Agfa Optima Reflex

The Agfa Optima Reflex is a viewfinder camera, was developed by Agfa Camera Werk AG, is the successor of the Flexilette and was introduced in the 60s. It was built until 1966 and sold in some markets under the name “Agfamatic Reflex”.

Two fixed lenses are installed in the camera. One each for taking pictures and focusing. The revised version of the Flexilette comes with a prism viewfinder, instead of a shaft viewfinder. The manufacturer’s name of the lens is Agfa Color Apotar 1:2.8/45.

The lens is focused by hand. The Agfa Optima Reflex does not have an autofocus function. The closest focusing distance is 1 meter for this lens.

The camera comes with a selenium light meter. The Agfa Optima Reflex has a program automatic. The Pronto shutter allows exposure times from 1/250 second to 1/30 second. The camera has a Bulb setting. In this mode, the film is exposed as long as the shutter button is pressed.

An external flash can be used via the PC flash socket. The flash can be attached to a hot shoe without center contact. There is a connection for a tripod and a cable release. No batteries are needed to take pictures.

Films for the Agfa Optima Reflex

The Agfa Optima Reflex was built for the 35mm format. 35mm films are still produced today and can be developed in most laboratories. Possible films for the Agfa Optima Reflex are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color photos and the Kodak T-Max 100* for B&W photos. The color film is processed using the C-41 process. The C-41 process is used by almost all photo labs.

The Agfa Optima Reflex negatives have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. At this size, at least 36 photos usually fit on one film (135-36). The film in the camera must be rewound manually, since there is no automatic film transport.

The 35mm camera can only be found used. Prices vary depending on condition. Also, functionality is important when looking for value.