Agfa Karat 36

TheFlyingCamera · Sep 7, 2021

Anyone have any tips/tricks/suggestions about an Agfa Karat 36? I just picked up one at an online auction for cheap (I know, shocker, seeing ME posting something about a 35mm rangefinder camera???). Are these considered equivalent of the Kodak Retinas of the period? I got one with the Rodenstock Heligon f2 lens. Are there any accessories besides the never-ready case (which mine comes with). Lens caps? Hoods? Many thanks!

Kino · Sep 7, 2021

I have a couple of these cameras. Very able performers, but the lens is not coated and can have flare and lower contrast than modern lenses, so do try to locate a hood. The best bet will be Evilbay and the appropriate series filter adapter to make the shade work.

Being an Agfa, watch out for the dreaded green-snot grease that can petrify in the lens helicoid. I had to clean both of my cameras lens helicoids and re-lube, but otherwise, its a fine little camera that is fun to shoot.

Some people don't like the horizontal split rangefinder focusing system, but I don't mind it...

gone · Sep 7, 2021

Here's a little article on the Agfa Karat series of cameras. The Heligon was one of the top lenses on the Retinas, so it should deliver on the sharpness end of things. I've owned many Retinas over the years and they're small and well built w/ great lenses.

https://camerapedia.fandom.com/wiki/Agfa_Karat

nosmok · Sep 8, 2021

That Heligon-equipped Karat is close to all-time TOTL, only competition would be if they put the Agfa f/2 Solagon on it (can't recall if they did). Great lens, great camera when it's working-- the 'Agfa grease' problem is an issue, but having owned 3 Karats over the years, the 'Agfa bellows' problem doesn't come up with these.

TheFlyingCamera · Sep 8, 2021

My new one should be arriving this weekend. I'm pretty sure it has the Agfa "green snot" problem with the focusing helicoid, but that sounds like it's not a big concern given how well known the issue is and how simple the fix is. I'll still probably take it in to my local repair person and have it serviced, because I'm a chicken when it comes to that kind of work, and given how old the camera is, if I break something, getting parts will be a pain.

Kodachromeguy · Sep 8, 2021

Kino said:
Very able performers, but the lens is not coated

Not coated; are you sure? Most that I have seen have a blue/purple coating. Pre-war they would be uncoated. When was the 50 f/2 Heligon introduced?

Kino · Sep 8, 2021

Not in arms reach, so I cannot be sure. I'll check when I get home but I am pretty sure no coating on my lens.

TheFlyingCamera · Sep 8, 2021

I saw the owners manual on Butkus.org and it mentions the lens being coated. Given they were contemporary with the Kodak Retinas and a direct competitor, it would be strange to have it NOT be coated.

Kino said:
Not in arms reach, so I cannot be sure. I'll check when I get home but I am pretty sure no coating on my lens.

Kino · Sep 8, 2021

The two in my office do not have the Heligon lens, so that means it's in a box of stored cameras somewhere in the basement awaiting my darkroom/new office space to be finished. These two have the Schneider-Kreuznach Karat Xenon 50mm f2.8 lens and they do have coating on the lens.

Hmmmm... Maybe I am misremembering the camera for another Agfa folder, The images I remember were shot over 15 years ago.

My memory is probably bad, but I remember there being no coating, so take it with a grain of salt.

I have too many cameras. Once this space is finished, I shall do something about that...

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