The Agfa Compact is a compact viewfinder camera from the 1980s. It was the first Agfa camera with an electric winder. It was developed and built in the Agfa camera factories in Munich. The factory closed its doors in 1982, one year after the compact camera was introduced.
When it was introduced, the compact camera was still called Agfa Optima 935 Sensor or Agfa Optima electronic 935 flash.
The lens is extended by a switch on the front of the camera. The designation “Agfa Solinar S 1:2.8/39 mm” decorates the lens. The largest aperture of the lens is f/2.8 and the focal length is 39 mm. The lens is focused by hand. On the lens there are markings for the different distances in meters, feet and as small pictograms. The closest focusing distance is 100 cm.
The Agfa Compact has a built-in light meter. The exposure meter is designed for 35 mm films from ISO 25 to ISO 400. The film speed is set by turning the lens.
The shutter of the Agfa Compact is designed for shutter speeds from 1/1250 second to 1/45 second. The camera automatically sets the aperture and shutter speed. The exposure settings can only be influenced by changing the ISO setting; there is no exposure correction or similar. There is also no manual mode available.
With a size of 255 grams, the Agfa Compact weighs 11.4 x 6.4 x 4.9 cm according to the instructions. The 35 mm camera is powered by two AAA batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
The Agfa Compact does not have a built-in flash. However, a special flash can be connected via a proprietary connection. This flash is also powered by two AAA batteries and has no setting options. In addition, the camera came with a bracket with a hot shoe.
Films for the Agfa Compact
Which films are required for the Agfa Compact? The camera is designed for 35mm film. The 35 mm format is the most common film format. Therefore, some manufacturers still produce for this format. A recommendation for colour photos is Kodak Gold 200* and for b/w photos AgfaPhoto APX 100*.
The colour film is a negative film and is processed in the C-41 development process. The C-41 process is standardised and is offered by most development laboratories.
Thus, a 35mm film can hold at least 36 frames. The film is transported by the built-in motor. After inserting the film, the camera winds the film into the start position and the film counter on the side jumps to “1”. The film can be rewound by means of a switch which becomes visible by sliding the cover on the viewfinder.
The production of the Agfa Compact was stopped and today you can only buy it used. The value of a used Agfa Compact depends mainly on its condition. Since not too many copies are produced, the value is usually in the double-digit euro range.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 39 mm |
| Biggest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 100 cm / 3.28 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Reverse-Galilean finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1250 second to 1/45 second |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 400 |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Connectable |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 2x AAA batteries |
| Size | 11,4 x 6,4 x 4,9 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 4.49 x 2.52 x 1.93 inches |
| Weight | 255 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 38,32 Euro 63,0156,1437,51297,7432,866396,66447,3141,11 Estimate based on used prices of 100 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of 29.4.2024 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 42,20 Euro (45.46 US-Dollar) |
A tripod mount is on the side of the camera where the flash is connected.