Agfa-Ansco Viking Readyset
Art Deco Credentials ⓘ
Subtle elements of Art Deco appear without fully shaping the design
Noteworthy: Distinct Deco elements worth attention
- Produced after the main Art Deco period.
- Streamlined curved body
- Polished aluminium on face plate.
- Polished aluminium struts with linear engraving.
- Chrome strip down each side of body.
- Chrome door lock to folding bed.
- Linear herring bone pattern on body leatherette.
- Ornate aluminium film winder.
- Chrome detailing on viewfinder.
- Detailing on table stand.
- Chrome film door lock
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Agfa for Ansco |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1952 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Folding Bed |
| Bellows Deployment | : | Self Erecting |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 6 x 9 cm |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | AGFA JSOMAR |
| Focal Length | : | 90mm |
| Focus Type | : | Two position |
| Focal Range | : | 5ft-10ft, 10ft-inf |
| Aperture Type | : | Dual Aperture |
| Apertures | : | f/22, f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Readyset |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T, I*(1/25s) |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 110 x 165 x 130 mm |
| Size Closed (w x h x d) | : | 90 x 165 x 40 mm |
| Weight | : | 532g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Description
The Ansco Viking Readyset was made by Agfa. It is a nicely-finished camera with good quality chrome highlights. The decoration includes a nice decorative nameplate around the tripod mount on the folding bed. It has a body mounted sports viewfinder.
The camera uses 120 film. It is capable of capturing eight exposures of 2¼ x 3¼ inch (6x9 cm). The red window is fitted with a cover.
The camera support two focusing distances. The main lens normally focusses at 10ft to infinity but a lever on the side allows a small lens to be swung into position. This reduces the focussing distance to between 5 and 10ft.
The shutter offers bulb and instant speeds. On my camera the instantaneous speed is 1/25s. The shutter is fired using a lever mounted on the folding bed. It has two aperture settings labelled 'Bright'(f/22) and 'Haze' (f/16)
Get a camera like this from Ebay - Agfa-Anco Viking Readyset
How to Use
Find the manual here :- Agfa-Ansco Viking Readyset Manual
This camera takes 120 film which is easily available from photographic outlets.
There are two aperture settings - Bright and Haze. The shutter speed is 1/25s.
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. Number of stops over or under exposure shown in brackets.
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.
The shutter speed is slow so you may need a tripod to stop blur through shake. Or hold the camera against a solid object.
Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/25s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | Bright(f/22) | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | Bright(f/22) | +1 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | Bright(f/22) | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | Haze(f/16) | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | Haze(f/16) | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | Haze(f/16) | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |
Get Film for this camera from Ebay - 120 film