Agfa-Ansco PD16 Plenax
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Agfa-Ansco |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1935 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Folding Bed |
| Bellows Deployment | : | Self Erecting |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 616 |
| Film width | : | 70mm |
| Image Size | : | 6.5 x 10.5 cm |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Antar Meniscus |
| Focal Length | : | 130mm |
| Focus Type | : | fixed |
| Focal Range | : | 15ft - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Iris |
| Apertures | : | f/14 - f/32 + filter |
| Shutter Type | : | leaf |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T, I*(1/50s) |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 90 x 185 x 147 mm |
| Size Closed (w x h x d) | : | 90 x 185 x 35 mm |
| Weight | : | 715g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Iconic: Famous, well-known and celebrated
- Produced during the main Art Deco period.
- Geometric chrome strips and glossy black enamel on side panels.
- Glossy black enamel and chrome on face plate.
- Chrome and black enamelled struts.
- Chrome door lock.
- Small chevron pattern on body leatherette.
- Ornate chrome film winder.
- Chrome detailing on viewfinder.
- Chrome detailing on table stand.
- Chrome film door lock
- Agfa rhombus logo on body leatherette.
- Agfa Ansco logo impressed in strap.
Description
The Agfa-Ansco PD16 Plenax camera was manufactured by the Agfa company from 1935 to approximately 1941. Designed as a low cost folding bed roll film camera. It is capable of capturing eight exposures of 2½ x 4¼ inch or 16 exposures of 2½ x 2⅛ on no. 616 film. A mask for the film plane is provided to be used to obtain the smaller 16 exposures. This camera features a swivelling brilliant finder, tripod sockets and two covered red windows. Three lens options are available including an Antar f/14, a Tripar F/11 or a Hypar F/6.3. The Antar f/14 is fitted with a simple leaf shutter providing time and instantaneous functions. There is a socket for cable release.
The aperture range is f/14 to f/32. It also has a yellow filter that can be swung into place when on the f/14 setting. The yellow filter can be used to emphasize cloud effects and for better colour rendition of landscapes and flowers.
Using this camera
Find the manual here:- Agfa-Ansco PD16 Plenax Manual
Adapting for use with 120 film
To adapt this camera for the use of 120 film, please see here:- Conversion of 616 film camera to take 120
Exposure
As the shutter speed is only 1/50s, it is advisable to use a tripod to get clear shake free images. However, holding it against a wall or other solid object would work as well. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your body.
If you don't want to bother with an exposure meter, follow the guide shown. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Film is so forgiving and will produce acceptable results even when overexposed by 2 or 3 stops or underexposed by 1 stop.
The tables assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summers day (May - August) in the UK.
Remember that the exposure guide in the manual may not be helpful as it is based on the use of old film with a low ISO value.
Using ISO 400 film - shutter speed 1/50s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/32 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/32 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/32 | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/22 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/16 | Good |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/14 | -½ Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
Photographs taken with this Camera
These images were taken in October 2019 using size 120 film - Ilford XP2 Super 400.
