Agfa Optima 500 Sensor Vintage Camera

Description

The Agfa Optima 500 Sensor is a **35mm film camera** released by **Agfa** in the 1970s. It belongs to the **Agfa Optima** series of cameras, which were known for their advanced features and ease of use. The Optima 500 Sensor is a **compact, automatic exposure camera** with an emphasis on convenience, and it was aimed at amateur photographers who wanted a reliable and easy-to-use camera for everyday photography.

### Key Features of the Agfa Optima 500 Sensor:

#### 1. **Lens**:
– The Agfa Optima 500 Sensor is equipped with a **45mm f/2.8 Agfa Color-Tessar lens**. This lens is a **Tessar-type design**, which is a renowned type of wide-angle lens known for its sharpness and good optical quality. The **f/2.8 maximum aperture** allows for reasonable low-light performance, providing decent depth of field control for general photography.
– The lens is **non-interchangeable**, as is typical for compact cameras of this type.

#### 2. **Automatic Exposure**:
– One of the standout features of the **Optima 500 Sensor** is its **fully automatic exposure system**. It uses a **built-in exposure meter** to measure the light levels in the scene and automatically adjusts the shutter speed and aperture for correct exposure.
– This system makes the camera very easy to use because the photographer doesn’t have to worry about manual settings for shutter speed and aperture—just point, shoot, and the camera takes care of the rest.
– The **shutter speed range** is typically **from 1/30 to 1/500 second**, which is good for general daylight and indoor shooting with flash.

#### 3. **Focus**:
– The **Agfa Optima 500 Sensor** features a **zone focus system**, meaning that the user manually selects the focus distance by choosing one of several predefined settings on the lens. There are usually distance markers such as **1m, 3m, 6m, and infinity**.
– While this system does not offer the precision of a **rangefinder** or **autofocus** system, it simplifies focusing and makes the camera more compact and affordable.

#### 4. **Viewfinder**:
– The camera has a **direct optical viewfinder**, which provides a basic frame for composing shots. Since this is a zone-focus camera, the viewfinder does not include a **rangefinder patch**, but it gives a general idea of what the image will look like.
– The viewfinder also typically has **parallax correction** for closer subjects, helping to improve composition accuracy when focusing at shorter distances.

#### 5. **Flash Sync and Flash**:
– The **Agfa Optima 500 Sensor** includes a **flash sync terminal** for external flashes, but like many compact cameras of the era, it does not have a built-in flash.
– The camera is compatible with most modern **electronic flashes** that can be mounted on the camera’s **hot shoe** or connected via the **sync terminal** for proper flash synchronization.

#### 6. **Film Transport**:
– The **film advance** is **manual**, which means the user must wind the film after each shot using the film advance lever.
– The camera has a **manual rewind knob**, which allows the user to rewind the film back into the canister after finishing a roll.

#### 7. **Battery**:
– The camera requires a **battery** for the light meter and automatic exposure control. Typically, it uses a **1.35V mercury battery** (like the PX625), though modern alternatives are available.
– Without a battery, the camera can still operate mechanically, but the exposure meter and automatic exposure control will not function.

#### 8. **Build and Design**:
– The Agfa Optima 500 Sensor has a **compact, lightweight design**, typical of 1970s-era point-and-shoot cameras. It is designed to be easily portable, making it a good choice for travel or casual photography.
– The camera features a durable **metal body**, with some plastic components, and its minimalist design gives it a clean, functional appearance.

#### 9. **Self-Timer**:
– The Optima 500 Sensor includes a **self-timer**, which can be used for group shots or long exposure photography. This allows the photographer to set up a shot and then step into the frame without requiring a second person to press the shutter.

### Target Audience:
The **Agfa Optima 500 Sensor** was aimed at **beginner to intermediate photographers** who wanted an easy-to-use camera with automatic exposure control but still wanted some degree of creative input through manual focusing and the ability to use a flash. Its **compact design** and **automatic exposure** system made it an excellent choice for casual users, families, travelers, and hobbyists looking for a reliable camera that took care of exposure settings while still offering a degree of control over focus.

### Advantages:
– **Automatic Exposure**: The camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture for proper exposure, making it very convenient for casual or beginner photographers.
– **Compact and Lightweight**: The camera is easy to carry, making it ideal for everyday use and travel.
– **Sharp Lens**: The **Agfa Color-Tessar lens** delivers sharp and vibrant images with good contrast.
– **Simplicity**: The zone-focus system and automatic exposure make the camera quick and easy to use without worrying about technical settings.
– **Self-Timer**: The built-in self-timer allows for group shots or self-portraiture.

### Disadvantages:
– **Zone-Focus System**: The fixed focus settings (rather than a rangefinder or autofocus system) can be limiting when you want more control over depth of field or close-up shots.
– **Limited Shutter Speed Range**: The fixed shutter speed range may not be fast enough for high-speed subjects or very bright conditions without using filters.
– **No Built-In Flash**: The lack of a built-in flash means you must carry a separate flash unit if you need one for low-light situations.
– **Battery Dependency**: The automatic exposure system requires a battery, which could be a limitation if you are unable to find a replacement for the camera’s light meter.

### Conclusion:
The **Agfa Optima 500 Sensor** is a solid, reliable **point-and-shoot 35mm film camera** for anyone looking for a straightforward, no-fuss shooting experience. Its **automatic exposure system** and **sharp Agfa Color-Tessar lens** make it ideal for casual and travel photography, while its **zone-focus system** and **compact size** make it a convenient and portable option. While it may not offer the creative flexibility of fully manual cameras, its simplicity and ease of use make it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy film photography without delving into the complexities of exposure settings or focusing.

Note: We are just like other vintage and antique camera collectors, we buy cameras from different people and markets and places. We do not test, inspect or repair the cameras. We just sell them as we get. Please check the images and videos for better knowledge of the cameras. ONCE PURCHASED WILL NOT BE TAKEN BACK OR REFUNDED! So please check them before placing any orders!

The camera is packed securely and shipped immediately once ordered.

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