Agfa Optima Sensor 200 (1969)
A 35mm rangefinder-style camera with CdS metering and a 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. Exposure is automatic. A CdS cell feeds a match-needle LED in the viewfinder, and two PX625 1.35v mercury batteries power it. The shutter is electronic and stepless, with speeds from 1/30 to 1/500 second. Focus is manual, adjustable from 1 meter to infinity by picture symbols or a distance scale. The lens is an Agfa Color-Apotar 1:2.8/42mm, and it is sharp. The camera is easy to use, the shutter is quiet, and image quality is excellent. The viewfinder is a reverse Galilean type with bright lines for a 42mm field of view. It also has a red-green indicator that signals when there is sufficient light.
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 with a "Sensorauslöser" (sensor shutter release), which needs only a short, soft pressure to trigger. A '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 technology closely follows 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.
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