Agfa Optima Sensor 200 (1969)

Name: Agfa Optima Sensor 200
Brand: Agfa

A 35mm rangefinder-style camera with CdS metering and a unique sensor-activated exposure system introduced in 1969.

Overview

The Agfa Optima Sensor 200 is a 35mm film camera produced in 1969 as part of Agfa's Optima Sensor series. It features automatic exposure control using a CdS cell with a match-needle LED in the viewfinder, powered by two PX625 1.35v mercury batteries. The camera uses an electronic, stepless shutter with speeds from 1/30 to 1/500 second and includes a manual focus system adjustable from 1 meter to infinity via picture symbols or distance scale. Known for its ease of use, quiet shutter, and sharp Agfa Color-Apotar 1:2.8/42mm lens, it delivers excellent image quality. The viewfinder is a reverse Galilean type with bright lines for a 42mm field of view and includes a red-green indicator to signal sufficient light conditions.

Specifications

Lens	Agfa Color-Apotar 1:2.8/42 mm
Shutter Speeds	Electronic, stepless from 1/30 to 1/500 second
Focus	Manual focus from 1 m to infinity, adjustable via three picture symbols or a scale
Film Format	35 mm film
Exposure System	Automatic exposure via CdS cell with match-needle LED in viewfinder
Aperture Range	f/2.8 to f/22
Power	Two PX625 1.35v mercury batteries
Film Speed Range	ASA 25 to 500
Dimensions	115mm x 75mm x 55mm
Weight	430 grams

Design

The Agfa Optima Sensor 200 was the first camera to feature a "Sensorauslöser" (sensor shutter release), requiring only a short, soft pressure to trigger. A unique 'sensor' plate on the front activates the meter and sets exposure when touched with a finger. The shutter release is a large, round, chrome button on the front. Aside from these features, the camera's technology closely follows that of the original Optima series.

Context

The Optima Sensor 200 belongs to the 1969 series of Optima Sensor cameras, which also includes the Optima Sensor 500. It is distinct from the later Optima Sensor Electronic model in the 1978 series.