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 called 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 belonged to the Optima line of 35mm cameras, built from the late 1950s through the mid-1960s. In 1961 it was replaced by the pentaprism-equipped Optima Reflex. The Flexilette was made 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. It has a waist level finder with a pop-up hood, a split image rangefinder, and a deployable magnifier. Windows with small lenses in the front and back of the viewfinder housing let you use it at eye level as a "sports finder" too.

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 top lens feeds the image to the waist level finder through a fixed reflex mirror, and the bottom lens exposes the film. The viewfinder and taking lenses are separate, so there is no viewfinder blackout during exposure and the mirror never moves. Focus, aperture, and shutter speed are set with three concentric rings on the lens barrel - focus on the outer ring, aperture on the middle, and shutter speed on the inner ring, which is worked by two black plastic tabs. The shutter is a leaf type sitting directly behind the lens, so no capping plate is needed. The body is mostly metal and glass. The plastic parts are the shutter speed tabs, a small leg on the lens barrel, and the film spool. A small metal button on the back unlocks the viewfinder, which works at waist level or as an eye-level sports finder.

Context

The Flexilette came out in 1960, as the modern SLR was rising, and was succeeded just one year later by the Optima Reflex, which had 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 picked the three-element Apotar lens over the four-element Solinar to keep the price low. The Flexilette was sold new for DM 199 in 1960.

Market

The Flexilette is only available used, and it often turns up on online auction sites like eBay. Working specimens commonly sell for 20-40 Euros. A common failure is a broken small metal collar connecting the shutter release to the body. Missing leatherette on the viewfinder hood is another frequent problem. Despite its commercial failure, collectors have come to appreciate its unusual design and solid build.