Agfa Record III (1952–1955)
A folding 6x9 medium format camera with uncoupled rangefinder, produced from 1952 to 1955.
Overview
The Agfa Record III is a vertical, self-erecting 6x9 medium format folding camera made by Agfa in Munich, Germany. It followed the Record II and added an uncoupled rangefinder, run by a knurled thumb-wheel on the top housing. The camera folds sideways to 162 mm x 98 mm x 43 mm. A button on the top plate releases the bellows, and they spring open. It shoots eight 6x9 cm images per roll of 120 film, advanced by a red window on the back.
Two versions were offered. The standard model has a 105mm f/4.5 Apotar lens and a Prontor-SV shutter. The top-end version has a 105mm f/4.5 Solinar lens (a Tessar design) and a Synchro-Compur shutter with speeds up to 1/500 s. The model described here has the Solinar lens, a Compur Rapid shutter, and double exposure prevention that is set by winding the film.
Specifications
| Lens | Solinar 4.5/105 |
|---|---|
| Shutter | Compur Rapid, B T 1–1/500 |
| Aperture Range | f/4.5 to f/32 |
| Film Format | 6x9 cm on 120 roll film (8 exposures) |
| Focusing | Front-element focusing, minimum distance ~1m |
| Finder | Uncoupled rangefinder with distance dial |
| Flash | Cold shoe, sync at all speeds via cable |
| Weight | 707 g |
| Dimensions (closed) | 162 mm x 98 mm x 43 mm |
| Filter Size | 37mm push-on |
| Tripod Socket | ¼-20 (landscape orientation) |
Design
The Agfa Record III has a folding bellows design with a spring-loaded lens release. Press the button on the top left and the lens and bellows deploy forward. To close it, press down on the hinged supports until the body clicks shut. The leatherette exterior carries the Agfa logo and model name, and the lens and shutter are hidden when folded. The uncoupled rangefinder uses a dial to set focus distance, and you transfer that distance to the lens by hand. A red window with an opening lever shows the frame number, and a small kickstand flips out for portrait orientation. The shutter must be cocked by hand before each shot, using a lever on the lens. The body-mounted release triggers it through an awkward linkage.
Context
The Agfa Record III was introduced in 1951 as the Billy Record III and renamed in 1952. It was the final Agfa camera in the 6x9 format and competed with advanced folding cameras like the Zeiss Super Ikonta. It was positioned as a top-range 6x9 rangefinder, with high image quality in a lightweight, portable body. The Solinar version was the premium option. The Apotar model was the more affordable one.
Market
The Agfa Record III originally sold for about £15. Now it turns up on secondhand markets for as little as £25. Common problems are brittle or cracked bellows, seized focusing mechanisms, shutter speeds that don't work, and light leaks through the orange film window - especially with ISO 200+ film in bright light. Some users put black tape over the window to prevent fogging. Replacement bellows are available. The lens has no threaded mount, so it needs push-on 37mm filters.
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Service Manuals & Schematics
- Manual — archive.org