Agfa Selectronic 1 (1980–1983)

Name: Agfa Selectronic 1
Brand: Agfa

Manual 35mm SLR with unique orange shutter button and split-image focus aid, built by Chinon for Agfa.

Overview

The Agfa Selectronic 1 is a 35mm film SLR camera produced from around 1980 until 1983, part of a trio of models that marked Agfa’s final attempt in the consumer SLR market. It offers no exposure automation, requiring manual settings guided by light-emitting diodes in the viewfinder. Built by Chinon and based on the Chinon CM-4s, the camera was styled for Agfa with rounded edges, a matte coating, and a distinctive huge orange sensor release button—actually a foil-covered micro switch, unique to Agfa. Marketed as "the camera for purists," it lacks superfluous features but is praised for being straightforward to operate and durable in function. The viewfinder includes a split-image rangefinder with microprism collar and is described as reasonably bright.

Specifications

Shutter Speed	1 second to 1/1000 second
Exposure Setting	Manually set using light-emitting diodes
Automation	No automation ("keinerlei Automatik")
Lens Mount	Pentax K bayonet
Flash Sync Speed	1/60 sec
Viewfinder	Split-image rangefinder with microprism collar
Battery	Three LR44/SR44 batteries
Multiple Exposure	Controlled via a somewhat peculiar screw
Self-Timer	Two-stage, purely electronic with 5 and 10 second delay, red blinking light
Additional Features	Flash hot shoe, depth-of-field preview button, exposure value memory lock, winder connection

Design

The Agfa Selectronic 1 features rounded edges and a matte coating, giving it a futuristic soft design described as an "optical powerhouse." The film advance lever is made of plastic, contributing to a build quality perceived as simpler Japanese mid-range rather than premium German engineering. The shutter release is a large orange button—unique to Agfa—comprised of a stable foil over a micro switch, not a true sensor. Despite the plastic components, the camera is noted for its durability and ease of use, with intuitive controls and a two-stage electronic self-timer.

Context

The Agfa Selectronic 1 was part of a three-model line (Selectronic 1, 2, 3), collectively known as the "Agfa-Trio," introduced around 1980. As the base model with no automation, it competed in a saturated market against established brands like Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, and Canon. Agfa attempted a depot sales system to maintain dealer profitability, but cheaper competition—such as Foto-Quelle selling identical Chinon-based models under the Revue brand—undermined the effort, leading to its abandonment in 1982. The Selectronic series was sold through agencies and special dealer sections to simulate exclusivity, but the line was not successful. This effort marked Agfa’s last and costly venture into SLR cameras before exiting the consumer market.

Market

Light seals may need replacement in surviving units. A printed manual is available for purchase, and a full test report from *Amateur Photographer* exists.