Agfa Isoly II Vintage Camera

Description

The Agfa Isoly II is a classic medium-format camera produced by Agfa in the 1960s. It belongs to the **Isoly series**, designed for amateur photographers who wanted an affordable and simple way to take high-quality photos on 120 film. The Isoly II is particularly valued for its elegant design and the medium-format images it produces, which offer a vintage aesthetic.

—

### **Key Features**

1. **Film Format**:
– Uses **120 roll film**, producing square-format images (6×6 cm).
– This larger negative size allows for excellent detail and tonal range compared to 35mm film.

2. **Lens**:
– Equipped with a **Agfa Apotar 75mm f/6.3 lens**, known for its sharpness and pleasing rendition of images.
– The lens is a triplet design, offering good quality for its time and price point.

3. **Focus**:
– **Zone focusing system**:
– Focus is adjusted by rotating the lens, with distance zones marked for ease of use (e.g., portrait, group, landscape).

4. **Shutter**:
– Features a simple leaf shutter with preset speeds, typically **1/30, 1/60, and 1/125 seconds**, plus a bulb (B) mode for long exposures.

5. **Aperture**:
– Adjustable aperture settings, usually ranging from **f/6.3 to f/22**, providing control over depth of field and exposure.

6. **Viewfinder**:
– A simple **optical viewfinder** for framing your shot. It is bright and straightforward but not connected to the lens.

7. **Film Advance**:
– Manual film advance with a **red window** on the back to monitor the frame number printed on the film backing paper.
– No double-exposure prevention, allowing for creative possibilities.

8. **Flash**:
– Includes a **cold shoe** and a PC sync port for attaching an external flash.

9. **Design**:
– Compact and stylish body with metal and plastic construction.
– Lightweight for a medium-format camera, making it easy to carry.

—

### **Pros**:
– **Medium-Format Quality**: Larger negatives result in high-resolution images with excellent detail.
– **Simple Operation**: Zone focusing and manual controls are easy to learn.
– **Durable Build**: The Agfa Isoly II was built to last, with many still functioning today.

—

### **Cons**:
– **Limited Features**: No metering or advanced automation; exposure must be manually calculated.
– **Fixed Lens**: Lacks the versatility of interchangeable lens systems.
– **Double-Exposure Risk**: Without prevention mechanisms, you must advance the film carefully.

—

### **Legacy**:
The Agfa Isoly II is a beloved camera among vintage photography enthusiasts due to its simplicity, classic design, and ability to produce beautiful medium-format images. It’s a great option for anyone looking to explore the world of medium-format photography without a significant investment.

—

### **Using the Agfa Isoly II Today**:
1. **Film**:
– Use 120 film, readily available in color and black-and-white varieties. ISO 100 or ISO 400 film is ideal, depending on lighting conditions.

2. **Exposure**:
– Carry a light meter or use a smartphone app to calculate settings, as the camera does not have a built-in meter.

3. **Maintenance**:
– Check the shutter speeds and lens for functionality and cleanliness. A CLA (clean, lubricate, and adjust) service may be needed for optimal performance.

4. **Creative Possibilities**:
– Experiment with double exposures or long exposures using the bulb mode.

If you’d like tips on film choice, accessories, or general medium-format photography, feel free to ask!

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.

Thank you!