Agfa Agfamatic 4000 Pocket Sensor (1974–1976)

A compact 110 film viewfinder camera made in Germany with electronic shutter and CdS exposure automation

Overview

The Agfa Agfamatic 4000 Pocket Sensor is a 110 film viewfinder camera built in Germany from 1974 to 1976. It belongs to Agfa's "Ritsch-Ratsch" pocket camera series. It was the top model in the Agfamatic pocket line and grew out of the 2000 model. The shutter is electronic. Focus is manual, set by pictogram distance settings (1.2 m to ∞ in three steps). A CdS light meter handles automatic exposure. A red LED in the viewfinder signals correct exposure and tells you when flash is needed. Magicube flash goes into a dedicated socket, and inserting one locks the shutter speed at 1/50.

Specifications

Film Format	110 film (13 x 17 mm, Pocketfilm 110)
Lens	Agfa Color-Apotar 1:6.5/27 mm
Shutter	Electronic (1/30 – 1/500 sec)
Flash Connection	Magicube socket, compatible with X-Blitzwürfel and Agfa Agfamatic Pocket LUX
Power Source	Two button cell batteries near slide-lock
Focus System	Pictogram-based (Mountain, Group, Person), 1.2 m – ∞ in three steps
Exposure Metering	CdS-controlled automatic exposure, sensor next to viewfinder

Design

The Agfamatic 4000 Pocket Sensor has a black plastic body with brushed aluminum end caps and trim. It uses a Minox-style film advance by pushing the body sections together, which also cocks the shutter and protects the lens and viewfinder. The top panel includes the shutter release, speed switch, and focus slider, which adjusts the rear lens element. A red sensor point shutter button—made of red foil with a metal ring—covers a mechanical or electromechanical switch. An orange resilient pad ("sensor") helps reduce camera shake. A tripod socket doubles as a strap mount.

Context

Agfa was among the first manufacturers to adopt Kodak's 110 film format. The Agfamatic 4000 Pocket Sensor was the flagship of its 110 pocket camera line. It shares core features with the 2000 and 3000 models but adds electronic shutter control and enhanced exposure automation. Its successor was the Agfa Agfamatic 4008 Pocket Sensor.