Agfa Ninon (c.1925)
A horizontal folding-bed plate camera for 6.5x9cm film, originally developed by Rietzschel and continued by Agfa after their 1925 merger.
Overview
The Ninon is a horizontal folding-bed plate camera designed for 6.5x9cm film. Originally manufactured by Rietzschel around 1925, production continued under Agfa following their takeover of the Rietzschel camera works. The name Rietzschel was phased out by 1927, with the camera remaining in production as an Agfa model. It features a triple-extension bellows, allowing for extended focusing and the use of longer lenses.
Specifications
| Format | 6.5x9cm plate |
| Bellows | Triple-extension |
| Shutter | Dial-set Compur |
| Viewfinders | Brilliant finder with spirit level, wire frame finder, ground-glass focusing screen |
Design
The Ninon’s construction centers on a horizontal folding-bed design with triple-extension bellows. The lens is removable, enabling the use of longer lenses by taking advantage of the extended bellows. It supports both horizontal and vertical lens standard movements. The camera was available with black or brown leather covering, the latter associated with 'tropical' styling. Lenses offered included the Apotar, Solinear, and Doppel-Anastigmat Linear, with at least one example fitted with a Doppel Anastigmat 4.5 / 10.5cm lens.
Context
The Ninon began as a Rietzschel product shortly before Agfa's acquisition of the company in 1925. Agfa continued production of the Ninon and other Rietzschel models, absorbing the brand entirely by 1927.
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