Agfa Agfamatic 901 motor (1979–1981)
Motorized 110 film pocket camera with fixed focus, electronic shutter, and CdS metering via needle match in viewfinder.
Overview
The Agfa Agfamatic 901 motor is a 110 film pocket camera made by Agfa Camera Werk AG from 1979 to 1981. It uses a motor to transport film and cock the shutter, eliminating the need for manual advance. The camera has a fixed focus lens set to distances from 1.2 meters and features a simple plastic housing, entirely black except for an orange Sensor trigger. A black button in front of the shutter activates continuous shooting at 0.8 frames per second. It shares technology with the Agfa Agfamatic 4000 pocket Sensor and is part of the Agfamatic line of 110 film cameras.
Specifications
| Film Type | 13 x 17 mm, Pocketfilm 110 |
|---|---|
| Lens | Agfa Color-Apotar 1:6,3/27 mm (three-element construction) |
| Shutter | Einfachverschluss (simple shutter) with electronic speed selection: 1/50, 1/125, or 1/200 sec (speeds vary by film sensitivity) |
| Exposure Metering | CdS exposure meter with needle matching in viewfinder; set via slider with weather pictograms |
| Flash Connection | For Topflash and Agfa Agfamatic Lux 901 electronic flash |
| Film Advance | Motor-driven |
| Power | Two AAA batteries |
| Viewfinder | Bright frame lines |
| Shutter Release | Sensor trigger: 16 mm orange disc requiring 300 grams of pressure; travel less than 0.5 mm |
| Body Material | Plastic housing |
Design
The Agfamatic 901 motor uses a simple plastic housing described as "eher einfach" (rather simple) due to cost pressure, with a more compact form than typical Agfamatic models. The motor handles both film transport and shutter cocking, removing the need for a sliding advance. The shutter is derived from the Agfa Agfamatic 2008 pocket Sensor. Shutter speed is selected via a top-mounted slider with two weather pictograms, which powers the camera on and sets exposure based on film sensitivity. Exposure is confirmed by aligning a needle in the viewfinder, activated by pressing a button on the exposure slider.
Context
Introduced shortly after the 1979 Agfa Agfamatic 901 E motor—the world's first 110 film camera with built-in motor—the Agfamatic 901 motor rounded out the new series at a lower price point. It differs from the 901E by lacking automatic exposure control. Other models in the 901 series include the 901E motor and 901S motor, all part of Agfa’s 110 film camera lineup.
Market
The Agfa Agfamatic 901 motor is rated as infrequent in France among non-specialized garage sales, indicating moderate rarity in casual markets.
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