Agfaflex

Agfaflex I, left with pentaprism finder, right with waistlevel finder images by edjpgcom (Image rights)

Colorflex image by Adrian Gee (Image rights)

The Agfaflex I/II was a 35mm fixed lens SLR c1958 made by Agfa in Germany. Outside of the US, this model was known as the Colorflex. It has a 50mm f/2.8 Color Apotar 3-element lens and a Prontor Reflex leaf shutter with speeds of 1 to 1/300th of a second. The viewfinder was interchangeable between a waist level finder (Agfaflex/Colorflex I) and an eye level pentaprism (Agfaflex/Colorflex II). Metering was via the un-coupled selenium light meter above the lens. The mirror was not instant return and stayed up after exposure until the film was advanced.

Later models of the Agfaflex (i.e., III/IV/V) had interchangeable lenses and were known as the Ambiflex outside the US.

Agfaflex III with f/2.8 50mm Color-Solinar lens images by Geoff Harrisson (Image rights)

The III and IV were the same camera; the only difference was the III had a waist-level finder, the IV had a pentaprism. Both came with a 50mm f/2.8 Color-Solinar lens. The Agfaflex / Ambiflex V was fitted with a 55mm f/2 Color-Solagon lens.

Agfaflex IV with f/2.8 50mm Color-Solinar lens image by Geoff Harrisson (Image rights)

Rear showing frame counter at base image by Geoff Harrisson (Image rights)

Removeable prism and lens image by Geoff Harrisson

Links

• Agfaflex I/II Manual at www.butkus.org
• Colorflex I/II Manual at www.butkus.org
• Agfa Colorflex I at Sylvain Halgand's www.collection-appareils.fr
• Agfa Colorflex II at Sylvain Halgand's www.collection-appareils.fr