Agfa Isomat Rapid C (1965)
A 1965 rapid film camera using 35mm-based square format cassettes, designed for easy loading and automatic exposure.
Overview
The Agfa Isomat Rapid C (Model 2426) is a rapid film camera introduced by Agfa in 1965. It uses the Rapid film system, which packages standard 35mm film into cassettes for simpler loading. The camera produces 16 square images per two-foot roll loaded into a Rapid cassette. Designed for ease of use, it features an automatic exposure mode with a viewfinder indicator that shows a green light when exposure is sufficient or a red light if not. The owner noted it gives good results in automatic mode and described it as "a kinda interesting camera" with reasonably sharp images when used carefully.
Specifications
| Lens | 38 mm 3-element Color-Agnar f:4.5 |
| Focus System | Zone focus via symbols at the top of the lens or length scale at the bottom |
| Exposure Modes | Automatic and flash |
| Shutter Speed | 1/70 sec (automatic), 1/30 sec (flash) |
| Viewfinder Indicator | Green light = correct exposure; red light = incorrect exposure (in automatic mode) |
| Power Source | Selenium cell (no batteries required) |
| Film Format | Rapid film cassettes using standard 35mm film |
| Image Format | Square images |
| Images per Roll | 16 |
Design
The camera requires the back to be closed and film loaded for the shutter to operate, preventing accidental firing. The exposure system relies on a selenium cell, which powers the light meter without batteries and continues to function in many surviving units.
Context
Agfa introduced the Rapid film system in 1964 as a competitor to Kodak’s 126 film and Instamatic cameras, aiming to simplify film loading. Despite this, Kodak's 126 format gained far greater popularity, and by the end of the 1960s, Agfa itself began producing 126 cameras. The Isomat Rapid C is part of a broader family of Agfa Rapid film cameras, including models like the Iso-Rapid I, Isoflash-Rapid C, and Optima Rapid series.
Market
As of 2012, the Agfa Isomat Rapid C was commonly found on eBay for less than $10. A printed manual sells for $15.95, and a 1968 article on the Rapid cassette coding system is available for $4.80. Some users initially report shutter issues, but these are typically due to the camera not being properly loaded or the back not being fully closed.
eBay Listings
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