The Agfa Karat 4.5 is a viewfinder camera. It was manufactured in Germany from 1938 to 1941. It is the predecessor of the Agfa Karat 3.5 and was the successor of the Agfa Karat 6.3. It is therefore part of the Agfa Karat series. The difference to the other models is mainly the lens, but also the silver-metallic top and bottom plate of the body.
This camera model has a lens that is not interchangeable. The name “Agfa Oppar” adorns the lens. The lens has a focal length of 55 mm. Manual adjustment of the focus is necessary with the analogue camera, as no autofocus function is integrated. The optimal distance to the subject is 100 cm.
The exposure must be measured externally. The 35mm camera does not have a light meter. The aperture can be set between f/4.5 and f/32. The Pronto shutter offers the following speeds: 1/25 s, 1/50 s, 1/100 s and 1/125 s. In addition, there is a Bulb mode. There is also a Bulb mode for long exposure shots.
The camera is mechanical and can take photos without batteries. It is made of metal. The special feature of this camera series is the scissor mechanism. Its scissor mechanism allowed the lens plate to pop right out of the body instead of folding out. This feature, combined with an integrated bellows, made for a stable yet compact design.
Films for the Agfa Karat 4.5
The Agfa Karat 4.5 is designed to use special Agfa Karat film cassettes. This type of film was later marketed as Agfa Rapid Film.
It is normal 35mm film in terms of size, but the way it works is slightly different. The film material is in a film cassette on one side of the camera. On the other side is an identical cassette, but empty. With each exposure, the film material is now transported from one cassette to the other.
One cassette holds film material for 12 pictures. Accordingly, the film counter only goes up to 12.
Today, these film cassettes are no longer produced. However, 35 mm film is still produced. If you have two of these film cassettes, you can fill them with normal 35mm film and continue to use the Agfa Karat.
It is important to wind the film into the cassette in complete darkness. In addition, you should either rewind the film into the normal 35mm cartridge before developing it or develop the film yourself. The reason for this is that you usually don’t get the cassette back from the photo lab after development.
Possible film stock would be the Kodak Ultramax 400* for colour images, while Kodak T-Max 400* is recommended for b/w images.
Value of the camera
The new price at the time was 49 Reichsmarks. That probably corresponds to 260 euros today. The value today is, of course, much lower.
You can only find them used today. The second-hand price of a specimen depends on its condition and functionality. As a rule, you pay around 30-50 euros for an Agfa Karat.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Film transport mechanism | Rotary knob |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens name | Agfa Oppar |
| Focal length | 55 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/4.5 |
| Minimum focus distance | 100 cm / 3.28 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Lens design | 4 elements |
| Exposure times | 1/125 second to 1/25 S, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Connection for camera strap | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Company name of the brand | Agfa Camerawerk München |
| Country of production | Germany |
| End of production | 1941 |
| Production duration | 3 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 41,25 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 4 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 63,80 Euro (68.19 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 66,95 Euro (71.44 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 42,83 Euro (45.46 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Agfa Karat 4.5
What type of camera is the Agfa Karat 4.5, and what is its notable feature?
It's a rangefinder camera known for its unique bellows and scissor mechanism, allowing the lens to quickly extend from the body instead of unfolding.
Does this camera have an autofocus function, and how is focus adjusted?
No, it's a manual focus camera. Focus is adjusted manually; the optimal shooting distance is approximately 100cm.
What kind of film does this classic camera use, and how many exposures does each cassette hold?
It uses special Agfa Karat film cassettes (later Agfa Rapid Film), each holding 12 exposures. Modern 35mm film can be used with refilling.
What is the shutter speed range and aperture settings available on the Agfa Karat 4.5?
The Pronto shutter offers speeds of 1/25s, 1/50s, 1/100s, 1/125s, and a bulb setting. Aperture is adjustable between f/4.5 and f/32.
How is exposure measured with this analog device, and what is its power source?
Exposure needs to be measured externally, as it lacks a built-in light meter. It's a mechanical camera, meaning it operates without batteries.