Agfa Isolette Jsolette (1936–1937, 1946–1950)
Folding medium format 120 roll film camera made in Germany, produced in two distinct periods before and after WWII.
Overview
The Agfa Isolette Jsolette is a horizontal-folding medium format camera designed for 120 roll film, manufactured by Agfa Kamerawerk AG in Munich, Germany. It was part of the broader Agfa Isolette range introduced in 1936. The model was initially labeled "Jsorette" and renamed "Jsolette" within a year, with the name later shifting to "Isolette" by 1938. After 1945, both "Jsolette" and "Isolette" designations were used depending on the market through 1950. During WWII, it was known in Germany as the "Soldatenkamera" (Soldiers' Camera). The early model (1937–1942) and late model (1946–1950) differ in materials, features, and available components.
Specifications
| Format | Dual 6x6cm and 6x4.5cm (early), 6x6cm only (late) |
| Film Type | 120 roll film |
| Lens | Agfa Apotar 85mm f/4.5 (early); Agnar, Apotar, or Solinar f/4.5 (late) |
| Shutter | Vario (1/25–1/125 + T&B, no click stops), Pronto, Prontor II, Compur, or Compur-Rapid (early); Prontor, Prontor-S, or Compur-Rapid (late) |
| Focusing | Manual front element focusing, distance estimated (early) |
| Viewfinder | Optical direct vision viewfinder (early) |
| Bellows | Automatic opening (early) |
| Features | Self-timer, hinged back cover (early); accessory shoe, double exposure prevention (late) |
| Body Material | Metallic (early) |
| Top Plate Material | Trolitan (plastic, early); cast-Hydronalium alloy (Nüral, late) |
| Weight | 504g (early) |
Design
The early Jsolette features a top plate made of Trolitan, a plastic unique to that production period. Front focusing elements on early models are known to become fixed over time, a common trait among these units. The camera’s horizontal-folding design includes automatic bellows extension and a hinged back cover for film access.
Context
The Jsolette was part of a broader product family that included the Super Isolette with a coupled rangefinder. It followed the initial Isorette (Jsorette) model from 1936 and preceded later numbered Isolette variants like the Isolette I through V. The naming convention evolved from Jsorette to Jsolette to Isolette, with both Jsolette and Isolette names used post-1945 depending on market.
Market
A current example is listed at $114.99, showing exterior scuff marks and lens haze but no fungus or element separation. All controls operate smoothly, shutter speeds sound correct, and the bellows remain light tight.
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