The Agfa Isola is a medium format camera with a transmitted light viewfinder. It was produced by the company “Agfa Camerawerk München” in Germany between 1956 and 1962.
The Agfa Isola comes with a fixed Agfa Agnar 6.3/75 and works completely mechanically without batteries. Therefore, the exposure has to be measured and adjusted by yourself. When choosing the aperture, one has the option between f/11 and f/6.3.
The Singlo-2 shutter allows exposures at 1/100 s or 1/30 s. In addition, there is a bulb mode for long exposures.
The Agfa Isola is focused by hand. The shortest distance to the subject is one meter.
To start using the camera, the lens barrel must be turned slightly to the left and pulled out until it clicks into place.
For flash photography, the Agfa Isola has a hot shoe. However, this is only used to attach the unit; the flash is fired via a socket on the lens barrel.
Films for the Agfa Isola
What is needed for the Agfa Isola is medium format film. Fortunately, there are still some manufacturers of medium format films. Possible films for the Agfa Isola are the Kodak Portra 160* and the Kodak TRI-X 400*. Of course, there are several other films that can be used with the Agfa camera. For example, there is material from Ilford, Foma or even Lomography, to name just a few suppliers of film material.
Color film is developed using the C-41 process. This type of development is offered by most photo labs. In addition, most suppliers also directly offer the creation of prints or the digitization of the negatives.
The black and white film must be processed in a true black and white developer. This includes Rodinal, D-77 or XTOL, for example. This type of development is also offered by most professional service providers. In most cases, black and white development is somewhat more expensive.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 120 |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 60 mm x 60 mm |
| Focal length | 75 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/6.3 |
| Minimum focus distance | 100 cm / 3.28 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/100 second, 1/30 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Company name of the brand | Agfa Camerawerk München |
| Country of production | Germany |
| End of production | 1962 |
| Production duration | 6 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 28,32 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 83 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 29,89 Euro (31.39 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 29,50 Euro (31.39 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 29,10 Euro (31.39 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Agfa Isola
How do I take a picture with this Agfa camera?
You need to manually set the aperture and shutter speed. Then, focus the lens and press the shutter button. Remember it's a fully mechanical camera, so no batteries are needed.
What kind of film does the camera use?
This medium format camera uses 120 film. You can use various types, including color films like Kodak Portra and black and white films like Kodak TRI-X.
Does the camera have any automatic settings?
No, the Agfa Isola is completely manual. You have to manually adjust everything – aperture, shutter speed and focus.
What's the shortest distance I can focus on?
The minimum focusing distance is one meter. Anything closer than that will be out of focus.
Can I use a flash with this camera?
Yes, it has a hot shoe for attaching a flash, but you need to connect it to a socket on the lens tube to trigger it.