Agfa Karat 6.3
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Agfa |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1936 - 1938 |
| Classification | : | Miniature |
| Body Type | : | Folding Strut |
| Construction | : | Cast Aluminium |
| Film Type | : | Rapid |
| Film width | : | 35mm |
| Image Size | : | 36mm x 24mm |
| No. of Images | : | 12 |
| Lens Type | : | Agfa Anastigmat Igestar |
| Focus Type | : | Variable |
| Focal Length | : | 50mm |
| Focal Range | : | 1m - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Iris |
| Apertures | : | f/6.3 - f/22 |
| Shutter Type | : | Self-cocking |
| Shutter Speeds | : | B, I(1/25s, 1/50s, 1/100s) |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 120 x 68 x 68 mm |
| Size Closed (w x h x d) | : | 120 x 68 x 45 mm |
| Weight | : | 445g |
Art Deco Credentials
Significant: Pronounced and self evident
- Produced during the main Art Deco period.
- Symmetrical Art Deco geometric design on face plate.
- Curvilinear body shape.
- Chrome struts.
- Concentric circles on film winder, shutter release and bellows extension latch.
- Fine chevron pattern in leatherette covering;
Description
This first Karat has a rounded cast aluminum body covered with a durable black synthetic material. The top cover is also rounded with two strap lugs. On the top is a window for the internal frame counter and the film advance knob, which interlocks with the Agfa self-cocking shutter for double exposure prevention. The top cover also has the shutter release and a sliding time exposure lock. The viewfinder is a simple Galilean tube.
The collapsible front plate, which is released by a button on the top, is supported by four chrome plated scissors struts. It has an Art Deco style insert and the controls for the shutter & f stop settings.
This camera uses a type of film cartridge called 'Rapid' that holds 12 35mm frames. The camera is loaded with a light tight Rapid film cartridge which holds the film. The film advance mechanism transfers the film into a similar cartridge on the other side of the camera. The film is not rewound and the receiving cartridge is taken for developing.
How to Use
Being fairly old, it would probably benefit from cleaning the lenses, film transport mechanism, shutter and viewfinders. This is easy to do and most worthwile. Check out my page:- 'Restoration of an Agfa Karat'.
The Rapid cartridges are no longer produced. It is possible to load a Karat/Rapid cassette with 35mm film in a dark room or changing bag. If you do not have any Karat/Rapid cassettes you can simply load the camera with bare film. See more about how to use 35mm film in this camera here:- Loading Cameras that use Karat or Rapid cassettes
Shutter speeds are 1/25s, 1/50s and 1/100s although the accuracy is not guaranteed. The aperture range is f/6.3 to f/22
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.
Remember that the exposure guide in the camera user manual may not be helpful as it is based on the use of old film with a low ISO value.
The tables assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summer's day in the UK.
If you are not sure about the light level, err on the side of overexposure - i.e. assume the smaller f number.
Where there is a choice, a larger f number will give a larger depth of field.
For the slower speeds, you may need a tripod to stop blur through shake.
Using ISO 100/125 film
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Shutter Speed (s) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/25 | 1/50 | 1/100 | ||
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | - | - | f/22 |
| Sunny | Distinct | - | f/22 | f/16 |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/22 | f/16 | f/11 |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | f/11 | f/8 |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/11 | f/8 | f/6.3 |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/8 | f/6.3 | - |
Photographs taken with this Camera
Rapid Cassettes loaded with Fujicolor C200
