Difference between revisions of "Optima"

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The '''Optima''' is a family of [[35mm]] cameras made by [[Agfa]] in the 1960s and beyond. The original ''Optima'' was in 1959 the first manufactured camera with programmed exposure, obtained by a [[selenium meter|selenium-meter]] driven mechanical system. Moving its [[shutter release]] lever halfway down triggers a mechanical system that obtains aperture value and speed from the electromechanical part of the meter. The system mirrors a green or a red signal into the viewfinder when the camera catches appropriate exposure settings from the meter or not. Today this system should be revived for environmental reasons since it needs no batteries. As camera with fully automatic exposure it was only preceded by a handcrafted model of [[Kodak]] in the 1930s. The [[Paxette electromatic]] of 1959 may have appeared at the same time as the Agfa Optima, but it was a simpler camera with just automatic aperture.
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{{Flickr_image
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{|
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|image_source= https://www.flickr.com/photos/95742794@N05/52384784777/in/pool-camerawiki/
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||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/7356924@N02/651724766/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1269/651724766_d9224a129b_m.jpg]<br/>Optima III
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|image= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52384784777_8b52c6422b_n.jpg
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||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/7356924@N02/651724804/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1286/651724804_00dc22cfa1_m.jpg]<br/>Optima
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|image_align= right
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||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/7356924@N02/651690362/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1308/651690362_0d7c766ac8_m.jpg]<br/>Optima I
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|image_text= Original 1959 Optima (not Optima I):<br>left-handed exposure lock; scale focus icons
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|image_by= Jörg Krüger
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|image_rights= wp
 +
}}
 +
The '''Optima''' is a family of [[35mm]] cameras made by [[Agfa]] in the 1960s and beyond. The original '''Optima''' from 1959 was the first camera manufactured with automatic programmed exposure, using a [[selenium meter|selenium-meter]]-driven mechanical system.  (The [[Paxette electromatic]] may have  also appeared in 1959, but it was a simpler camera with just automatic aperture.)
 +
 
 +
The first (un-numbered) Optima appears to have a shutter release on the "wrong" side; in fact this lever is held down to operate the light meter. (The actual shutter release is on the top deck, in a conventional location.) But later models used a front-mounted shutter release operated by user's the right hand.
 +
 
 +
Other Optima models are summarized below:
 +
 
 +
 
 +
{|class="wikitable"
 +
|+ List of the first series of Agfa Optima cameras
 +
! Model Name
 +
! Year
 +
! Lens
 +
! Shutter (max speed)
 +
! Note
 +
|-
 +
|Optima
 +
|1959
 +
|Color-Apotar S 3.9/39
 +
|Compur (1/250)
 +
|separate button for exposure meter
 +
|-
 +
|Optima I
 +
|1960
 +
|Color-Agnar 2.8/45
 +
|Prontor-Lux (1/250)
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Optima Ia]]
 +
|1962
 +
|Color-Agnar 2.8/45
 +
|Optimat 103A (1/160)
 +
|plastic body
 +
|-
 +
|Optima II
 +
|1960
 +
|Color-Apotar 2.8/45
 +
|Prontormator (1/250)
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|Optima IIS
 +
|1961
 +
|Color-Apotar 2.8/45
 +
|Prontormator (1/250)
 +
|rangefinder
 +
|-
 +
|Optima III
 +
|1960
 +
|Color-Apotar 2.8/45
 +
|Compur (1/500)
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|Optima IIIS
 +
|1961
 +
|Color-Apotar S 2.8/45
 +
|Compur (1/500)
 +
|rangefinder
 +
|-
 +
|Optima 500S
 +
|1963
 +
|Color-Solinar 2.8/45
 +
|Compur (1/500)
 +
|rangefinder
 +
 
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
For export the Optima III was called ''Optima 500''. In Canada and probably in some other countries most models were sold as ''Agfamatic'', e.g. "Optima Ia" changed into "Agfamatic Ia".
 +
Other cameras by Agfa are very close to the Optima design: the Agfa [[Selecta]] (with shutter priority automatic exposure) and some Agfa [[Silette |Silettes]] (manual exposure), like the Agfa Super Silette LK.
 +
 
 +
{{br}}
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= https://www.flickr.com/photos/95742794@N05/31696845400/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image= https://live.staticflickr.com/694/31696845400_df3ca0e39a_n.jpg
 +
|image_align= right
 +
|image_text= Agfa Optima-Parat
 +
|image_by= Jörg Krüger
 +
|image_rights= wp
 +
}}
 +
So, the name Optima indicates a programmed shutter and in this way it was used on different cameras: The [[Agfa_Optima_Reflex | Optima Reflex]] was the sister of the [[Flexilette]], but with automatic exposure. The [[Optima-Parat]] belongs to the Parat family of half-frame cameras.
 +
 
