Agilux Agiflash
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Agilux |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1954 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Solid Body |
| Construction | : | Bakelite |
| Film Type | : | 127 |
| Film width | : | 46mm |
| Image Size | : | 1⅝ x 2½ |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focal Length | : | 55mm |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Range | : | 10ft - Inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Apertures | : | f/14 |
| Shutter Type | : | Fixed |
| Shutter Speeds | : | 1/35s |
| Size (w x h x d) | : | 167 x 85 x 70 mm |
| Weight | : | 455g |
Art Deco Credentials
Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention
- Produced after the main Art Deco period.
- Bakelite body with leatherette covering.
- Streamlined Moderne curvilinear body design.
- Aluminium top and bottom plate.
- Zigzags on the face plate alluding to flash.
- Stepped viewfinder bezel.
- Chrome winder, shutter release and flash release.
- Art Deco lettering on body and lens plate.
Description
This camera is instantly recognised by its unusual asymmetric design. The American Streamline Moderne influence is evident with its smooth lines and sensual curves.
The only control you have is the film winding knob and the shutter release. It also comes with a flash bulb and reflector which slots into a socket on the top. The viewfinder is of Galilean type which is offset with no correction for parallax. The elongated shape to one side houses the batteries for the flash.
There are two things that really annoy me about this camera:- 1) You need a coin or something to open the film compartment, so you have to go searching for the appropriate tool. 2) The press stud on the fitted camera case is quite stiff, has no protection on the back, and is placed in a position such that it rests on the face plate. Nearly every camera I have seen is marked and deformed where the press stud rubs and presses on the camera face. What a design oversight! In one camera I had, the old brittle Bakelite disintegrated under the pressure from the press stud and it ended in the bin.
How to Use
This camera takes 127 film which is still available from select outlets - search for 'Rera Pan 100-127' which is a black & white film. For those photographers in the UK, try Nick & Trick photographic services. If you want to use a particular type of film which is not available commercially, then you can cut your own 127 film from any 120 film. See my page on 'How to cut 127 film from 120 film'.
The aperture is set at about f/14. The camera speed is about 1/35s. As the shutter speed is only 1/35s, it is advisable to hold it against a wall or other solid object to spot camera shake. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your body. This camera has no tripod mount.
The table shows how this camera will perform using ISO 100 film. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Modern 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 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.
So, on a nice sunny day, it's simplicity itself. Just load film and snap away.
Using ISO 100 film - shutter speed 1/35s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/14 | +3 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/14 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/14 | +1 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/14 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/14 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/14 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |