Agfa Isoly II Vintage Camera

Description

The **Agfa Isoly II** is a **medium-format film camera** produced by the German company **Agfa** during the 1960s and early 1970s. It is part of a series of compact, easy-to-use cameras designed for photographers who wanted to experiment with medium-format film (120 roll film) without the bulk and complexity of larger, professional cameras. The Isoly II is particularly known for its simplicity, making it a great entry-level camera for those interested in shooting 6x6cm medium-format images.

### Key Features of the Agfa Isoly II:

1. **Medium Format (120 Film)**:
– The Agfa Isoly II uses **120 roll film**, which produces **6×6 cm square images**. Medium format film allows for higher resolution and greater image quality compared to 35mm film, making it a great choice for photographers looking for a more detailed, professional look.

2. **Simple Zone Focusing**:
– The camera uses a **zone-focusing system**, where the user sets the focus to one of several predefined distance zones (e.g., 1-3 meters, 3-6 meters, infinity). This simplifies focusing, as there is no need for a rangefinder or precise manual focusing. The Isoly II is intended to be used as a point-and-shoot camera, making it accessible to beginners.

3. **Fixed Lens**:
– The Isoly II is equipped with a **fixed 75mm f/8 lens**. While it doesn’t offer the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, the fixed lens is sharp enough for general snapshot photography. The aperture is relatively small (f/8), which means it performs best in bright light, especially outdoors.

4. **Shutter Speed and Exposure**:
– The camera has a **shutter speed range** of **1/50 to 1/200 second**, with a **bulb (B)** mode for long exposures. The Isoly II is a fully manual camera, meaning it doesn’t have any automatic exposure control or built-in light metering, so the user needs to estimate exposure or rely on external light meters or sunny-16 principles.
– The **aperture** is fixed at **f/8**, which is fine for general outdoor use, but it limits the ability to shoot in low-light conditions without a tripod or flash.

5. **Built-in Flash**:
– The camera has a **hot shoe** for an external flash, but it does not come with a built-in flash. Photographers can use it with a standard flash for low-light or indoor photography. Because the Isoly II has a relatively slow shutter speed, a flash can help ensure properly exposed images in darker settings.

6. **Simple Control Layout**:
– The controls on the Agfa Isoly II are minimal, including the shutter release, a film advance knob, a film rewind knob, and a focus ring with distance markings. The simple layout makes it easy to operate, even for someone new to film photography.

7. **Built-in Viewfinder**:
– The camera has a **direct vision viewfinder**, which is very simple, offering a basic but effective way to compose your shots. It’s not a rangefinder or a through-the-lens (TTL) viewfinder, but it’s adequate for the purpose of a snapshot camera.

8. **Film Advance and Rewind**:
– The Isoly II has a **manual film advance** lever, and after a roll is completed, the film can be rewound using the **rewind knob**. Like most medium-format cameras, it uses a **120 film spool**, and after exposing the entire roll, the photographer can manually rewind the film into the canister.

9. **Lightweight and Compact**:
– The Agfa Isoly II is a relatively **compact** and **lightweight medium-format camera**, designed to be portable and user-friendly, especially compared to other medium-format cameras of the time. It has a more “consumer-friendly” design compared to many professional medium-format cameras.

### Purpose and Audience:
The Agfa Isoly II was aimed at amateur photographers and those looking to experiment with medium-format photography in a simple, no-frills package. It was designed for casual snapshot photography and for those interested in the unique characteristics of medium-format film (such as fine detail and tonality) without the complexity and cost of more advanced cameras.

### Advantages of the Agfa Isoly II:
– **Affordability**: The Isoly II is generally very affordable on the secondhand market, making it a great entry-level medium-format camera.
– **Compact Size**: Unlike many other medium-format cameras that can be bulky and heavy, the Isoly II is portable and easy to carry, making it more convenient for casual photographers.
– **Ease of Use**: The simple zone-focusing system and manual controls make it easy to operate, even for beginners.
– **Image Quality**: The 6×6 medium-format images produced by the Isoly II offer excellent image quality, with a unique “vintage” aesthetic due to the larger negative size and simple optical design.

### Disadvantages:
– **Limited Features**: The fixed f/8 lens and manual exposure control mean that the camera isn’t as versatile in low-light situations or for creative depth-of-field control.
– **Manual Exposure**: Without a built-in light meter, users need to estimate exposure manually or use an external light meter. This may be a barrier for those unfamiliar with manual photography.
– **No Built-In Flash**: While it has a flash hot shoe, the camera does not include a built-in flash, which limits its usability in low-light indoor environments unless an external flash is attached.

### Conclusion:
The **Agfa Isoly II** is a charming, simple medium-format camera perfect for those looking to dip their toes into the world of 120 film without a large financial investment or the need for advanced technical knowledge. Its straightforward design, ease of use, and ability to shoot 6x6cm images make it a great choice for beginners and those who appreciate the nostalgia and unique qualities of medium-format film photography. Whether you’re capturing family moments, landscapes, or experimenting with film, the Isoly II offers a fun, affordable way to explore this format.

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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