Agfa Ansco No.1 Readyset Royal - Silver Fox
Specification
Silver Fox
| Manufacturer | : | Agfa Ansco |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1931 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Folding Bed |
| Bellows Deployment | : | Sliding Rail |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| ImageSize | : | 2¼ x 3¼ in |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Antar Meniscus |
| Focus Type | : | fixed |
| Focal Length | : | 100mm |
| Focal Range | : | 10ft - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Variable |
| Aperture | : | f/14, f/20 |
| Shutter Type | : | Readyset |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T,I*(1/50 sec) |
| Size Closed (w x h x d) | : | 75 x 175 x 33 mm |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 75 x 175 x 125 mm |
| Weight | : | 469g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Significant: Pronounced and self evident
- Produced during the main Art Deco period.
- Genuine leather 'Silver Fox' covering.
- Decorative shutter plate.
- Shutter mounted on chrome standard.
- Ornate chrome struts.
- Chrome highlights on viewfinder.
- Decorative chrome film winder.
- Bright metal back latch.
- Art Deco lettering on table stand.
Description
Readyset No.1 and No. 1A cameras were folding cameras constructed of metal and manufactured by Agfa Ansco between 1925 and 1932. These cameras had a lack of adjustments: fixed focus; one shutter speed; fixed apertures. However, Readyset Royal cameras were made distinctive by their coverings which included Ostrich Skin, Silver Fox and Morroccan. The features of the 'Readyset Royals' were similar to that of the regular Ansco Readyset having a simple instantaneous and time shutter. These cameras should not be confused with the Agfa Ansco Royal cameras (not readyset) which were technically more advanced having variable aperture and shutter speeds.
In 1931 this Silver Fox version was produced. It has a genuine leather covering but it was dyed brown and black to look like the fur of a silver fox which gives the camera a truly unique and enduring design. The exposed metal parts are painted with grey enamel and the bellows are black. It has Art Deco lettering on table stand.
It is a sliding rail folding camera. The decorative shutter plate is mounted on chrome. The struts are chrome and ornate. It has a brilliant finder that swivels to cater for both portrait and landscape views. It does not have a red window cover. A tripod mount is provided on the folding bed and the side of the camera. It has a socket for a remote cable release.
The shutter is a T/I type with only one speed of about 1/50s. The meniscus lens has an aperture of f/14 when used in Instant mode. However, when the pointer is set to Time, a smaller aperture of f/20 is brought into play. This recognises that a smaller stop is regularly used for time exposures. This is a helpful feature, only found on Ansco cameras.
The camera is focused such that the focus range is between 10ft and infinity.
How to Use
Find the manual for this camera here:- Agfa Ansco No.1 Readyset Royal Manual
This camera takes 120 film which is easily available from photographic outlets.
If you don't want to bother with an exposure meter, follow the guide below. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Film is so forgiving and will produce acceptable results even when over-exposed by 2 or 3 stops or under-exposed by 1 stop.
The table assumes the shutter speed of about 1/50s.
The tables also 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.
The shutter speed is slow so you may want to use a tripod to stop shake. If not, brace it against something solid or hold it firmly against your body.
Using ISO 100/125 Film
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/14 | +3 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/14 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/14 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/14 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/14 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/14 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |