Agfa Billy Zero (c.1932–1937)
A vertically folding 127 film viewfinder camera offered with two lens-shutter combinations and marketed as "the lady's camera" in 1933.
Overview
The Agfa Billy 0 (zero) is a small vertical folding viewfinder camera made by Agfa from around 1932 to 1937. It was exported to the USA as the V.P. Speedex or Speedex 0. Described in a 1933 Agfa catalogue as "the lady's camera," it produces 4x6.5 cm images on 127 roll film, yielding eight exposures per roll. The camera is self-erecting and features an art deco design with black enamel paint, bright plating, and leatherette with longitudinal ridges. It includes a ¼ inch tripod socket and a table stand on the front.
Specifications
| Image Format | 4x6.5 cm |
| Film Type | 127 roll film, eight pictures |
| Lens Options | Uncoated Igestar anastigmat 75 mm f/5.6 (Pronto shutter); uncoated Solinar 75 mm f/3.9 (Compur shutter) |
| Shutter Options | Dial-set Pronto everset: 1/25–1/100 sec + B, 13-second delay; Rim-set Compur: 1–1/300 sec + B and T, no delay |
| Viewfinder | Simple front and rear metal folding frame finder |
| Focus Scale | In feet (Solinar example), metres (some Igestar models) |
| Filter Compatibility | Solinar accepts 30 mm push-on hood and filters (if notched for infinity stop) |
| Dimensions | 122 x 73 x 30 mm; 97 mm depth when unfolded |
| Weight | 380 g |
Design
The Billy Zero is a vertically oriented folding camera with an elegant strut mechanism and self-erecting design. The body and front leatherette feature longitudinal ridges, and the red window is an elongated hexagon. The film winding key has an impressed pattern and knurled edge. Lenses are focused by rotating the front element in and out. Both shutters include a cable release socket, but neither supports flash synchronization.
Context
The Agfa Billy Zero is part of the broader Agfa Billy series, which began in 1927 and included models like the Billy-Clack, Billy I, Billy 6,3, and Billy Record. It falls under Agfa’s 127 film camera category. Compared to other cameras of its format, the Billy 0 is noted for being slimmer and more elegant without sacrificing sturdiness.
Market
The focusing thread on the Billy 0 is often stiff due to dried grease. Additionally, modern 127 film spools fit tightly in length (not diameter) within the film chamber, causing increasing resistance during winding—this can be eased slightly by lubricating the spool holders.
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