Agfa Isolette Jsolette (1936–1937, 1946–1950)

Folding medium format 120 roll film camera made in Germany, produced in two distinct periods before and after WWII.

Overview

The Agfa Isolette Jsolette is a horizontal-folding medium format camera for 120 roll film, made by Agfa Kamerawerk AG in Munich, Germany. It belongs to the Agfa Isolette range, introduced in 1936. The model was first labeled "Jsorette" and renamed "Jsolette" within a year. By 1938 the name had shifted again, to "Isolette". After 1945, both "Jsolette" and "Isolette" were used, depending on the market, through 1950. During WWII it was known in Germany as the "Soldatenkamera" (Soldiers' Camera). The early model (1937-1942) and the late model (1946-1950) differ in materials, features, and available components.

Specifications

Format	Dual 6x6cm and 6x4.5cm (early), 6x6cm only (late)
Film Type	120 roll film
Lens	Agfa Apotar 85mm f/4.5 (early); Agnar, Apotar, or Solinar f/4.5 (late)
Shutter	Vario (1/25–1/125 + T&B, no click stops), Pronto, Prontor II, Compur, or Compur-Rapid (early); Prontor, Prontor-S, or Compur-Rapid (late)
Focusing	Manual front element focusing, distance estimated (early)
Viewfinder	Optical direct vision viewfinder (early)
Bellows	Automatic opening (early)
Features	Self-timer, hinged back cover (early); accessory shoe, double exposure prevention (late)
Body Material	Metallic (early)
Top Plate Material	Trolitan (plastic, early); cast-Hydronalium alloy (Nüral, late)
Weight	504g (early)

Design

The early Jsolette has a top plate made of Trolitan, a plastic unique to that production period. The front focusing elements on early models are known to become fixed over time, and it's a common trait among these units. The horizontal-folding design has automatic bellows extension and a hinged back cover for film access.

Context

The Jsolette was part of a broader product family that included the Super Isolette with a coupled rangefinder. It followed the initial Isorette (Jsorette) model from 1936 and preceded later numbered Isolette variants like the Isolette I through V. The naming convention evolved from Jsorette to Jsolette to Isolette, with both Jsolette and Isolette names used post-1945 depending on market.

Market

A current example is listed at $114.99. It has exterior scuff marks and lens haze, but no fungus or element separation. All controls operate smoothly, the shutter speeds sound correct, and the bellows remain light tight.