 +
{|class="wikitable"
 +
! Model Name
 +
! Year
 +
! Lens
 +
! Shutter (max speed)
 +
! Note
 +
|-
 +
|[[Agfa_Optima_Reflex | Optima Reflex]]
 +
|1960
 +
|Color-Apotar 2.8/45
 +
|Pontor (1/250)
 +
|35mm TLR
 +
|-
 +
|[[Optima-Parat]]
 +
|1963
 +
|Color-Solinar 2.8/30
 +
|Compur (1/500)
 +
|half-frame camera 18x24
 +
 
 +
|}
 +
{{br}}
 +
 
 +
In the mid-sixties the design of the Optimas was updated. The stylish look of the Parat cameras was taken, and the controls for the film transport moved to the bottom. The correspondent model of the [[Silette]] series is the ''Silette Record''.
 +
 
 +
{|class="wikitable"
 +
! Model Name
 +
! Year
 +
! Lens
 +
! Shutter (max speed)
 +
|-
 +
|Optima 500
 +
|1964
 +
|Color-Apotar 2.8/45
 +
|Paratic or Compur (1/500)
 +
|-
 +
|Optima 500SN
 +
|1966
 +
|Color-Solinar 2.8/45
 +
|Paratic (1/500)
 +
 
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
In 1965 Agfa resurrected the Karat film cartridge as the [[Rapid_film | Rapid system]] in response to the Kodak [[Instamatic]] cassette. In the first place it was intended for simple cameras for the masses, like the [[Iso-Rapid I]], but also some Optima Rapids were made which could benefit from the "easy film loading".
 +
 
 +
{|class="wikitable"
 +
! Model Name
 +
! Year
 +
! Lens
 +
! Shutter (max speed)
 +
|-
 +
|Optima Rapid 100C
 +
|1966
 +
|Color-Agnar 4.5/38
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|Optima Rapid 125C
 +
|1967
 +
|Color-Apotar 2.8/35
 +
|Paratic (1/125)
 +
|-
 +
|[[Optima Rapid 250]]
 +
|1965
 +
|Color-Agnar 2.8/45
 +
|(1/250)
 +
|-
 +
|Optima Rapid 250V
 +
|1966
 +
|Color-Apotar 2.8/35
 +
|Paratic V (1/250)
 +
|-
 +
|[[Optima-Rapid 500 V|Optima Rapid 500V]]
 +
|1966
 +
|Color-Solinar 2.8/35
 +
|Paratic V (1/500)
 +
 
 +
|}
 +
{{br}}
 +
 
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= https://www.flickr.com/photos/95742794@N05/45487097812/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image= https://live.staticflickr.com/1956/45487097812_58d80f8236_n.jpg
 +
|image_align= right
 +
|image_text= Agfa Optima Sensor 200
 +
|image_by= Jörg Krüger
 +
|image_rights= wp
 +
}}
 +
In 1968 Agfa introduced the famous red-orange shutter button with the Optima 200 Sensor. The name "Sensor" should imply a very soft shutter release. The Optima 500 Sensor was the first Optima with CdS-cells for metering, it was available in silver and black.
 +
The 200 Sensor shares its body with the [[Silette | Silette LK Sensor]], the black 500 Sensor is very close to the [[Agfa Selectronic Sensor]].
 +
 
 +
{|class="wikitable"
 +
! Model Name
 +
! Year
 +
! Lens
 +
! Shutter (max speed)
 +
|-
 +
|[[Optima_Sensor_200 | Optima 200 Sensor]]
 +
|1968
 +
|Color-Apotar 2.8/42
 +
|Paratic (1/200)
 +
|-
 +
|[[Optima_Sensor_500 | Optima 500 Sensor]]
 +
|1969
 +
|Color-Apotar 2.8/42
 +
|Paratic (1/500)
 +
 
 +
|}
 +
{{br}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
In 1974 Agfa introduced 2 Optimas for the film format [[110_film | 110]]. They were of higher quality than common pocket cameras and equipped with the 4-element Solinar lens. The 6000 model even has a self-timer, a tripod bush and a cable release socket.
 +
 
