Agfa Billy Compur
Art Deco Credentials ⓘ
Bold, geometric cameras from Deco’s golden age
Iconic: Defining and celebrated Art Deco design
- Produced during the main Art Deco period.
- Raised chrome strips and glossy black enamel on side panels.
- Raised chrome circular pattern and glossy black enamel on face plate.
- Chrome struts.
- Chrome door lock with concentric circles.
- Wavey design on shutter body.
- Agfa rhombus logo on body leatherette.
- Striped pattern on body leatherette.
- Ornate chrome film winder with concentric circles.
- Black and chrome detailing on viewfinder.
- Black and chrome detailing on table stand.
- Concentric circles on front chrome door latch.
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Agfa |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1934 - 1942 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Folding Bed |
| Bellows Deployment | : | Self Erecting |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Size | : | 120 |
| Film width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 6 x 9 cm |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Anastigmat Apotar |
| Focal Length | : | 105mm |
| Focus Type | : | Variable |
| Focal Range | : | 3ft - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Iris |
| Apertures | : | f/4.5 - f/32 |
| Shutter Type | : | Compur |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T,B, I(1/250s - 1s) |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 105 x 160 x 127 mm |
| Size Closed (w x h x d) | : | 85 x 160 x 35 mm |
| Weight | : | 670g |
Description
The Agfa Billy Compur is a folding 120 film 6×9 format camera by Agfa. There were two versions. The first, as shown here, was produced from 1934 to 1942. It was beautifully lacquered on the sides. It is self-erecting. To close it, it is necessary to pinch the two circular plates located under the lens to unlock it and then close the door. It had Apotar lens and a viewfinder on top plate. This first version stopped being produced during the war because of the need for the German industry to concentrate on the manufacture equipment for the war.
The second variant was produced after the war from 1948 to 1949. It had Solinar lens. The viewfinder and shutter release are on the bottom plate and it was equiped with double exposure prevention. The later version lost its raised chrome strips and glossy black enamel on side panels and therefore a lot of its Art Deco styling.
Get a camera like this from Ebay - Agfa Billy Compur
How to Use
Shutter speeds are 1/250s to 1s although the accuracy is not guaranteed. The aperture range is f/4.5 to f/32
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/32 | f/22 |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/32 | 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/5.6 |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/8 | f/5.6 | f/4.5 |
Get Film for this camera from Ebay - 120 film