Agfa Selectronic Sensor (1970–1976)
A 35mm fixed-lens viewfinder camera with aperture-priority autoexposure and a unique film transport system.
Overview
The Agfa Selectronic Sensor is a 35mm viewfinder camera with a fixed lens, produced by Agfa from 1970 to 1976. It features aperture-priority autoexposure powered by a CdS cell meter and uses an electromagnetic shutter release under a red foil membrane. The camera was part of a two-model Selectronic Sensor range, positioned as a second camera for serious enthusiasts. It shares design elements with the Optima Sensor 200 and 500 and was sold alongside them until replaced by the Optima Sensor Electronic series in 1976.
Specifications
| Lens | Agfa Color Apotar f/2.8 45mm (3 Elements in 3 Groups) |
| Shutter | Agfa Paratronic, 15 sec. to 1/500 sec., continuously variable |
| Exposure | Aperture priority auto exposure |
| Meter | CdS cell |
| Film Speed | 25–400 ASA (15–27 DIN) |
| Flash | Hot shoe with center contact, automatic switchover from time to flash mode |
| Film Advance | Lever |
| Rewind | Lever reverses winder gearing; film advance lever used for rewind |
| Frame Counter | Manually zeroed, counts up during advance, counts down during rewind |
| Size | 117 x 83 x 66 mm (W x H x D) |
| Weight | 470g |
| Battery | 2 PX625 |
| Filter Size | 49mm screw fit |
| Close Focus | 3' (0.9m) |
| Diaphragm | Stops down to about f/22 |
Design
The Agfa Paratronic shutter uses two blades controlled electromagnetically, activated by an electromagnetic release under a red foil membrane ringed in metal. The camera has two front circular windows: the right houses the CdS cell, the left a luminous indicator for battery status and delayed exposure. The large viewfinder projects separate scales for shutter speed and aperture. Film loads via a closed receptacle with a slit; the leader is inserted and gripped by a sprocket. The film advance lever is on the left side of the bottom plate, and the film is exposed upside-down. A lever marked “R” on the right side of the lens reveals a push-button that reverses the transport gearing for rewind. The cable release is located on the back-side of the top plate, above the battery test button. Opening the back releases the film retaining spindle on the base. Batteries fit into a pullout drawer on the side.
Context
Introduced in 1970, the Selectronic Sensor was one of two models in its range, the other being the rangefinder-equipped Selectronic Sensor S with a higher-grade Solinar lens. The viewfinder-only Selectronic Sensor replicated design features from the Optima Sensor 200 and 500. Both models were sold concurrently with the Optima line until 1976. Agfa exited camera production in 1983, though the Selectronic name was reused in the 1980s for Chinon-made SLRs with K mount.
Market
The current market price for the Agfa Selectronic Sensor is €59.95 EUR. One noted condition is that the aperture setting ring can be stiff, though this example is described as completely functional and comes with new batteries.
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