Ansco Speedex
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| Agfa Ansco Speedex B2 image by image by chris00nj (Image rights) |
Speedex was the name used by Ansco in Binghamton, NY, for a series of 6x6 format folding cameras which are very similar to the AGFA Isolette family. The first Speedex models appeared in 1940, under the name Agfa Ansco, the brand in use in that period. The original models were produced in the USA, due to the war.
As with other Agfa Ansco products, the film size may be designated B2 (the Agfa designation); but this is equivalent to 120 film.
The Speedex B2 has an 85mm f/4.5 Agfa Anastigmat lens. The shutter has speeds from 1/2 to 1/250 shutter speeds plus B and T settings. There is no interlock which prevents double exposures. The bellows are not made of leather, so often pinholes have developed in them.
The Speedex B2 Junior is a much simpler camera. It also takes 120 film, but the lens only has settings from f/11 to f/22 and the shutter only has two speeds: an "Instant" (presumably around 1/60) and a Time setting.
The 1950 Standard Speedex (or Speedex 6.3) has styling similar to the Ansco Titan but lacks that model's adjustable shutter speeds.
A less common model with characteristics similar to the Speedex is the Ansco B2 Commander.
After 1953
Speedex models introduced after about 1953 were manufactured by Agfa, equivalent to their Isolette series.
- Speedex 4.5 - Isolette V
- Speedex 4.5 Special - Isolette II
- Speedex Special R - Isolette III
- Super Speedex - Super Isolette
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