 +
{|class="wikitable"
 +
! Model Name
 +
! Year
 +
! Lens
 +
! max speed
 +
|-
 +
|[[Optima_5000_pocket_sensor | Optima 5000 Pocket Sensor]]
 +
|1974
 +
|Color-Solinar 2.7/26
 +
|1/1000
 +
|-
 +
|[[Optima_6000_pocket_sensor | Optima 6000 Pocket Sensor]]
 +
|1974
 +
|Color-Solinar S 2.7/26
 +
|1/1000
 +
 
 
|}
 
|}
 
{{br}}
 
{{br}}
−
'''Optima Ia''' (1962)
 
  
−
The camera has an optical bright frame finder with [[parallax]] marks, a distance setting ring with symbols around the front lens element, and an aperture setting ring with separate aperture setting scales for B-mode or [[flash sync]]hronized speed 1/30 seconds. The automatic exposure mode (A-mode, without flash) has to be switched on with the same ring. [[Film speed]] setting is possible only up to 200 [[ASA]]. The camera's bottom & back part can be removed very easily for loading the film. Film advance has to be done with a tiny advance lever. Other than the Optima I's lever it's mounted on the camera top. The exposure counter is readable from the side. Its advantage over the Optima I of 1961 is its [[hot shoe]] and maybe a different shutter. A similar model was the Agfa Agfamatic Ia.
+
{{Flickr_image
−
{|
+
|image_source= https://www.flickr.com/photos/95742794@N05/48583803682/in/pool-camerawiki/
−
||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/7356924@N02/651735780/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1166/651735780_d8183e6434_m.jpg]<br/>The [[Selecta]], a half-automatic variant
+
|image= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48583803682_3cc6f1f2b0_n.jpg
−
||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/7356924@N02/651681572/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1362/651681572_ada477ca96_m.jpg]<br/>Agfamatic Ia (alike Optima Ia)
+
|image_align= right
−
||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/7356924@N02/651681414/in/pool-camerapedia/ http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1227/651681414_fab4f28c67_m.jpg]<br/>Optima IIS (S stands for [[coupled rangefinder]])
+
|image_text= Agfa Optima Sensor Electronic
 +
|image_by= Jörg Krüger
 +
|image_rights= wp
 +
}}
 +
In 1976 Agfa launched a series of completely new designed, very compact Optimas: the [[Optima_Sensor_Series | Optima Sensor electronic]] series. The Optima 935 was a single model, better known as [[Agfa_Compact_Electronic | Agfa Compact]].
 +
 
 +
{|class="wikitable"
 +
! Model Name
 +
! Year
 +
! Lens
 +
! Shutter (max speed)
 +
! Note
 +
|-
 +
|[[Optima_Sensor | Optima Sensor electronic]]
 +
|1982
 +
|Solitar 2.8/40
 +
|Paratronic (1/500)
 +
|like 535, made in Portugal
 +
|-
 +
|[[Optima_Sensor_335 | Optima 335 Sensor electronic]]
 +
|1978
 +
|Agnatar 3.5/40
 +
|Paratronic (1/300)
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Optima_Sensor_535 | Optima 535 Sensor electronic]]
 +
|1976
 +
|Solitar 2.8/40
 +
|Paratronic (1/500)
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Optima_Sensor_1035 | Optima 1035 Sensor electronic]]
 +
|1976
 +
|Solitar S  2.8/40
 +
|Paratronic (1/1000)
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Optima_Sensor_1535 | Optima 1535 Sensor electronic]]
 +
|1979
 +
|Solitar S 2.8/40
 +
|Paratronic (1/1000)
 +
|rangefinder
 +
|-
 +
|[[Optima_Flash_Sensor | Optima Sensor flash electronic]]
 +
|1981
 +
|Solitar 2.8/40
 +
|Paratronic (1/500)
 +
|specs like 535 model
 +
|-
 +
|Optima 935
 +
|1981
 +
|Solinar 2.8/39
 +
|(1/1250)
 +
|aka [[Agfa_Compact_Electronic | Agfa Compact]]
 +
 
