Agfa Agfamatic 4008 Pocket Sensor (1976–1978)
Compact 110 film camera with CdS-metered automatic exposure, manual zone focus, and Topflash compatibility.
Overview
The Agfa Agfamatic 4008 Pocket Sensor is a 110 pocket cartridge film viewfinder camera made by Agfa Camera Werk AG from 1976 to 1978. It succeeded the Agfa Agfamatic 4000 Pocket Sensor and was part of Agfa’s second series of Agfamatic pocket cameras designed to accept flipflash or Topflash units. The camera features a built-in CdS light meter for automatic exposure, a manual zone focusing system with three distance settings from 1.2 m to infinity, and a body-cocked shutter advanced by squeezing the camera halves together. It was marketed as a high-end model in the 110 Sensor line and includes a cable release socket, dioptric adjustment, and a red LED shutter speed warning light.
Specifications
| Film Type | 110 film cartridge (13 x 17 mm format) |
| Lens | Agfa Color-Apotar 1:6.5/27 mm |
| Aperture | f/6.5 fixed |
| Shutter Speeds | 1/30 – 1/500 second |
| Shutter Type | Metal leaf shutter |
| Metering | CDS (CdS) controlled automatic exposure |
| ASA Range | 25–400 |
| Focus | Manual zone focusing (1.2 m to infinity, three stages) |
| Flash Options | Topflash flash bars (8 flashes) or Agfa Agfamatic pocket LUX flash (Type 6904/100 or 234) |
| Batteries | Two SR44 batteries (required) |
Design
The Agfamatic 4008 Pocket Sensor features a black textured body with a matte chrome wrap-around section and a prominent red shutter button (red sensor point membrane). Designed by Schlagheck Design in the early 1970s, the camera opens by sliding a switch at the bottom and will not fire when closed. The large, clear viewfinder includes parallax correction marks for close-ups and a red indicator light on the right side. The CdS metering sensor is located next to the viewfinder window. The shutter button has a half-press function: a light extinguishes when shutter speed drops to 1/30 second or slower, signaling potential camera shake and recommending flash use. Focusing is adjusted via a top-mounted slider that moves the rear lens element.
Context
The Agfamatic 4008 Pocket Sensor was the top model in Agfa’s 110 Sensor camera line and part of the “Ritsch-Ratsch” series of compact cameras. It differed from its predecessor, the Agfamatic 4000 Pocket Sensor, primarily in its use of Topflash or flipflash units instead of flashcubes. As part of Agfa’s modernized Sensor line updated by Schlagheck Design, it represented a shift toward sleek, functional styling with high build quality and intuitive operation.
Market
Used Agfa Agfamatic 4008 Pocket Sensor cameras typically sell for £24–£80, often including a compatible flash. Units require two SR44 batteries to operate. Common issues in used examples include flash socket contact problems and failure of the wind lock mechanism.
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