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Art Deco Cameras

Agfa Clack

Specification


Agfa Clack
Agfa Clack
Manufacturer: Agfa
Produced: 1954 - 1965
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:85mm
Focus Range:10ft to inf. + portrait 3ft - 10ft
Aperture Type :fixed + yellow filter
Aperture :f/11
Shutter Type:Leaf
Shutter Speeds:B,I*(1/30 sec)
Size (w x h x d):110 x 90 x 97 mm
Weight:320g
* Measured on this camera

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Description

The Agfa Clack is a box camera produced by Agfa from 1954 to 1965. It was sold in North America as the Agfa Weekender. About 1.65 million were produced, more than all other Agfa box camera models combined. It is made from sheet metal covered in black imitation reptile leather. The reverse Galilean viewfinder is made from plastic. The plastic carrier strap on left side of body is secured by nickel metal fittings. The winding knob is made of grey plastic. It uses 120 film creating 6X9 negatives. This is big enough to allow contact printing.

The shutter has two modes - timed(B) and instant(M). The timed shutter is like (B)bulb. It has a threaded socket to take a remote cable. It has a single f/11 stop. A lever on the left side allows a yellow filter to be brought into play. The yellow filter works with black & white film to give better contrast between sky and clouds. Alternatively, this lever can also be used to bring in a portrait lens for close-ups.

There are two flash contacts on the top of the camera. The red window has a swinging cover. On the base there is a tripod mount.

How to Use

The manual for this camera can be found here:- Agfa Clack 6x9 manual

This camera takes 120 film which is easily available.

As the shutter speed is only 1/30s, 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 head.

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.

Exposure will probably be reduced by 1 stop when the yellow filter is used.

Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/30s

Weather ConditionsShadow DetailApertureExposure
Sunny
Snow/Sand
Dark
with sharp edges
f/11+3 Stops
Overexposed
Acceptable
SunnyDistinctf/11+2 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
Slight OvercastSoft around edgesf/11+1 Stop
Overexposed
Acceptable
OvercastBarely visiblef/11Good
Heavy OvercastNonef/11-1 Stop
Underexposed
Acceptable
Open Shade
/Sunset
Nonef/11-2 Stops
Underexposed
Not Acceptable