 
|}
 
|}
 
{{br}}
 
{{br}}
−
The Optima name was continued with the [[Optima Sensor]] range.
+
 
 +
 
 +
 
 
==Links==
 
==Links==
−
*[http://www.ukcamera.com/classic_cameras/agfa3.htm The original Optima camera series] at ukcamera.com [http://www.ukcamera.com]
+
* Optima user manuals at [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/ Butkus.org] :
−
*[http://www.collection-appareils.fr/agfa/html/optima_I.php Optima I], [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/agfa/html/optima_1a.php optima Ia], [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/agfa/html/optima_II.php Optima II], [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/agfa/html/agfa_optima_III.php Optima III]    on [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/general/html/francais.php www.collection-appareils.fr] by Sylvain Halgand
+
**[https://www.butkus.org/chinon/agfa/agfa_optima/agfa_optima.htm Agfa Optima] (original 1959) user manual
 +
**[https://www.butkus.org/chinon/agfa/agfa_optima_1/agfa_optima_1.htm Agfa Optima I user manual]
 +
**[https://www.butkus.org/chinon/agfa/agfa_optima_ia/agfa_optima_ia.htm Agfa Optima Ia user manual]
 +
**[https://www.butkus.org/chinon/agfa/agfa_optima_iis/agfa_optima_iis.htm Agfa Optima IIS user manual]
 +
**[https://www.butkus.org/chinon//agfa/agfa_optima_iiis/agfa_optima_iiis.htm Agfa Optima IIIS user manual]
 +
**[https://www.butkus.org/chinon/agfa/agfa_optima_500/agfa_optima_500.htm Agfa Optima 500 and 500S user manuals]
 +
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20191206224430/http://www.ukcamera.com/classic_cameras/agfa3.htm The original Optima camera series] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20191002075926/http://ukcamera.com:80/ UKCamera.com (archived)]
 +
*[http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=72 Optima I], [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=667 optima Ia], [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=639 Optima II], [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=12321 Optima III]    on [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/general/html/francais.php www.collection-appareils.fr] by Sylvain Halgand (in French)
  
 +
 +
{{Template:Agfa Optima}}
  
 
[[Category: German 35mm viewfinder]]
 
[[Category: German 35mm viewfinder]]
 
[[Category: Agfa|Optima]]
 
[[Category: Agfa|Optima]]
 
[[Category: O|Optima]]
 
[[Category: O|Optima]]
−
 
−
The Optima with the 'shutter lever' on the left (facing away from you) is interesting. The lever is not for the shutter, but to operate the auto exposure, you have a button on the top to fire the shutter. There is also a wheel on the bottom right that opens or closes the flash connection aperture. When the flash aperture is closed, the auto exposure lever will not function. The whole thing is further enhanced by a wheel on the top that can be set to the film value (asa or din).
 
−
 
−
All in all, this clunky old camera that can be picked up for around a quid on Ebay is innovative, effective and still capable of doing what makes a camera a camera, and that is...... taking pictures!
 

Latest revision as of 11:30, 28 December 2022

52384784777_8b52c6422b_n.jpg
Original 1959 Optima (not Optima I):
left-handed exposure lock; scale focus icons
image by Jörg Krüger (Image rights)

The Optima is a family of 35mm cameras made by Agfa in the 1960s and beyond. The original Optima from 1959 was the first camera manufactured with automatic programmed exposure, using a selenium-meter-driven mechanical system. (The Paxette electromatic may have also appeared in 1959, but it was a simpler camera with just automatic aperture.)

The first (un-numbered) Optima appears to have a shutter release on the "wrong" side; in fact this lever is held down to operate the light meter. (The actual shutter release is on the top deck, in a conventional location.) But later models used a front-mounted shutter release operated by user's the right hand.

Other Optima models are summarized below:


List of the first series of Agfa Optima cameras
Model Name Year Lens Shutter (max speed) Note
Optima 1959 Color-Apotar S 3.9/39 Compur (1/250) separate button for exposure meter
Optima I 1960 Color-Agnar 2.8/45 Prontor-Lux (1/250)
Optima Ia 1962 Color-Agnar 2.8/45 Optimat 103A (1/160) plastic body
Optima II 1960 Color-Apotar 2.8/45 Prontormator (1/250)
Optima IIS 1961 Color-Apotar 2.8/45 Prontormator (1/250) rangefinder
Optima III 1960 Color-Apotar 2.8/45 Compur (1/500)
Optima IIIS 1961 Color-Apotar S 2.8/45 Compur (1/500) rangefinder
Optima 500S 1963 Color-Solinar 2.8/45 Compur (1/500) rangefinder

For export the Optima III was called Optima 500. In Canada and probably in some other countries most models were sold as Agfamatic, e.g. "Optima Ia" changed into "Agfamatic Ia". Other cameras by Agfa are very close to the Optima design: the Agfa Selecta (with shutter priority automatic exposure) and some Agfa Silettes (manual exposure), like the Agfa Super Silette LK.


