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. As with other Agfa Ansco products, the film size may be designated B2 (the Agfa designation); but this is equivalent to 120 film.
The first Speedex models appeared in 1940, under the name Agfa Ansco, which later was changed to Ansco. Due to WWII, and the seizure of Agfa-Ansco by the US government, many of these models were not only produced but als designed in the USA. The bellows are not made of leather, so often pinholes have developed in them.
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 to prevent double exposure.
The Speedex B2 Commander is very similar to the B2, with silver trim instead of black and very hard to find. [1]
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 1/30) and a Time (Bulb) setting.
The Standard Speedex (or Speedex 6.3), launched in 1950, has styling similar to the Ansco Titan, with a 90mm f/6.3 ANSCO anastigmat lens and shutter speeds of T-100,50,25.
After 1953
Speedex models introduced after about 1953 were manufactured by Agfa, equivalent to their Isolette series.
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