Agfa Optima Sensor 500 (1969 Series)
A fully automatic 35mm compact camera with motorized film transport and built-in flash, part of Agfa’s 1969 series of point-and-shoot cameras.
Overview
The Agfa Optima 500 Sensor is a 35mm compact from Agfa’s 1969 series. Exposure is fully automatic, with a CdS light meter feeding an electronic programmed shutter. It has a built-in pop-up flash with automatic flash exposure, motorized film advance and rewind, and a backlight compensation button that adds +1.5 EV. Operation is simple. In Hong Kong it was nicknamed "Big Red Button" because of its red sensor point shutter release.
Specifications
| Lens | Agfa Color-Solitar f/2.8 40mm |
| Shutter | Electronic, programmed automatic |
| Exposure Control | Fully automatic, CdS light meter |
| Flash | Built-in pop-up flash, automatic flash exposure |
| Film Transport | Automatic motorized film advance and rewind |
| Power | Two AA batteries |
| Viewfinder | Bright-line viewfinder with parallax correction marks and low-light warning LED |
| Self-timer | Yes, with LED indicator |
| Backlight Compensation | Yes (+1.5 EV backlight button) |
Design
The body is black plastic. The shutter release is described as a "red sensor point" - a round membrane of red foil framed by a metal ring. The Optima Sensor series was built for simple, intuitive use, with fully automatic operation and no manual controls.
Context
The Optima Sensor 500 belongs to the 1969 series of Optima Sensor cameras, along with the Sensor 200. A later model, the Sensor Electronic, came out in the 1978 series.
Market
The most common problem is the foam light seals, which turn sticky with age and need replacing. Aged materials also make the camera prone to damage if mishandled. Replacing the seals is a common and straightforward DIY repair. Users are advised to reset the frame counter after loading new film. Tested, working units typically sell for $20 to $50 USD.
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