Agfa Record II
6x9 folding camera for 120 film with interchangeable shutter and lens options
Overview
The Agfa Record II is a vertical, self-erecting 6x9 medium format folding camera made by Agfa-Gevaert N.V. It uses 120 film to produce 60 x 90 mm images and features a metal body with leatherette covering embossed with the Agfa logo and model name. The camera opens via an articulated scissors mechanism that deploys the bellows when released by a button to the left of the viewfinder. It includes a direct optical viewfinder and manual film transport via a wind knob on the photographer's left side, which also provides double exposure prevention by releasing the shutter-cocking lever.
Specifications
| Film Format | 120 film |
| Image Format | 60 x 90 mm (W x H) |
| 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) |
| Weight | 683 g |
| Lens Options | Agfa Apotar 105mm f/4.5 or Agfa Solinar 105mm f/4.5 |
| Aperture Range | f/4.5 to f/32 |
| Shutter Options | Prontor S, Prontor SV, or Synchro-Compur |
| Shutter Speeds (Prontor S/SV) | B, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250 |
| Shutter Speeds (Synchro-Compur) | B, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 1m / 3ft |
| Filter Diameter | 37mm |
| Flash Socket | PC socket and 3mm accessory shoe |
| Tripod Socket | 1/4 in |
| Film Transport | Manual wind knob with double exposure prevention |
Design
The Agfa Record II features a vertical folding design with a chrome top housing and a front-element focusing system driven by a helicoid; focus is set via a dial to the right of the viewfinder. The lens is multicoated and based on either a triplet (Agnar, Apotar) or Tessar-type (Solinar) optical formula. The shutter is cocked using a lever on the left side of the lens and must be reset before each exposure. A self-timer lever provides approximately 7 seconds of delay. Flash synchronization is controlled by a lever for X or M settings on models equipped with Prontor SV or Synchro-Compur shutters. The exposure counter shows a red signal in a window next to the shutter release. The bellows are made of thin paper and are prone to pinholes; the focus mechanism may become stuck due to hardened lubricant.
Context
The Agfa Record II is part of the Record series, which includes the Record I, II, and III. It shares a similar external design and construction with the Record I but adds double exposure prevention. The series follows a naming convention comparable to the Agfa Isolette line.
Market
The Agfa Record II is often available for low prices, with examples selling for around 30 euros including shipping as of 2021. Common issues include a stuck focus mechanism due to degraded lubricant and pinholes in the bellows. Repair guides are available for cleaning the focus assembly, and professional CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) services including bellows replacement are offered.
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