Agfa Box 50 (1949)
Simple 120 roll film box camera for 6×9 cm exposures, released by Agfa in 1949.
Overview
The Agfa Box 50 is a basic box camera made by Agfa Camerawerk AG in Munich, released in 1949. It uses 120 film to produce 6×9 cm exposures and is part of the long-running Agfa Box series that began in 1930. Designed for straightforward use, it features a fixed-focus meniscus lens and a simple one-speed shutter. The camera has built-in brilliant finders for both horizontal and vertical compositions.
Specifications
| Film Format | 120 film rolls |
| Exposure Size | 6×9 cm |
| Lens | ca. 100mm fixed focus meniscus lens, uncoated |
| Aperture | 1:11, switchable to greater aperture with yellow filter or smaller aperture without filter |
| Shutter | Simple one-speed shutter |
| Finders | Built-in brilliant finders, one for horizontal, one for vertical format |
| Material | Metal case, coated with plastic |
Design
Film is loaded by removing the inner part of the camera. A Synchro version exists that supports mounting the Agfa Clibo bulb flash, though this capability is not confirmed for the standard Box 50.
Context
The Agfa Box 50 continues a series that began in 1930 with the first Agfa Box camera for 6×9 cm roll film. The line gained popularity in Germany in 1931 when the Box 44 was sold for 4 Reichsmark, helping to democratize photography. Other models in the series include the Agfa Box 34, Box 44, Box I (model 54), Box-Spezial (model 64), and the Synchro Box.
Market
Current market prices range from $20 to $50 USD depending on condition. Collectors note that the simple shutter can stick, and while the official construction is metal coated with plastic, some reports mention cardboard body issues such as warping or damage.
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