brochure cited above no longer offers model 208 (roll-film and 6.5x9 cm plate cameras are still listed), and the [[Isolar]], with a more conventional lens carriage, rack-and-pinion focus and both rise and shift, is the only 9x12 camera offered.<ref name=B/>
  
 
The cameras all have a [[brilliant finder]], which rotates for portrait and landscape orientation, and a wire frame finder. Plate models can be used with a ground glass focusing screen.
 
The cameras all have a [[brilliant finder]], which rotates for portrait and landscape orientation, and a wire frame finder. Plate models can be used with a ground glass focusing screen.
  
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A slim, side-mounted coupled rangefinder was available for several of the Standard cameras. The early-1930s brochure lists the 6x9 and 6.5x11 cm rollfilm cameras with RF as models 264 and 265 respectively (i.e. as products distinct from models 254 and 255 without the RF).<ref name=B/> The RF is listed as an option for model 204, the 6.5x9 plate camera (costing 20 Marks extra; prices of the cameras without RF were between 55 and 95 Marks, depending on lens and shutter). The rangefinder is of an interesting type, with only one front window. Brown leather was also an option with these models, adding just 4 Marks to the price.<ref>[http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/1218316 1929 Agfa Standard 6×9 Luxus roll-film model, with coupled rangefinder, 10.5 cm f/4.5 Solinar lens and Compur shutter]; a lot in an auction in October 2005 by [http://www.liveauctioneers.com/auctioneer/auctionteambreker Auction Team Breker] in Cologne.</ref>
+
As noted above, a slim, side-mounted coupled rangefinder was available for several of the Standard cameras. In addition to the roll-film models, where the camera with the RF was a distinct model number, the RF was an option for model 204, adding 20 Marks to the price (the price of the camera without RF was between 55 and 95 Marks, depending on the lens and shutter). The rangefinder is of an interesting type, with only one front window.
  
−
The roll-film cameras have spool-holders that hinge out of the camera body for more convenient loading.
+
The roll-film cameras have spool-holders that hinge out of the camera body for more convenient loading.<ref name=Pats2/>
  
  

Revision as of 22:16, 2 February 2015

2781943416_f0f709c004.jpg
Agfa Standard, 6.5×9 cm plate model, with 10.5 cm f/4.5
Agfa Anastigmat; about 1926. Most examples do not have
the folding Newton-type finder; this may have been added.
image by John Nuttall (Image rights)
3239788391_2fb4ccea8d.jpg
Agfa Standard 208 (9x12 cm) showing front rise mechanism
image by Miikka Skaffari (Image rights)
3585271576_8e8d120a07.jpg
Roll-film Standard, showing hinged spool-holders
image by Adam Greig (Image rights)

Agfa Standard cameras are a range of metal-bodied folding cameras, some models for plates and pack film, and others for roll film. They were made by Agfa from about 1926, when the company had recently become part of IG Farben and taken over the Rietzschel factory, until the early 1930s.[1] It is clear from patents filed by Rietzschel that the Standard range of cameras was already planned by the company before the change of name.[2][3] All are easily identified by the name 'Standard' on a plate below the lens and shutter.

  • Model 204 is for 6.5x9 cm plates, or 6x9 cm film-pack;
  • Model 208 is for 9x12 cm plates;
  • Models 254 and 264 (the same camera with a coupled rangefinder) are for 6x9 cm on 120 roll film (Agfa size B2);
  • Models 255 and 265 (again, the latter with a rangefinder) are for 6.5x11 cm on 116 roll film (Agfa D6).

