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Art Deco Cameras

Agfa Box B-2

Specification


Agfa Box B-2
Agfa Box B-2
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

star star
Acceptable: Modest and restricted

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 ConditionsShadow DetailApertureExposure
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
f/12+3 Stops
Overexposed
Acceptable
SunnyDistinctf/12+2 Stops
Overexposed
Acceptable
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesf/12+1 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
OvercastBarely visiblef/12Good
Heavy OvercastNonef/12-1 Stop
Underexposed
Acceptable
Open Shade
/Sunset
Nonef/12-2 Stops
Underexposed
Not Acceptable