Agfa Agfaflex (c. 1959–1960s)
West Germany’s top-of-the-line 35mm SLR with interchangeable lenses and a coupled selenium meter in later models.
Overview
The Agfa Agfaflex is a 35mm SLR camera produced by Agfa in West Germany around 1959 into the 1960s, sold in the US under the Agfaflex name and elsewhere as Colorflex or Ambiflex. It was Agfa's flagship 35mm SLR line during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Early models (Agfaflex I/II) featured a fixed 50mm f/2.8 lens and an uncoupled selenium-cell meter, while later versions (Agfaflex III–V) offered interchangeable lenses, a coupled meter, and an EV scale from 2 to 18. The Agfaflex V came with the faster 55mm f/2.0 Color-Solagon lens and an eye-level prism. The camera has an all-metal construction, giving it a solid, heavy feel, and uses a Prontor-Reflex leaf shutter located in the lens.
Specifications
| Production Years | c. 1959–1960s |
| Manufacturer | Agfa (West Germany) |
| Format | 35mm (20 or 36 exposures) |
| Shutter | Prontor-Reflex leaf shutter (1 sec to 1/300 sec, plus Bulb) |
| Weight | Approximately 2 lbs |
| Standard Lens (Agfaflex V) | Agfa Color-Solagon 55mm f/2.0 |
| Interchangeable Lenses | 35mm f/3.4 Color-Ambion, 90mm f/3.4 Color-Telinear, 135mm f/4.0 Color-Telinear |
| Light Meter | Selenium-cell, coupled (Agfaflex III–V) |
| Close Focus | 3.5 feet |
| Original Price | $129.95 (1960 list price) |
Design
The Agfaflex features an all-metal, robust build with deliberate, smooth controls for focusing and film winding. It uses an interchangeable prism viewfinder system—waist-level finders were standard on early models, with eye-level prisms on later versions. The ground glass screen includes a split-image rangefinder, and the camera views at full aperture, stopping down automatically at exposure. The mirror rises and remains up until the film is advanced. The film back opens on the right side via a lower-right latch, and the manual-reset frame counter is on the back. A film type reminder dial on the rewind knob marks B&W, color negative, and slide films for incandescent, daylight flash, and daylight conditions.
Context
The Agfaflex series represented Agfa’s top-tier 35mm SLR offering in the late 1950s and early 1960s, positioned above simpler models in the lineup. It competed in the premium amateur and advanced user segment with other leaf-shutter SLRs of the era, emphasizing build quality and optical performance.
Market
In 2024, Agfaflex models were purchased for around $30–$34, reflecting their status as affordable, functional vintage SLRs. Aging selenium-cell meters are a common issue, often becoming inactive or unreliable over time. Despite this, the camera is considered a good value for collectors and users interested in mechanically distinctive vintage gear.
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