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 shoots 120 film and gives 60 x 90 mm images. The body is metal, covered in leatherette embossed with the Agfa logo and model name. A button to the left of the viewfinder releases an articulated scissors mechanism, and that deploys the bellows. The viewfinder is a direct optical one. Film transport is manual, with a wind knob on the photographer's left side. The knob also prevents double exposures 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 Record II has a chrome top housing and front-element focusing driven by a helicoid. You set focus with a dial to the right of the viewfinder. The lens is multicoated and is either a triplet (Agnar, Apotar) or a Tessar-type (Solinar). The shutter is cocked with a lever on the left side of the lens, and it must be reset before each exposure. A self-timer lever gives approximately 7 seconds of delay. On models with Prontor SV or Synchro-Compur shutters, a lever selects X or M for flash synchronization. The exposure counter shows a red signal in a window next to the shutter release. The bellows are thin paper and prone to pinholes. The focus mechanism may stick because the lubricant hardens.
Context
The Record II belongs to the Record series, along with the Record I and III. Its external design and construction are similar to the Record I, but it adds double exposure prevention. The naming convention is comparable to the Agfa Isolette line.
Market
The Record II is often available cheap. Examples were selling for around 30 euros including shipping as of 2021. The usual problems are a stuck focus mechanism from degraded lubricant and pinholes in the bellows. Repair guides cover cleaning the focus assembly, and professional CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) services are offered, including bellows replacement.
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