Agfa Agfamatic 50 (1972)
Fixed focus 126 film compact camera from Agfa, built for simplicity and spontaneous shooting.
Overview
The Agfa Agfamatic 50 is a fixed focus 126 film compact camera produced by Agfa in 1972. Designed for everyday users, it emphasizes ease of use with minimal controls and a lightweight plastic body. It captures 28×28mm square images on 126 cartridge film and features a flashcube socket for expanded lighting options. Known for its lo-fi aesthetic, the camera produces soft, unpredictable results that appeal to experimental photographers and collectors.
Specifications
| Lens | Agfa Color Apotar lens, ~40mm f/11 |
| Shutter speeds | 1/40s - 1/80s |
| Size | 105 x 65 x 51 mm |
| Weight | 149 g |
| Film format | 126 cartridge film |
| Image frame | 28×28mm square frame |
| Focus type | Fixed focus |
| Construction | Plastic construction, lightweight, available in black with silver accents |
| Accessory | Flashcube socket |
Design
The Agfamatic 50 features a compact, plastic body designed for portability and durability, available in black with silver accents. Its simple form follows its function as a point-and-shoot camera, with no manual focus or aperture controls. The flashcube socket on top allows use of disposable flashcubes for indoor shooting.
Context
The Agfamatic 50 is part of Agfa’s line of 126 film cameras and was positioned within the company’s compact camera range for casual photographers. It reflects the era’s trend toward accessible, cartridge-based film systems that simplified loading and handling.
Market
The Agfamatic 50 is typically affordable on the second-hand market, with collectible examples valued for their design appeal. The plastic construction is prone to cracks over time, though the shutter mechanism often still functions despite untested film availability. It can be reloaded with 35mm film for artistic, lo-fi effects.
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