Both plate and roll film cameras were available in a normal finish, with black leather and bellows, or a Luxus finish (not described with this term in an early-1930s brochure) with light brown leather.[4] Brown leather added just 4 Marks to the price for equal lens/shutter specifications; however, some specifications were only available with brown leather: for example, the model 254 was offered with the Trilinear f/6.3 or f/4.5, and with the Automat shutter when in black finish, and with the same lenses and the choice of Automat or Compur shutters when in brown.[4][5]

The cameras have a variety of lenses. Those listed in the brochure cited above include the triplet Trilinear as an f/6.3 or f/4.5, the Solinar f/4.5 and the double-anastigmat Helostar f/4.5. Some cameras, perhaps earlier, have lenses engraved as Agfa Anastigmat, available as an f/7.7, f/6.3 or f/4.5 (and presumably the same lens as the Trilinear) or as Agfa Double-Anastigmat f/4.5, and presumably the same as the Helostar. Even in the plate cameras, where the lens carriage slides on rails, the lens is mounted in a helical mechanism for focusing (this gives unit focusing; i.e. the whole lens moves, not just the front element). In surviving examples, this mechanism is frequently stiff because of dried grease.

The shutter is usually the Automat everset shutter illustrated here, with speeds 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50 and 1/100 second, plus 'B' and 'T'. This was made by Gauthier; it is not marked with a name, but has the company's logo on it. As noted above, some models were also available with a Compur shutter, giving 1 - 1/200 or 1/250 second plus 'B' and 'T', and with a self-timer.

Plate model 208 (for 9x12 plates; the second camera illustrated here) has front rise; there is no shift. The lens carriage on this model latches at the infinity-focus position,[2] at which the helical mechanism gives focus down to two metres. However, the carriage can be drawn further forward to obtain closer focus, down to about one metre, using a scale on the right of the bed. Some of these cameras have double-anastigmat lenses, in principle separable, but the bed (with a simple pair of fixed rails) is not long enough to give infinity focus with the front group removed. Instead, slip-on front-mounted Verlängerungslinsen ('lengthening lenses') were available as accessories: model 'A' extends the focal length by a factor of 1.3, and model 'B' by 1.5.[4] This model seems to have been discontinued before the smaller ones: the 1930s brochure cited above no longer offers model 208 (roll-film and 6.5x9 cm plate cameras are still listed), and the Isolar, with a more conventional lens carriage, rack-and-pinion focus and both rise and shift, is the only 9x12 camera offered.[4]

The cameras all have a brilliant finder, which rotates for portrait and landscape orientation, and a wire frame finder. Plate models can be used with a ground glass focusing screen.

As noted above, a slim, side-mounted coupled rangefinder was available for several of the Standard cameras. In addition to the roll-film models, where the camera with the RF was a distinct model number, the RF was an option for model 204, adding 20 Marks to the price (the price of the camera without RF was between 55 and 95 Marks, depending on the lens and shutter). The rangefinder is of an interesting type, with only one front window.

The roll-film cameras have spool-holders that hinge out of the camera body for more convenient loading.[3]


Notes

  1. ↑ McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). p36-37.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 For example, British Patent 249383, Improvements in Roll-film Cameras, filed on behalf of A. H. Rietzschel GmbH on 3 July 1925 and granted 25 March 1926, describes the swing-out spool holders of the roll-film Standard and other Agfa roll-film cameras, and German Patent 438404, Photographische Kamera, deren Objektivtraeger durch einen einen Stift umfassenden federnden Schieber in der Stellung auf Unendlich festgehalten wird (Camera whose lens carriage is held in the infinity position by a sprung fastening pin), filed by Rietzschel 12 March 1926 and granted 2 June 1927, describes the combination of a lens carriage latching at the infinity focus position, with a helical focus mechanism, as on the plate cameras; patents archived at Espacenet, the patent search facility of the European Patent Office.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 French Patent 599471, Chambre pour films en rouleaux avec porte-bobines basculant à l'intérieur (Camera for roll films with spool-holders hinged from the interior), filed by A.H. Rietzschel GmbH June 1925 and granted January 1926; equivalent US Patent 1591072, Spool holder for roll film cameras, filed July 1925 and granted July 1926 makes reference to the original German Patent filed in May 1924; both at Espacenet.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Agfa brochure Die Agfa Photographie, undated but clearly of the early 1930s; most Standard cameras are still listed, and colour plates are offered.
  5. ↑ 1929 Agfa Standard 6×9 Luxus roll-film model, with coupled rangefinder, 10.5 cm f/4.5 Solinar lens and Compur shutter; a lot in an auction in October 2005 by Auction Team Breker (the listing is at the LiveAuctioneers site.


Links

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