Agfa Super Isolette (1954–1960)

German-made 6×6 medium format folding camera with coupled rangefinder and 75mm f/3.5 Solinar lens.

Overview

The Agfa Super Isolette, also sold as the Agfa Super Speedex and Ansco Super Speedex, is a 6×6 cm medium format folding camera built in Berlin, Germany from 1954 to 1960. It was Agfa's top folding camera, the finest of its type until the later Agfa Automatic 66 came along. It has a coupled rangefinder, unit focusing via helicoid, and an all-metal body with leatherette covering. It takes 120 roll film and makes twelve 6×6 cm exposures. The Super Isolette was the flagship of the Isolette series, evolving from earlier models like the Isolette III, and it is mechanically and materially a step above the standard Isolette and Speedex variants.

Specifications

Film Format	120 roll film, 6×6 cm (12 frames)
Lens	75mm f/3.5 Agfa Solinar, 4-element, 3-group anastigmat (Tessar-type), single coated
Aperture Range	f/3.5 to f/22, stop-down to ~f/45
Shutter	Synchro-Compur MX (early) or MXV (later, ~s/n 7xxx+), 1–500, B, X/M sync
Focus	Coupled rangefinder, unit focus, 3.3 ft (1 m) minimum
Weight	837g (29.5 oz) loaded
Filter Size	29.5mm screw-in or 32mm push-on
Viewfinder	Reverse-Galilean with central rangefinder patch, no framelines or parallax correction
Flash Sync	PC terminal, X and M sync at all speeds
Self-Timer	Present on later models (V setting), ~8-second delay

Design

Film loading is semiautomatic. A geared mechanism senses the film and advances it to the first frame, so there is no red window. The film advance knob sits on the right side of the top housing. A knurled disc on the left side reminds you of the film type and lighting condition (R/N and D/T). An interlock prevents double exposures and shows in an indicator window near the shutter release. A push-rod couples the lens to the rangefinder for focusing, and the whole lens assembly moves on the helicoid. The cloth bellows are covered in leather, which makes them harder to replace than on standard Isolette models. The body has metal film bearings and a pressure plate on the back cover. The aperture has 10 blades and produces smooth bokeh. The lens can be disassembled and relubricated.

Context

Agfa built the Super Isolette to promote sales of Agfa film, and it was their premier folding camera. It competed with high-end models like the Zeiss Super Ikontas, Certo6, and Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta 530/532. Sales were limited by the growing popularity of 35mm cameras. The design inspired the KMZ Iskra in the Soviet Union. It was the culmination of the post-war Isolette line, which was based on the pre-war Isolette, and the peak of Agfa's folding camera engineering.

Market

The Super Isolette originally sold for approximately $150. Around 2015 its market value was $400-$450 USD. It is relatively uncommon today and often needs servicing. Common problems are stuck focus rings from hardened grease, shutter malfunctions, and light leaks from deteriorated bellows. The Synchro-Compur shutter is generally sturdy and can typically be restored with cleaning. The Solinar lens may develop a "cloudy rear doublet," but in good condition it delivers sharp images across the frame, even wide open. The film advance is exceptionally smooth when maintained.