Agfa Record

Record and Billy Record are the names of two folding bellows camera series made by Agfa since the 1930s at Münich. Those of the Billy Record series received its model name depending upon the maximum aperture of the lens mounted (i.e. 8.8, 7.7, 6.3 and 4.5). Those Record had a naming convention similar to that of the Isolette (with which a lot of features are shared, except for the negative size that they provide).

They are solid cameras, easy to maintain. The lens and shutter block is linked to a panel that follows the front door and connected to the rest of the body by black vynil bellows. The "Agfa" name is imprinted in the leatherette external coverings on one of the sides, while the model is present at the other side. Depending on the model, edges may be black painted or chromed.

These cameras are designed to provide 8 photographs of 6x9 size in 120 film. The lenses of the units made before the WWII do not have any coating. The minimum aperture varies between f/22 and f/32 depending on the model, and in all cases focussing is achieved by front element rotation, with range between 1 meter and infinity.

Most usually they are fitted with a 3-speed Prontor (1/25, 1/50, 1/125) plus B and T, and a self timer is also present. Release button can be located in the top cover of the camera, and the shutter has the possibility for adding a remote release cable.

The Billy Record includes a reflex viewfinder near the lens and shutter block, that can be shifted according to the desired format of the composition, either vertical or horizontally. Alternatively, they also have an Albada finder located in the center of the camera's top part, between the already mentioned shutter release and the film advance wheel. The button for releasing the front door is located at the bottom part of the camera body, near the tripod socket.

The advance system includes a double exposure prevention system, forcing to advance the film before being allowed to press the release button. As usual, a small window near that release button is shown red when film must be advanced. The rear door has a hinged side, including the ruby window for film positioning and numbering that of course has an sliding cover to avoid light leaks.

Camera measures approximately 84x160x127mm (opened) or 84x160x37mm (closed). Weights around 600 grams.

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