Agfa Selectaflex, anyone?

[julio1fer]

I wonder if any member has experience / comments on the Agfa Selectaflex. There is one available locally at a good price, with three lenses (Solinar, Ambion 35mm wideangle, Telinear 90mm), apparently in good condition.

Does it have a manual mode? My local tech will take care of any trouble, but not even he could revive a spent Selenium cell. If the Selectaflex is automatic only, I should pass.

The Agfa lenses in the higher range of cameras have always been very decent, that's why I am wondering about this one.

Thanks for any comment!

[John Farrell]

I have seen a couple of mentions online, of the Selectaflex, suggesting it does have manual exposure...

auction.catawiki.com/kavels/13053153-agfa-selectaflex-model-1-1963-+-3-lenses

I have an Agfaflex IV, with the f2.8 50mm lens, the 35mm, and the 135mm; it's a heavy camera, and its meter works fine. The 90mm lens you are looking at is uncommon. Even more uncommon is the 180mm supplied for the Selectaflex.

Added later - I've just checked my McKeowyn's Price Guide, and the Selectaflex does have manual exposure.

[julio1fer]

Thanks John! The set in your link looks similar to the one offered locally, only that here the "Selectaflex" letters are larger.

I might take the plunge.

[julio1fer]

John, thanks again for your information. Finally got the Agfa Selectaflex set for about 85 USD equivalent. It was lightly used by a careful amateur, sold by his granddaughter. Every piece in its leather case. The set looks like this:



The camera does have a manual mode. Although the shutter speed selector is stiff, the shutter seems to work at all speeds. Film transport is also stiff, probably dried lubricants everywhere, but it works. Even the automatic mode works, but auto-aperture settings look erratic in a quick test.

The Solinar lens is clear. The Ambion wide-angle and Telinear short tele are both clear; there is just a trace of beginning fungi, which is not unusual in my humid climate. Should be easy to clean.

There are no manuals around but operation is similar enough to the more popular Agfaflex models. The camera is smaller than I expected, heavy and solid; a good weapon in case of need.

Taking the set to my technician today, let us see what comes out.

The set came with a Metz Mecablitz 118 electronic flash, alas, without the loading cable.

[julio1fer]

The camera came out fine from the tech. Test roll FP4+, DK-50 1:1

Ambion 35mm



Telinear 90mm



Solinar 50mm (a long time favorite)