31696845400_df3ca0e39a_n.jpg
Agfa Optima-Parat
image by Jörg Krüger (Image rights)

So, the name Optima indicates a programmed shutter and in this way it was used on different cameras: The Optima Reflex was the sister of the Flexilette, but with automatic exposure. The Optima-Parat belongs to the Parat family of half-frame cameras.

Model Name Year Lens Shutter (max speed) Note
Optima Reflex 1960 Color-Apotar 2.8/45 Pontor (1/250) 35mm TLR
Optima-Parat 1963 Color-Solinar 2.8/30 Compur (1/500) half-frame camera 18x24


In the mid-sixties the design of the Optimas was updated. The stylish look of the Parat cameras was taken, and the controls for the film transport moved to the bottom. The correspondent model of the Silette series is the Silette Record.

Model Name Year Lens Shutter (max speed)
Optima 500 1964 Color-Apotar 2.8/45 Paratic or Compur (1/500)
Optima 500SN 1966 Color-Solinar 2.8/45 Paratic (1/500)


In 1965 Agfa resurrected the Karat film cartridge as the Rapid system in response to the Kodak Instamatic cassette. In the first place it was intended for simple cameras for the masses, like the Iso-Rapid I, but also some Optima Rapids were made which could benefit from the "easy film loading".

Model Name Year Lens Shutter (max speed)
Optima Rapid 100C 1966 Color-Agnar 4.5/38
Optima Rapid 125C 1967 Color-Apotar 2.8/35 Paratic (1/125)
Optima Rapid 250 1965 Color-Agnar 2.8/45 (1/250)
Optima Rapid 250V 1966 Color-Apotar 2.8/35 Paratic V (1/250)
Optima Rapid 500V 1966 Color-Solinar 2.8/35 Paratic V (1/500)


45487097812_58d80f8236_n.jpg
Agfa Optima Sensor 200
image by Jörg Krüger (Image rights)

In 1968 Agfa introduced the famous red-orange shutter button with the Optima 200 Sensor. The name "Sensor" should imply a very soft shutter release. The Optima 500 Sensor was the first Optima with CdS-cells for metering, it was available in silver and black. The 200 Sensor shares its body with the Silette LK Sensor, the black 500 Sensor is very close to the Agfa Selectronic Sensor.

Model Name Year Lens Shutter (max speed)
Optima 200 Sensor 1968 Color-Apotar 2.8/42 Paratic (1/200)
Optima 500 Sensor 1969 Color-Apotar 2.8/42 Paratic (1/500)



In 1974 Agfa introduced 2 Optimas for the film format 110. They were of higher quality than common pocket cameras and equipped with the 4-element Solinar lens. The 6000 model even has a self-timer, a tripod bush and a cable release socket.

Model Name Year Lens max speed
Optima 5000 Pocket Sensor 1974 Color-Solinar 2.7/26 1/1000
Optima 6000 Pocket Sensor 1974 Color-Solinar S 2.7/26 1/1000


48583803682_3cc6f1f2b0_n.jpg
Agfa Optima Sensor Electronic
image by Jörg Krüger (Image rights)

In 1976 Agfa launched a series of completely new designed, very compact Optimas: the Optima Sensor electronic series. The Optima 935 was a single model, better known as Agfa Compact.

Model Name Year Lens Shutter (max speed) Note
Optima Sensor electronic 1982 Solitar 2.8/40 Paratronic (1/500) like 535, made in Portugal
Optima 335 Sensor electronic 1978 Agnatar 3.5/40 Paratronic (1/300)
Optima 535 Sensor electronic 1976 Solitar 2.8/40 Paratronic (1/500)
Optima 1035 Sensor electronic 1976 Solitar S 2.8/40 Paratronic (1/1000)
Optima 1535 Sensor electronic 1979 Solitar S 2.8/40 Paratronic (1/1000) rangefinder
Optima Sensor flash electronic 1981 Solitar 2.8/40 Paratronic (1/500) specs like 535 model
Optima 935 1981 Solinar 2.8/39 (1/1250) aka Agfa Compact



Links


Agfa Optima Sensor Cameras
Classic Optima | Optima Sensor 200 | Optima Sensor 500 | Selectronic Sensor | Selectronic Sensor S
Modern Optima Sensor 335 | Optima Sensor 535 | Optima Sensor 1035 | Optima Sensor 1535 | Optima Sensor | Optima Flash Sensor
Retrieved from "http://camera-wiki.org/index.php?title=Optima&oldid=219984"