Rangefinder Agifold - Antique and Vintage Cameras

Rangefinder Agifold

1950

First Model

Agilux Ltd

Croydon

England

Image of Rangefinder Agifold First Model

Lens:
f4.5, 9 cm Anastigmat, iris diaphragm to f32. Serial no. 66432 .

Shutter:
Two-blade between-the-lens type, speeds 1 - 1/150, B. Flash synchronisation.

Construction:
Leather covered metal body with cloth bellows.

Format:
2 ¼" x 2 ¼" exposures on 120 or 620 roll-film.

Focusing:
Front-cell to 3 feet, scale to 3 ½ feet.

Attributes:
Uncoupled rangefinder, central double image scaled to 3 ½ feet. View-finder in combined window with rangefinder.
Film advance indicated by red or green window (Ortho or Panchromatic). Shutter not coupled to film advance.
Extinction meter scaled 1 - 6, dial calculator with film speeds: 24 - 33 Sch., 16 - 125 Br Std. Shutter: 16s - 1/150. Aperture: f4.5 - f32. Factor for sky conditions and filter factor.
Depth-of-field scale. Red spot against 1/50 shutter speed and f8 for common settings. Tripod bush. Removable back.

Serial Number:
101042 .

With:
Table-top tripod marked Agilux. Aluminium, 7 ½" high without height adjustment. Cable release marked AGI.

Rangefinder Agifold

New Model

1955

Agilux Ltd

Croydon

England

Image of Rangefinder Agifold New Model

Lens:
f4.5, 75 mm Agilux Anastigmat, iris diaphragm f22. Coated.

Shutter:
Two-blade between-the-lens type, speeds 1 - 1/350, B. Flash synchronisation.

Construction:
Leather covered metal body with cloth bellows.

Format:
2 ¼" x 2 ¼" exposures on 120 roll-film.

Focusing:
Front-cell to 3 feet.

Attributes:
Uncoupled rangefinder, central double image scaled to 3 feet. View-finder in combined window with rangefinder.
Film advance indicated by red window. Indicator showing whether film is advanced. Shutter release interlinked to film advance.
Extinction meter scaled 1 - 6, dial calculator with film speeds: 24 - 33 Sch., 16 - 125 BSI. Shutter: 8s - 1/350. Aperture: f4.5 - f32.
Depth-of-field scale. Tripod bush. Removable back.

Serial Number:
4855 .

Rangefinder Agifold

Lever-wind model

1960

Agilux Ltd

Croydon

England

Image of Rangefinder Agifold Lever-wind model

Lens:
f4.5, 75 mm Agilux Anastigmat, iris diaphragm f22. Coated.

Shutter:
Two-blade between-the-lens type, speeds 1 - 1/350, B. Flash synchronisation.

Construction:
Leather covered metal body with cloth bellows.

Format:
2 ¼" x 2 ¼" exposures on 120 roll-film.

Focusing:
Front-cell to 3 feet.

Attributes:
Uncoupled rangefinder, central double image scaled to 3 feet. Pivoting mirror. View-finder in combined window with rangefinder.
Film advance indicated by red window. Shutter release interlinked to film advance (double exposure prevention). Indicator showing whether film is advanced.
Extinction meter scaled 1-12, dial calculator with film speeds: 500 - 8 Arith. 36 - 20 log. Shutter: 1/350 - 1 s. Aperture: f4.5 - f32.
Depth-of-field scale. Tripod bush. Removable back.

Serial Number:
13004 .

With:
Case marked Agilux. Rubber lens hood.

This camera is based on the earlier Agifold of 1948 which did not have a rangefinder. The first rangefinder model (1950) was replaced in 1955 by the re-styled 'New Model Agifold'. The 1948 and early rangefinder models could be purchased with either an eight or four speed shutter. The 'New Model Agifold' had at first a 9 speed shutter and knob film advance, later (1960) it had a 10 speed and lever-wind. Advertisements from 1953 show the top shutter speed to be 1/300.

This was a good quality camera offered at a reasonable price at a time when imports were restricted. The bright chrome finish of the early model was typical of the period, the 'New Model Agifold' had a satin finish and better styling. Early model cameras are opened by sliding the rangefinder housing, as it opens, the release button rises into position.

On the 'New Model' the spool holders swing out at the top making loading easier. Different film speed settings exist.

The lever-wind film advance operates a lever running along the folding bed of the camera which re-sets the shutter.

References & Notes:
BJA 1949, pp. 219, 471. BJA 1950, p. 495. BJA 1952, p. 481. BJA 1954, p. 497. BJA 1956, p. 494. BJA 1957, p. 198.


Company Details:

Agilux

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Rangefinder Agifold