Agfa Agfamatic (1973)

Name: Agfa Agfamatic
Brand: Agfa

Compact 110 film camera series with mechanical operation and a "Ritsch-Ratsch" film advance, introduced by Agfa-Gevaert in 1973.

Overview

The Agfa Agfamatic is a series of compact cameras made by Agfa-Gevaert, first introduced in 1973. It was built for 110 cartridge film and was among the first third-party cameras made for Kodak's 1972 "pocket" film standard. Agfa sold it as a simple, reliable snapshot camera for amateur photographers, and it became particularly popular in Germany during the 1970s. The series includes both 110 and 126 film models. The 110 Pocket Sensor variants, like the 2000, 2008 and 4008, are the best known. Higher-end models such as the Agfamatic 4008 tele pocket sensor have dual-lens systems and advanced shutter controls.

Specifications

Film Format	110 cartridge
Lens (typical model)	Fixed-focus 26mm f/9.5
Shutter Speeds (typical model)	1/50s & 1/100s
Minimum Focus Distance	1.2 meters
Focus Type	Fixed focus
Flash Connection	Supports flip-flash (later models, e.g., 2008) or flash cubes (earlier models)
Power Source	No batteries required; fully mechanical operation
Film Transport	Manual via opening/closing camera body ("Ritsch-Ratsch" system)
Picture Format / Negative Size	13 x 17 mm
Dimensions (typical)	113 x 53 x 27 mm
Weight	Approx. 160–170 grams
Agfamatic 4008 Tele Lens Focal Lengths	27mm (normal) and 47mm (telephoto)
Agfamatic 4008 Tele Aperture	f/5.6
Agfamatic 4008 Tele Shutter Speed Range	1/1000s to 15 seconds
Agfamatic 4008 Tele Flash	Uses flip-flash (8 bulbs)

Design

Schlagheck & Schultes designed the Agfamatic series. Construction is a mix of metal and plastic. The series introduced Agfa’s "Ritsch-Ratsch" film advance, where opening and closing the camera body advances the film. The camera is known for its oversized red "Sensor" shutter release button. Higher-end models have a special hot shoe for Agfalux electronic flash units. Telephoto variants like the 4008 have a viewfinder that changes with lens selection.

Context

Agfa was the first third-party manufacturer to support Kodak’s 1972 110 film format, and launched the Agfamatic Pocket Sensor line in 1973. The series covered multiple models across 110 and 126 formats. Later versions like the 2008 and 4008 moved from flash cubes to flip-flash units. Some models were rebadged for retailers, such as the Revue Pocket 50. The Agfamatic 4008 tele pocket sensor was the upper tier of the 110 lineup, with variable shutter speeds and dual lenses.