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.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 45 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 100 cm / 3.28 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1/30 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Company name of the brand | Agfa Camera Werk AG |
| Estimated value / Used price | 82,86 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 11 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 147,94 Euro (159.11 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 123,60 Euro (133.14 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 88,40 Euro (95.25 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Agfa Optima Reflex
How do I focus the Agfa Optima Reflex?
The Agfa Optima Reflex uses manual focusing. You adjust the lens by hand until the subject is sharp. There's no autofocus feature.
What kind of film does this camera use?
It's a 35mm camera, so you'll need standard 35mm film rolls. Both color and black and white films work.
Does the camera have a built-in light meter?
Yes, it has a selenium light meter. This means it doesn't require batteries for metering; it uses ambient light.
Can I use a flash with the Agfa Optima Reflex?
Yes, it has a PC flash sync socket and can be used with flash guns fitted to a hot shoe without a center pin.
What's the shutter speed range on the camera?
The Pronto shutter offers speeds ranging from 1/30th of a second to 1/250th of a second, plus a bulb setting for long exposures.