Agfa Selecta (1962–1967)
35mm viewfinder camera with motor drive, coupled rangefinder, and selenium-cell metering
Overview
The Agfa Selecta, introduced in 1962 and produced until 1967, is a fixed-lens 35mm viewfinder camera developed by Agfa-Gevaert N.V. after acquiring the assets of bankrupt German manufacturer Iloca. Based on the Iloca Auto-Electric prototype, the Selecta-M (the "M" denoting Motorantrieb) was designed to simplify photography with motorized film advance and shutter-priority automatic exposure. It features a coupled rangefinder with automatic parallax correction, zone focus symbols, and a low light warning system. The camera uses a selenium light meter cell—no battery required for metering—and includes a manual override for exposure control. The entire film back is removable, allowing for mid-roll film changes.
Specifications
| Film Format | 35mm |
| Lens | Color-Solinar-R (made by Rodenstock) |
| Focusing | Coupled rangefinder with automatic parallax correction; zone focus symbols and scale as alternatives |
| Exposure Control | Shutter priority automatic with manual override |
| Light Meter | Selenium cell (no battery required) |
| Shutter | Compur, 1/30 to 1/500 sec (five speeds) |
| Aperture | f/4 and smaller |
| Film Speed Setting | Includes DIN 21 (ASA 100) |
| Motorwind | Built-in, powered by two AA batteries |
| Viewfinder | Coupled rangefinder with low light warning and red/green exposure indicator disks |
| Film Back | Completely removable |
| Power Source | Two AA batteries for motor drive; selenium cell powers meter |
Design
The Selecta-M follows the construction standards of premium Agfa cameras from the early 1960s, with a heavy build typical of its class. Agfa applied its house style, making the camera visually consistent with the Silette and Optima ranges. The aperture control may be electrical, though the exact mechanism is not confirmed. The design prioritizes automation and ease of use, integrating motorized film advance and automatic exposure into a rangefinder platform.
Context
Agfa acquired Iloca’s assets after the company’s 1960 bankruptcy, caused in part by competitors disrupting its shutter supply. The Selecta-M was Agfa’s evolution of the Iloca Auto-Electric prototype, launched to expand its line of automated 35mm viewfinder cameras. It shares design lineage with the Silette and Optima series and is part of Agfa’s broader family of fixed-lens 35mm cameras, which includes the Isoly, Optima, Silette, and Selectronic models. A later version with motorized wind and rewind was also produced.
Market
Originally priced at over £200, the Selecta-M is now commonly found non-working or with significant faults. Common issues include inoperative manual apertures, failed selenium cells, sluggish shutter speeds (especially 1/30 and 1/60 sec), and malfunctioning meter-aperture mechanisms. It has been described as having "numerous major faults" and is often sold as a project camera. Working examples have sold for around £55, while listings at Camera Traders show a value of approximately $149 CAD, depending on condition. Shutter performance may improve with use, and the camera can be operated manually if the meter fails.
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