Agfa Synchro Box (1951–1958)
German-made medium format box camera for 120 film, with flash sync and dual tripod mounts.
Overview
The Agfa Synchro Box 600 is a medium format box camera produced by Agfa Camerawerk AG in Munich, Germany from 1951 to 1958. It uses 120 roll film to produce eight 6x9 cm exposures and features a fixed-focus 105mm f/11 meniscus lens. The camera includes a self-cocking rotary shutter with 1/50 second and B settings, selectable via a sliding lever above the shutter release. Two bright viewfinders—on the top and right side—allow framing for both landscape and portrait orientations. The name "Synchro" refers to its flash synchronization capability, supporting the dedicated Agfa Clibo-Blitz flash via a PC socket located near the shutter release.
Specifications
| Film | 120 roll film, 6×9 cm, 8 exposures |
| Lens | 105mm f/11 single-element meniscus, fixed focus (3m–∞) |
| Shutter | Instant-return self-cocking rotary, 1/50 sec + B |
| Aperture | f/11 and f/16; third position adds yellow filter |
| Viewfinder | Dual bright convex types with polished steel reflectors |
| Flash Sync | PC socket for Agfa Clibo-Blitz flash |
| Tripod Sockets | Two ¼-inch sockets (horizontal and portrait) |
| Cable Release | Socket shared with flash sync at corner below shutter |
| Body | All-steel construction, hinged back with ruby window |
| Weight | 412g |
| Film Winding | Lever-wound via removable cone magazine |
| Accessories | Accepts Kodak No.13 close-up lens; fits Agfa lens ring |
Design
The Synchro Box features an all-steel body with a classic box shape and a deco-style front plate. The back opens by pressing the carrying strap knob on top. Film loading requires removing the cone magazine, which houses both the lens and film spool. The glass on the front is protective only. A pull-out tab above the shutter selects between f/11, f/16, and f/11 with a built-in yellow filter. The shutter is cocked and fired with a single downward press of the lever. There is no double-exposure prevention. The rubberlike handle adds grip, and the red window aids frame counting.
Context
The Synchro Box is a refined version of the earlier Agfa Box 50 and part of Agfa’s long line of 120 film box cameras, including models like the Box 44 and Box-Spezial. It shares the Clibo-Blitz flash system with the Agfa Clack. Though optics are simple, the 6x9 cm negative yields sharp center images with minimal vignetting, suitable for contact printing. It resembles the earlier Agfa Shur Flash and continues Agfa’s tradition of accessible medium format photography.
Market
Listed as a collector's item, the Synchro Box has sold for €49.95 and 2,200 AED in used condition. One seller notes "normal signs of use" with clean lens and viewfinder, and functional mechanics. The camera lacks an exposure meter, and frame numbers on film backing can be hard to read through the ruby window.
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