Agfa Record I
6x9 medium format folding camera made in Germany for 120 film, and a self-erecting scissor mechanism.
Overview
The Agfa Record I is a vertical 6x9 medium format folding camera designed for 120 film, manufactured by Agfa Camera Works in Munich, Germany. It belongs to the Record series, which includes the Record I, II, and III, with the I and II sharing nearly identical exteriors and construction. The camera features a self-erecting design with an articulated scissors mechanism that allows the lens standard to deploy quickly and securely, ensuring stable alignment. It supports 6x9 cm image format and uses a manual film loading system where the entire back slides off for access.
Specifications
| Size (closed) | 162 mm x 98 mm x 43 mm (W x H x D) |
| Size (open) | 162 mm x 98 mm x 125 mm (W x H x D) |
| Film Format | 6x9 cm on 120 film |
| Lens | 105mm f/4.5 (Agnar, Apotar, or Solinar) |
| Aperture Range | f/4.5 to f/32, continuously adjustable |
| Shutter | Pronto, Prontor-S, or Prontor-SV |
| Shutter Speeds (Pronto) | B, 25, 50, 100, 200 (1/sec) |
| Shutter Speeds (Vario) | B, 25, 50, 200 (1/sec) |
| Focusing | Front-element focusing, manual scale with distances: 1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.7, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 10, ∞ (m) |
| Minimum Focus Distance | Approximately 1m (3ft) |
| Viewfinder | Reverse telescopic finder |
| Film Transport | Manual wind knob, wheel advance on photographer’s left |
| Flash Sync | PC socket (3mm), accessory shoe with single-screw mount |
| Tripod Socket | 1/4" |
| Additional Features | Double exposure prevention, self-timer (~7 sec), cable release socket, filter threads (30mm or 37mm depending on lens) |
Design
The Agfa Record I is constructed as a vertical self-erecting folder with a robust articulated scissors mechanism that ensures rapid and stable deployment of the lens standard. The body is covered in leatherette with the Agfa logo and model name embossed on the front, and a chromed top housing. The lens assembly uses narrow, fully corrected anastigmat optics, and the camera includes dedicated controls such as a film advance button, back lock, diaphragm scale, shutter cocking lever, and depth-of-field ring. The entire back slides off for film loading.
Collectibility
Common issues include the "Bayer green grease" inside the helicoid hardening into a solid, preventing focus ring movement; this can be remedied by carefully heating the area with a soldering iron to free the ring. Additionally, the bellows on Agfa folders of this era tend to develop pinholes, especially at the corners.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.