Agfa BILLY RECORD (1933–1942)

A self-erecting, vertical-folding medium format camera using 120 film to produce eight 6x9 cm exposures.

Overview

The Agfa BILLY RECORD is a medium format folding camera made by Agfa during the 1930s and early 1940s. It's a self-erecting, vertically folding design that produces eight 6x9 cm images on 120 roll film. The model was produced in variants including the Billy Record 8.8 and Billy Record 7.7, with the 8.8 version featuring a fixed Agfa Anastigmat lens and an Agfa Automat shutter. Known for its compact folded size and mechanical simplicity, it was an accessible medium format option in its era.

Specifications

Film format	120 roll film
Image size	eight 6x9 cm exposures
Lens (Billy Record 8.8)	Agfa Anastigmat Jgestar 1:8.8/105mm or Igestar 8.8/100mm
Shutter (Billy Record 8.8)	Agfa Automat, speeds B, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100 s
Dimensions (closed)	165×88×37mm
Weight	560 g

Context

Produced from 1933 to 1942, the Agfa BILLY RECORD was marketed as an affordable medium format folding camera. It was sold for 30 Reichsmark in 1934 in Germany, positioning it as an entry-level option for amateur photographers seeking 6x9 cm image quality in a portable form.

Market

Replacement parts and service manuals are difficult to find, making restoration challenging. Example listings show working or restored units selling between $80 and $100, though values have varied historically, with guide prices ranging from $17 to $54 in the early 2000s.