Agfa Box B-2
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Agfa |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1937 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | Cardboard, Wood, Metal |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 2¼ x 3¼ in |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Length | : | 95mm |
| Focus Range | : | 8ft to inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/12 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | B,I*(1/40 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 83 x 105 x 123 mm |
| Weight | : | 470g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Acceptable: Modest and restricted
- Produced during the main Art Deco period;
- Geometric Art Deco front plate;
- Bright metal winder;
Description
The Agfa Box B-2 is made from cardboard, wood and metal. The body is cardboard which is covered with black leather patterned paper. The shutter assembly is supported with a wooded block. The front and back are metal.
It is a very simple camera having a single f/12 aperture and an instant and timed shutter. The speed of the shutter on this camera was measured as 1/40 sec. There is a shutter lock. It has an s-shaped knob to wind the film and the film is advanced from frame to frame using the red window.
It has two bright viewfinders for landscape and portrait orientation. It benefits from a real leather handle.
How to Use
Find the User Manual here:- http://www.cameramanuals.org/agfa_ansco/agfa_ansco_b2.pdf.
This camera takes 120 film which is easily available.
As the shutter speed is only 1/40s, 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 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/40s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/12 | +3 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/12 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/12 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/12 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/12 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/12 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |