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 for 120 film, made by Agfa Camera Works in Munich, Germany. It belongs to the Record series, which includes the Record I, II, and III. The I and II share nearly identical exteriors and construction. It is self-erecting, with an articulated scissors mechanism that deploys the lens standard quickly and keeps it aligned. It shoots the 6x9 cm format, and you load film by sliding the entire back off.
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 a vertical self-erecting folder. The articulated scissors mechanism deploys the lens standard fast and holds it steady. The body is covered in leatherette, with the Agfa logo and model name embossed on the front and a chromed top housing. The lens is a narrow, fully corrected anastigmat. Controls include 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
The "Bayer green grease" inside the helicoid can harden into a solid and lock the focus ring. The fix is to heat the area carefully with a soldering iron until the ring frees up. The bellows on Agfa folders of this era also tend to develop pinholes, especially at the corners.
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