Agfa Trolix (1936–1940)
Medium format box camera made in Munich, produced until 1940 and sold in the Netherlands through 1942.
Overview
The Agfa Trolix, also known as Box 14, is a medium format box camera manufactured by Agfa Camera-Werk in Munich, Germany. Produced from 1936 to 1940, it was sold in the Netherlands until 1942. Designed in an Art Deco style, the camera uses 120 film (Agfa B 2) to produce eight 6×9cm images. It features fixed focus set from 6 feet to infinity, a rotary (flip-flop type) shutter, and two apertures (f/12 and f/22) selected via adjustable wheels on the front, which also allow use of a yellow filter. The camera has two brilliant viewfinders, a red window for exposure counting with a swinging cover, and a chrome-plated ribbed carry handle. Opening and closing the camera for film loading is done by sliding tabs marked Auf/Zu on each side.
Specifications
| Film Format | 120 film (Agfa B 2), 6×9cm images |
| Image Size | 2¼ x 3¼ in / 6x9cm |
| No. of Images | 8 |
| Lens | Meniscus, 95mm focal length, fixed focus (6ft to ∞) |
| Aperture | f/12, f/22, with yellow filter option via front wheels |
| Shutter | Rotary (flip-flop type), B and I (1/50 sec) settings (M/Z) |
| Viewfinder | Two brilliant (reflecting) viewfinders |
| Exposure Counter | Red window with swinging cover |
| Tripod Mount | Single socket on base |
| Dimensions | 88 x 110 x 130 mm |
| Weight | 645g |
Design
The Trolix is constructed from Trolitan, a dark brown plastic similar to Bakelite and considered a German equivalent of the material. This early Bakelite-type plastic is very brittle, making the camera extremely vulnerable to shattering if dropped. The shutter lever is chrome-plated and recessed on the front. The camera's Art Deco styling is complemented by its chrome-plated ribbed carry handle and dual control wheels for aperture and filter selection.
Context
The Agfa Trolix was sold in the Netherlands until 1942, extending beyond its 1936–1940 production period. It is categorized as a box camera within Agfa’s 120 film camera lineup.
Market
Described as a "rare little beauty," the Trolix is noted for being in great shape when examples survive, with some reported as very clean inside and out, complete, and solid. Its main vulnerability is the brittle body material, which commonly fails if the camera is dropped.
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