Agfa Selectronic (1970–1983)
Series of 35mm cameras including viewfinder, rangefinder, and SLR models with electronic exposure control
Overview
The Agfa Selectronic series has three lines: the Selectronic Sensor (viewfinder), the Selectronic Sensor S (rangefinder), and the Selectronic 1, 2, and 3 (SLRs). The viewfinder and rangefinder models came out in 1970 and were made by Agfa in Munich. They have aperture priority auto exposure and an odd film loading setup, with a closed receptacle and a slit that exposes the film upside-down. The SLRs launched in 1980 as Agfa's first 35mm SLRs in over a decade. Chinon Industries in Japan built them, with the Pentax K bayonet mount. Agfa quit camera production in 1983. The SLRs were based on Chinon models - Selectronic 1 on the CM-4/CS-4, Selectronic 2 on the CA-4, and Selectronic 3 on the CE-4. Each was rebadged with its own styling by Schlagheck & Schultes and a reddish-orange 'Sensor Punkt' shutter release button.
Specifications
| Model | Agfa Selectronic Sensor (Viewfinder) |
| 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 via CdS cell |
| Film Speed | 25–400 ASA (15–27 DIN) |
| Battery | 2 × PX625 |
| Size | 117 × 83 × 66 mm (W × H × D) |
| Weight | 470g |
| Model | Selectronic 1, 2, 3 (SLR) |
| Mount | Pentax K Bayonet |
| Standard Lens | Agfa Color Multi Coated 50mm f/1.4 |
| Focus Range | 1.5 ft / 0.45 m to infinity |
| Shutter | Seiko MFC vertically traveling metal focal plane |
| Shutter Speeds (Auto) | 8 – 1/1000 sec., stepless |
| Shutter Speeds (Manual) | B, 4 – 1/1000 sec. |
| Metering | Coupled SPD cell with aperture priority AE |
| Flash Sync | 1/60 X-sync; hot shoe with M and X sync |
| Battery | 3 × 1.5V SR44 (or LR44) |
| Weight | 740g with lens, 490g body only |
Design
The Selectronic Sensor viewfinder model derives from the Optima Sensor 500. It has an electromagnetic shutter release designed to minimize camera shake. The SLRs are rebadged Chinon bodies with a large reddish-orange 'Sensor Punkt' shutter button and ergonomic styling by Schlagheck & Schultes. Metering on the SLRs starts with a half-press of the shutter button, though users report trouble metering without triggering the exposure. The viewfinder models load film through a closed receptacle and slit, which exposes the film upside-down.
Context
The Selectronic Sensor and Sensor S were replaced in 1976 by the Optima Sensor Electronic series. The SLRs targeted advanced amateurs and marked Agfa's return to SLRs after more than ten years. The Selectronic 1 offers manual exposure, the 2 is aperture-priority only, and the 3 adds switchable manual/auto modes. That lines up with a tiered product strategy built on Chinon's CA-4, CM-4/CS-4, and CE-4 platforms.
Market
The SLRs are fairly uncommon today and often turn up without the original Agfa 50mm f/1.4 lens, which has been described as underperforming. The Selectronic S rangefinder has a known problem with the film winder jamming outside of rewind mode. Manuals and repair documents are available for purchase, which helps with maintenance since factory support was limited after Agfa's 1983 exit from camera production.
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