Agfa Synchro Box
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Agfa |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1949 - 1957 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Box |
| Construction | : | 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 | : | 90mm |
| Focus Range | : | 6ft to inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Multihole + yellow filter |
| Aperture | : | f/12, f/22 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | B,I*(1/40 sec) |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 83 x 105 x 123 mm |
| Weight | : | 420g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention
- Produced after the main Art Deco period;
- Geometric Art Deco front plate;
- Fine chevron pattern in leatherette covering;
- Chrome shutter guard;
- Chrome controls and embellishments;
Description
The Agfa Synchro Box is a hansome looking box-type camera from the late 1940s. The use of black and chrome on the front plate gives it an expensive look. The body is metal and covered in leatherette with a fine chevron pattern. It has two reflecting brilliant finders with the reflectors being of polished steel. The shutter has two modes - timed and instant. The timed shutter is like (B)bulb. The aperture is changed by a sliding tab. If the tab is in, the aperture is f/12. With the tab in the middle position you get f/22. With the tab pulled right out the yellow filter is moved into place. The yellow filter works with black & white film to give better contrast, especially between sky and clouds. The speed of the shutter on this camera was measured as 1/40 sec.
How to Use
Find the User Manual here.
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/22 | +1 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/22 | Good |
 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 |