Agfa Silette Record 35mm film camera

I have been searching high and low on the internet to try and find out something like a manual for this camera? Anyone able to help with any details? Unusual camera most controls on the base and shutter lever right side of lens.

Many of these cameras retained features and functions as they progressed over several generations. Although it isn't the same camera you might try http://www.central-manuals.com …a/agfa/AP_silet​te_ENG.pdf or http://www.butkus.org …_silette/agfa_s​ilette.htm for a manual of its predecessor. Same goes with a video at http://www.butkus.org …_silette/agfa_s​ilette.htm. For $13 you can get a printed copy of the manual at http://www.oldtimercam​eras.com …?Model=353&Mode​lPage=true.

http://www.collection-appareils.fr …gfa_Silette%20R​ecord.html might be of interest for technical specifications. You may have to click at the bottom to get a translation.

Cameras back then did not use batteries for the selenium light meter but it should respond as you move the front of the camera toward a light source. Also, if like my collection of Kodak Retinas, the camera can appear to be jammed unless you advance the film advance wheel that normally engages the sprocket holes on the edge of 35mm film. The alternative is to load up a dummy roll of film for experimentation. At the end of the roll, just don't go to the end on rewinding so you can remove the roll, find the leader and then rewind it by hand.

There might be a switch with two or three positions like "X" or "M". Those are flash synchronization settings. Go to https://en.wikipedia.o​rg/wiki/Flash_synchron​ization for an understanding of these settings. Modern day flash unit may not work since the trigger voltage is quite small since they work with digital electronics. In old days the mechanical shutter operated as a switch (more or less) and that fired the flash. Voltages at the flash terminals were in the "hundreds" range.

Thanks John. Bought camera in a charity shop cheaply and unsure what to do with it. I assume IQ etc works ok as many of these simple film fixed lens cameras did. Most of my photography these days is in burst mode so it won't work like this. Also bought from same shop Pentax ME SLR, this looks far better suited for a film tryout as I have several Pentax PK lenses I use with Pentax 20D.

galelegg wrote in post #18542757
Thanks John. Bought camera in a charity shop cheaply and unsure what to do with it. I assume IQ etc works ok as many of these simple film fixed lens cameras did. Most of my photography these days is in burst mode so it won't work like this. Also bought from same shop Pentax ME SLR, this looks far better suited for a film tryout as I have several Pentax PK lenses I use with Pentax 20D.

Hope you have some older PK glass with the mechanical aperture. The modern all electronic PK mount lenses might fit the old ME, but you won't be able to control the aperture with it. I started out in serious photography shooting my dad's old Packtica Nova, and then when I was 16 I got a new ME Super for christmas, with the 50mm ƒ/1.7 lens. I shot all mechanical PK mount cameras up until I went digital with Canon in 2005. As well as the ME Super I had Rioch and Chinon bodies in PK mount too.

Alan

galelegg wrote in post #18542757
I assume IQ etc works ok as many of these simple film fixed lens cameras did.

It's nice to pull the old hardware out and shoot some pictures. Likely this camera may overexpose a bit from weak shutter springs. If so adjust the ISO as best you can or just remember that 1/500 is likely closer to 1/250. I typically just have the local drug store burn the images to CD and do the printing myself.

If you are getting into old hardware you might keep an eye out for the Kodak Retina Series that had interchangeable lenses, especially the "folders". My Retina III "large C" has wide angle and telephoto and a stellar 50mm. All German optics. It is 100% functional and very clean, leather in great shape. I had it overhauled by Kodak's last repair technician who was allowed to buy all Kodak's parts when he retired to Florida.

Thanks for your replies much appreciated. My end goal in all of this is to try full frame photography, the simple way would be to buy a Canon 5D MkI or II for about $400 to $800 from Ebay. All photos would be electronic from the camera. But I also own 4 old film cameras full frame, Olympus OM10 probably only taken 200 photos in its life with 3 lenses. Canon EOS 500 with about 4 EF lenses only taken about 500 photos in its life. Pentax ME with many PK and M42 lenses, don’t know its history bought 2nd hand. I also have 3 Tamron SP and 1 non SP lenses with aperture rings that will fit all of these cameras as I have compatible Tamron Adaptall 2 mounts.
Should I just buy some print or slide film and use these historic cameras and like suggestion get images burnt to USB or CD etc. I could even buy a film scanner 14mp about $150 and convert them myself to electronic. Is it all worth it, old film or just electronic? In the end I may spend more than a $800 Canon 5D MkII.
PS. I did own a $40 film scanner and tried to copy 40 year old slides, scanner went straight to the bin, electronic photos were rubbish.