Agfa PD16 Clipper (c. 1938)

At 13.5 cm wide, it slips into a coat pocket like a forgotten ledger — but open it, and the steel lens front snaps forward with the precision of a switchblade.

Overview

The Agfa PD16 Clipper isn’t a folder in the traditional sense — no collapsing bellows, no hinged bed. Instead, it’s a mechanical puzzle solved by pulling the lens plate forward until metal tabs lock it into place. This rigid steel construction gives it a heft uncommon in consumer cameras of its era, and owners report the weight feels deliberate, almost reassuring. It was one of the first products released under the Agfa-Ansco name after Agfa acquired the American firm Ansco, marking a transatlantic handshake in the mid-1930s. Built in Binghamton, NY, it carried dual branding — sold as both the Agfa PD16 Clipper and the Ansco Clipper — a quiet signal of corporate transition.

It’s a 616 film camera, shooting fifteen exposures per roll, each frame measuring 2 1/16 x 2 1/2 inches. The lens is labeled as a Unifo double lens, though specifics like focal length or aperture aren’t documented in available sources. Focusing is fixed, pre-set to cover distances from six feet to infinity, placing it squarely in the snapshot category — point, shoot, hope. Shutter operation is basic: 1/60 second and bulb, with a self-cocking mechanism that eliminates the need for manual reset between shots. No batteries required; it’s entirely mechanical, a trait users appreciate for its simplicity and reliability.

Specifications

Key Features

Extensible Steel Lens Front with Locking Tabs

Unlike folding cameras that hinge at the base, the PD16 Clipper’s front standard slides outward on rails, extending the lens to shooting position. The movement is positive, with metal tabs engaging audibly when fully extended. This design avoids the fragility of bellows while maintaining a compact profile when closed. The steel construction feels substantial — early versions featured a black enameled front — and resists the warping common in Bakelite-bodied contemporaries.

Self-Cocking Shutter with Bulb Option

The shutter operates in two modes: a fixed 1/60 second speed and bulb. Once fired, it automatically resets, eliminating a step common in earlier mechanical shutters. The bulb setting allows for time exposures, useful in low light or for creative effects, though stability is required since the camera lacks a tripod socket. According to available documentation, the mechanism is reliable if kept clean and lubricated, though no specific maintenance issues are recorded.

Flip-Up vs. Rigid Viewfinder Evolution

Early production models featured a folding finder — a small wire frame that flipped up from the top plate — while later versions replaced it with a fixed optical frame. The change likely improved durability, as folding finders are prone to bending or breakage. Both types offer basic framing with no parallax correction, typical for cameras in this class.

Film Advance with Dual Knobs (Early Models)

Some early units include both a film advance knob and a separate rewind knob. This dual-knob setup suggests a transitional design, possibly borrowed from earlier Ansco models. Later versions may have simplified this, but the fact sheet doesn’t confirm when or if the rewind knob was removed.

Historical Context

The PD16 Clipper emerged shortly after Agfa’s acquisition of Ansco, making it one of the first products to bear the combined identity. It was manufactured in Binghamton, NY, and sold under both the Agfa and Ansco brands, reflecting the integration of the two companies. The Ansco Clipper is understood to be a later version of the same camera, stripped of Agfa branding. It belongs to the 616 film format lineage, a slightly wider variant of 120 roll film designed for larger snapshots. A higher-spec model, the Agfa Clipper Special 6.3, offered adjustable exposure and a faster f/6.3 lens, marking it as the top-tier version in the PD16 Clipper range.

Collectibility & Value

Current market estimates place average-condition PD16 Clippers between $20 and $30, with very good examples fetching $30 to $40 and mint units reaching $50 to $60. A Condition "B" unit sold for $31 in 2003, suggesting prices have remained relatively stable, though recent eBay listings show outliers at both $17.99 and $479.99 — the latter likely reflecting collector demand or bundled accessories. The primary barrier to use is film availability: 616 film is discontinued and larger than standard 120, requiring modification or custom spooling. Despite this, some users note the lens extends smoothly and the camera remains functional decades later.

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