Agfa ISO-RAPID C (1966)
A fixed-focus viewfinder camera using Rapid film cartridges, made in Germany as a competitor to the Kodak Instamatic.
Overview
The Agfa ISO-RAPID C is a viewfinder camera made in Germany and released in 1966. It was part of Agfa's answer to Kodak's 126 film cartridge system. It uses the Agfa Rapid film cartridge, which holds standard 35mm film repackaged for easy loading. It's built for simplicity and aimed at casual photographers who wanted a point-and-shoot like the Kodak Instamatic. The camera is also known as the Agfa Iso-Rapid C Model 1, and in the USA it was sold as the "Isoflash-Rapid C". Production ran from 1966 to 1968.
Specifications
| Medium | Rapid Film |
| Image size | 24x24mm |
| Lens | Isitar f8.2 |
| Shutter | Parator 1/40 and 1/80 sec |
| Focus | Fixed focus |
| Flash | Flashcubes |
| Material | Plastic / metal |
| Colour | Chrome - Black |
| Dimensions | 11 x 7.2 x 5 cm |
Design
The top of the camera has a shutter release button and a flash cube connection. A removable bottom panel gives access to the 5.6 Volt battery. The whole design is built around the easy-load Rapid cartridge, so there's no film threading. The body mixes plastic and metal parts in a chrome and black finish.
Context
Agfa developed the ISO-Rapid C to compete head-on with the Kodak Instamatic, going after the same mass-market buyers who wanted simple, reliable snapshots. The Rapid system used standard 35mm film in a proprietary cartridge. It never displaced Kodak's 126 format. The Rapid film cartridge is no longer in production.
Market
At least one known listing was for a camera not in working condition, and it sold for €7.50. A current listing shows a market price of $69.00, for a camera that comes with an original leather case.
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