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 viewfinder camera. Agfa Camera Werk AG made it from 1976 to 1978. It followed the Agfa Agfamatic 4000 Pocket Sensor and belonged to Agfa's second series of Agfamatic pocket cameras, the ones built to take flipflash or Topflash units. A built-in CdS light meter sets the exposure automatically. Focusing is manual, with three zone settings from 1.2 m to infinity. The shutter is body-cocked, and you advance it by squeezing the camera halves together. Agfa sold it as a high-end model in the 110 Sensor line. It has 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 has a black textured body with a matte chrome wrap-around section and a big red shutter button (a red sensor point membrane). Schlagheck Design drew it in the early 1970s. You open the camera by sliding a switch at the bottom, and it will not fire while closed. The viewfinder is large and clear. It has parallax correction marks for close-ups and a red indicator light on the right side. The CdS metering sensor sits next to the viewfinder window. The shutter button has a half-press function. A light goes out when shutter speed drops to 1/30 second or slower, which warns of possible camera shake and tells you to use flash. Focusing is done with 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. Its main difference from the Agfamatic 4000 Pocket Sensor is that it uses Topflash or flipflash units instead of flashcubes. It belongs to Agfa's modernized Sensor line, updated by Schlagheck Design, with sleek, functional styling, high build quality and intuitive operation.
Market
Used Agfa Agfamatic 4008 Pocket Sensor cameras typically sell for £24-£80, often with a compatible flash. They need two SR44 batteries. Common problems in used examples are flash socket contact trouble and a failed wind lock mechanism.
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