Agfa Flexilette (1960)
A short-lived 35mm twin lens reflex camera introduced in 1960 as part of Agfa’s Optima line.
Overview
The Agfa Flexilette, also known as the Agfa Reflex in some markets, is a 35mm twin lens reflex (TLR) camera made by Agfa Camera-Werk AG and introduced in 1960. It was part of the Optima line of 35mm cameras produced from the late 1950s through the mid-1960s and was replaced in 1961 by the pentaprism-equipped Optima Reflex. The Flexilette was produced for only a short time and was not a commercial success. It is an uncommon 35mm TLR, and there is no evidence it was exported to the United States. The camera features a waist level finder with a pop-up hood, a split image rangefinder, and a deployable magnifier, and can also be used as an eye-level "sports finder" thanks to windows with small lenses in the front and back of the viewfinder housing.
Specifications
| Film Type | 135 (35mm) |
| Picture Format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens | Agfa Apotar 45mm f/2.8 |
| Aperture Range | f/2.8 to f/22 |
| Focus | Manual, 0.9 meters to infinity |
| Focusing Aid | Central split image rangefinder in waist level finder |
| Viewfinder | Waist Level Reflex Viewfinder with pop-up hood, matte screen, split image circle, and deployable magnifier |
| Shutter | Prontor leaf shutter |
| Shutter Speeds | B, 1 second to 1/500 second |
| Bulb Mode | Yes |
| Exposure Meter | None |
| Battery | None |
| Flash Mount | PC sync socket near seven o'clock on lens board |
| Film Advance | Rapid wind lever on bottom |
| Film Rewind | Release button on back marked "R" |
| Frame Counter | Automatic, manually reset to "0" |
| Multiple Exposure | Yes |
| Cable Release Thread | Yes |
| Self-Timer | No |
| Date Imprinting | No |
| Film Door Release | Latch under left-hand side strap lug |
| Weight | 754 grams |
| Dimensions | 13.5 x 10 x 6.6 cm (body); 13.5 x 12.6 x 6.6 cm (viewfinder open) |
| Tripod Socket | Located on the bottom |
Design
The Flexilette uses a twin lens reflex design: the top lens provides the image to the waist level finder via a fixed reflex mirror, while the bottom lens exposes the film. Because the viewfinder and taking lenses are separate, there is no viewfinder blackout during exposure and the mirror never moves. Focus, aperture, and shutter speed are adjusted via three concentric rings on the lens barrel—focus on the outer ring, aperture on the middle, and shutter speed on the inner ring operated by two black plastic tabs. The shutter is a leaf type located directly behind the lens, eliminating the need for a capping plate. The camera body is primarily metal and glass, with some plastic components including the shutter speed tabs, a small leg on the lens barrel, and the film spool. The viewfinder unlocks with a small metal button on the back and can be used at waist level or as an eye-level sports finder.
Context
The Flexilette was introduced in 1960 during the rise of the modern SLR and was succeeded just one year later by the Optima Reflex, which featured a pentaprism. It was part of Agfa’s Optima line and was positioned as a TLR alternative in the 35mm format, a rare configuration at the time. Other 35mm TLRs include the Zeiss-Ikon Contaflex, Bolsey C33, Samocaflex 35, and Tessina. Agfa likely chose the three-element Apotar lens over the four-element Solinar to keep the camera’s price low. The Flexilette was sold new for DM 199 in 1960.
Market
The Flexilette is only available used and is often found on online auction sites like eBay. Working specimens commonly sell for 20–40 Euros. A common issue is the breakage of the small metal collar connecting the shutter release to the body. Another frequent problem is missing leatherette on the viewfinder hood. Despite its commercial failure, the Flexilette has gained appreciation among collectors for its unusual design and solid build.
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