The first Agimatic
was introduced in 1958 by Agilux; it had a similar "round the lens" film advance system to the Werra. Only this went a step further - the lever not only wound the film on, but fired the shutter as well.
It was a well constructed little camera that had not only an uncoupled rangefinder, but a built in extinction meter and an interchangeable lens. It was very competitively priced compared to similar German models because it did not have the burden of import duty.
The later model had a deeper viewfinder housing to accommodate the Bright Line viewfinder and had an uncanny resemblance to the contemporary Paxette. In fact the detachable back was almost identical to the Paxette's.
(see photos) The camera top, base plate and lens assembly were top quality alloy castings and the camera has a beautiful "feel" to it with a much higher standard of construction than the camera it so closely resembled.
Specification[]
The first model Agimatic had the "four in one" control that "advances the film, advanced the exposure counter, resets the shutter and takes the picture"
Agimatic[]
- Agilux f2.8 45mm 4 component lens
- Combined leverwind & shutter release
- Built in uncoupled rangefinder
- Viewfinder combined with rangefinder
- Extinction Exposure Meter
- 9 speed shutter (1 - 1/350)
- Flash synchronised
- Bayonet Mount
- Interchangeable 85mm f5.5 Tele Lens
- Film: 35mm
Price £24.17.6 (1958)
Agima[]
- Revised Agimatic
- Combined leverwind & shutter release
- Bright line Finder with rangefinder "spot" and frames for both lenses
- Coupled rangefinder
- 9 speed shutter (1 - 1/350)
- Flash synchronised
- Lever Rewind
- Flash synchronised
- Bayonet Mount
- Interchangeable 85mm f5.5 Tele Lens
Price £19.7.6 (June 1962) (Telephoto Lens £11.10)
Links[]
- At www.collection-appareils.fr