AGFA OPTIMA II

The Agfa Optima II is a compact, viewfinder-style 35mm camera introduced in 1962 as an updated version of the original Optima. It was a step in Agfa's move toward automated exposure control in consumer cameras.

Overview

The Optima II came out during a stretch of fast change in consumer photography. It was aimed at amateurs who wanted ease of use without giving up image quality. It succeeded the original Optima (1958-1962) and refined the automatic exposure system and improved mechanical reliability. Unlike fully manual cameras of the era, it had a selenium-cell metering system that set the shutter speed automatically based on scene brightness. The user only had to focus and set the film speed. That put it near the front of "point-and-shoot" technology in the early 1960s.

Agfa marketed it as a premium compact 35mm model, with an elegant design, German engineering and advanced exposure automation. It was part of Agfa's strategy to compete with Japanese manufacturers like Canon and Minolta in the growing amateur market. The Optima II was built at Agfa's Leverkusen, West Germany factory and sold internationally, often with regional variations in branding and trim. The body is die-cast aluminum with leatherette covering and minimal controls, in line with mid-century industrial design.

In Agfa's lineup it was a high-end compact - above models like the Agfa Clack but below the more sophisticated Agfa Rapid series. It was succeeded in 1968 by the Optima Compact and later by the Optima Sensor line, which introduced CdS metering. There is no manual exposure override. Even so, the Optima II gained a reputation for consistent exposure accuracy in typical daylight conditions, and casual photographers and travelers liked it.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	Viewfinder Camera
Film Format	35mm (135 cartridge)
Years Produced	1962–1968
Lens Mount	Fixed lens (non-interchangeable)
Shutter	Compur-Matic leaf shutter, speeds from 1/30 to 1/500 sec + B; auto mode (1/30 to 1/500) controlled by selenium meter
Lens	Agfa Solinar 45mm f/2.8 (4 elements in 3 groups)
Aperture Range	f/2.8 to f/16 (manually set)
Focus	Zone focus with distance scale (3 ft to ∞), preset via viewfinder parallax mark
Metering	Selenium-cell exposure meter (no battery required), center-weighted
Exposure Modes	Aperture-priority automatic (shutter speed selected by meter), manual shutter speed selection (1/30–1/500), Bulb
Viewfinder	Combined optical viewfinder and exposure indicator; includes parallax correction marks
Film Speed Range	ASA 10–400 (manually set via film speed dial)
Flash Sync	Yes, PC terminal and hot shoe (X-sync only), 1/30 sec sync speed
Dimensions	120 mm (W) × 70 mm (H) × 50 mm (D); approx. 520 g (with lens cap)
Power Source	None (selenium meter requires no battery)

Key Features

Aperture-priority automatic exposure: The selenium meter automatically selects the correct shutter speed (1/30–1/500 sec) once the user sets the aperture and film speed.
Fixed Agfa Solinar 45mm f/2.8 lens: A high-quality, coated lens known for sharpness and good contrast, optimized for the 35mm format.
Battery-free operation: The selenium cell meter generates its own power, eliminating the need for batteries—a major advantage at the time.
Integrated flash synchronization: Equipped with both a PC sync socket and a built-in hot shoe for external flash units.
Ergonomic zone-focusing system: Simple distance-based focusing with clear markings, suitable for snapshots and street photography.

Historical Context

The Optima II arrived as manufacturers were trying to simplify camera operation for the expanding amateur market. In the early 1960s, 35mm photography was getting more popular thanks to advances in film sensitivity and smaller camera components. Agfa, a major German chemical and imaging company, used its film and optics expertise to build cameras that complemented its photographic products.

The Optima II competed directly with models like the Kodak Retina IIIS, Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super B, and emerging Japanese offerings such as the Minolta Hi-Matic. It was not the first camera with automatic exposure, but it was among the most refined in its class, with reliable automation in a compact form. Its selenium meter was cutting-edge for consumer cameras in 1962, though it is prone to degradation over decades. With no battery needed, it was more convenient than later CdS-metered cameras that relied on increasingly hard-to-find mercury cells.

Reception was positive, particularly in Europe and North America, where reviewers praised its build quality and exposure consistency. By the late 1960s, though, Japanese manufacturers began to dominate the compact 35mm market with lighter, more compact designs and faster lenses. Agfa responded with further refinements, but the Optima II marked the peak of Agfa's mechanical compact camera engineering before the shift toward plastics and electronics.

Collectibility & Value

Today the Agfa Optima II is sought after by collectors of vintage German cameras, particularly those interested in how automatic exposure systems developed. Well-preserved examples in working condition typically sell for $150-$300 USD, with higher prices for cameras that include original cases, manuals, or rare accessories. Fully functional selenium meters are increasingly rare. The cells often degrade over time, leading to underexposure or complete failure.

When buying an Optima II, inspect the lens for haze, fungus, or separation, though the Solinar 45mm f/2.8 is generally tough. Test the shutter across all speeds, especially the automatic mode, to make sure the meter responds correctly to light changes. The focus linkage and aperture blades should move smoothly. Common issues include stiff film advance levers, deteriorated light seals, and worn leatherette. The camera has no battery, so testing the meter takes bright ambient light and a known-good light meter for comparison.

Despite its age, the Optima II remains usable for film photography if properly maintained. Its all-mechanical design means no dependency on modern electronics, and the 45mm f/2.8 lens produces excellent results on modern ISO 100-400 films. It is particularly valued for street photography and travel because of its compact size and quiet leaf shutter.

Similar Cameras

Kodak Retina IIIC (1954–1960) – German-built, 35mm viewfinder with interchangeable lenses and coupled rangefinder.
Minolta Hi-Matic (1962–1966) – Japanese-made, aperture-priority 35mm camera with selenium meter and 45mm f/2 lens.
Canon Demi Rapid (1963–1968) – Compact 35mm half-frame camera with automatic exposure and CdS metering.
Zeiss Ikon Contessa LK (1957–1964) – Budget-oriented 35mm viewfinder with automatic exposure and 45mm f/2.8 Tessar.
Polaroid 1000 (1962) – Simpler selenium-metered 35mm camera, but without automatic shutter speed selection.

Repair & Maintenance

The Agfa Optima II requires no batteries. It relies solely on its selenium-cell exposure meter, which can degrade over time due to moisture, prolonged exposure to light, or physical damage. Restoring a non-functional meter is generally not feasible, but the camera can still be used manually with a handheld light meter. Shutter servicing is recommended every 10-15 years for regular users, since the Compur-Matic leaf shutter has fine springs and timing mechanisms that may drift with age.

Common maintenance tasks include replacing light seals (around the film door), cleaning the viewfinder prism, and lubricating the film advance and rewind mechanisms. The zone focus system is simple but may need adjustment if the distance linkage becomes loose. Because of the camera's mechanical complexity and age, repairs should be done by technicians experienced in vintage German cameras. Replacement parts are scarce, so keep the original components. Using the camera periodically helps prevent lubricant hardening and keeps the mechanisms working.