Agfa Click I
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Agfa |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1958 - 1970 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Solid Body |
| Construction | : | Plastic |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 6 x 6 cm |
| No. of Images | : | 12 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focal Length | : | 65mm |
| Focus Type | : | fixed |
| Focal Range | : | 8ft - Inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Variable stops |
| Apertures | : | f/11, f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Leaf |
| Shutter Speeds | : | I*(1/30s) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 140 x 95 x 80 mm |
| Weight | : | 186g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Acceptable: Modest and restricted
- Produced after the main Art Deco period.
- Plastic body
- Curvilinear box body shape.
- Horizontal linear ribbing to body.
- Grey plastic highlights.
- Trapizoidal housing to viewfinder.
Description
The Agfa Click I is the first of a series of cameras produced by Agfa having the 'Click' name. The other cameras in the Click line are Agfa Click-II, Agfa Click III, Agfa Click IV and Agfa Click V. The camera is made of black plastic with grey highlights to the lens bezel and the film advance knob. It has a curvilinear design with horizontal linear ribbing around the body. The camera is a good example of the persistence into the 1950s of the Streamline Moderne style which originated in the USA in the 1930s. It has an optical viewfinder in a trapizoidal housing.
It takes 12 frames of 6cm x 6cm exposures. The meniscus objective lens can be stopped down to f/11 and f/16 by using a lever on the side. Additionally a yellow filter can be moved into place with an aperture of f/11.
The simple shutter has a speed of 1/30s.
It has a red window in the centre of the back. Flash connectors are provided on the top of the camera. The proprietary flash fitting is for the Agfa Clibo flash unit. The camera has a tripod mount on the bottom.
How to Use
This camera takes 120 film which is easily available. It supports instant(I) mode with a speed of 1/30 sec. It has two aperture settings of f/11 and f/16.
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 over-exposed by 2 or 3 stops or under-exposed by 1 stop.
The table shown assumes the shutter speed is about 1/30s.
The table also assumes that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summers day 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.
Make sure you brace the camera against your face or something solid and press the shutter smoothly to avoid camera shake.
Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/30s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/16 | +3 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/16 | +2 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/16 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/11 | Good |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/11 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |