I found this camera (Agfa Major)

[ErinHilburn]

I've been wanting to convert to medium format. The issue is that I am in college so of course cash poor But I found this camera at a good price, but the person selling knows nothing about it nor do I. Can anyone tell me if it is in fact a medium format camera. I would sincerely appreciate it.
thanks,
Erin

 

[BWGirl]

Hi Erin!
Do you have a link to a photo of it somewhere?

 

[ErinHilburn]

It looks like this

 

[ErinHilburn]

Apparently it uses 620 film which is also the same size as 120 so you can spool your own etc. Thanks for trying to help anyway

 

[BWGirl]

Well, now... that is a cutie! There is an article here about respooling the film:

Dead Link Removed

I have a similar looking folder, but mine takes 120 film. So... you gonna get it?

 

[Foto Ludens]

Erin,

This seems like a guess/scale focus camera... just something to keep in mind.

How much are you looking to spend on it? Take a look at ritzcam.com for some inexpensive 120 alternatives. I recall them having a Zeiss Ikoflex TLR for 60 bucks, and a few Agfa folders around 15 (I bought a Isolette V for 12, and a Speedex B2 for 20 - both scale focus). For an entry into medium format, I'd recommend a TLR or anything with focusing.

Also, check Keh.com as they had a Ciroflex TLR for about 40 bucks last time I checked.

good luck from a fellow college student,

André

 

[Ole]

An Agfa camera is unlikely to need 620 film, IME that's more of a Kodak phenomenon.

Check: I found a page - http://home.kabelfoon.nl/~enduin/cameracatalogus/htm/agfa-ansco_major.htm - it takes "Agfa PB 20" film. That's 620 size.

My advise? Find another one. Get a Zeiss Ikon, a Voigtländer Bessa or Perkeo, or even a Bilora. Make sure it takes 120 film. That is if you want a "guess-focus folder".

 

[Kevin Roach]

agfa folders are known for leaky bellows. You may end up paying much more for this camera than it is worth. I've used and agfa ventura 66 that is very similar, had to patch the bellows. I also have an agfa billy record (6x9) that is very nice after paying $120 for a bellows and cla.

But I agree with Ole, those other makes have better bellows material.

 

[ErinHilburn]

Well the reason I was interested is that it's only $13.00 which is very well within my budget. I took the plunge and bought it since its about as much as my boyfriend and I eating out If it turns out to be a bad investment at least I'll know what not to look for. Thanks to everyone for trying to help.
-Erin

 

[Bob F.]

You may find that 120 film will fit - some 620 cameras will happily run with 120 reels at both ends - others will run happily with a proper 620 reel on the take-up spool and a 120 on the film feed spool... But if not, check out APUG sponsor J&C Photo (http://www.jandcphoto.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=29) they sell 120 film with the reel cut down to 620 dimensions.

Have fun, Bob.