Old AGFA camera, opened and can't close

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tbb

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So my mother gave me this old AGFA camera that belonged to my father. I figured out how to open it up, but now I can't fold it back in. It seems there should be a lever or button to release it, but I can't find it and I don't want to force anything.

Does anyone have any idea how to collapse it?
AgfaCamera.jpg
 

Kirks518

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No experience with that exact model, but the there looks like there is a release between the viewfinder and shutter(?) (circled). There may be a matching one on the bottom. Press those, and (maybe) squeeze the lock below the lens (circled), and it should start to collapse. You may not have to do anything with the lock though. Once you do it, do it a few times so you are comfortable with it. You shouldn't have to force anything. Good luck, and enjoy it!
 

Down Under

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Kirks518 is on the right track, I reckon. All these cameras varied, sometimes even the same models indifferent factory releases changed the lockdown. Press down (gently!!) on the bars between the bellows, that may do it. Or look for a button - some folders have it in front of the lens on the front plate. As I said,they are unfortunately, all different.

Usually pressing on the bars will do the trick.

The keyword to remember is g-e-n-t-l-y. Don't force anything.

The camera looks good for its age. It looks like a 6x9, so you will get eight images to the 120 roll. Ideal for landscape work. With luck, open it and you may find a 6x45 insert still in the back, which will mean 16 shots to the roll. The Prontor shutter is excellent. Avoid changing speeds when the shutter is cocked.

Oh, and check the bellows for light leaks. Go into a dark room, open the camera back, turn off the light, and put a small flashlight into the camera. If there are leaks, you will likely see them. Fix them (see other threads about this) or have them fixed before you put any film thru the camera.

Enjoy!
 

gone

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Two possibilities. On the chrome struts, gently but firmly press them towards the foldout bed (to the left as looking at your photo). There also may be a lock on top that may have to be slid over (the little rounded top one nearest the center pop up viewfinder, and there may be another one on the bottom of the camera). It looks like a great camera!
 

ronnies

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Squeeze the two silver circular buttons under the lens?

Ronnie
 
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tbb

tbb

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Thank you, everyone! Squeezing the two circular buttons under the lens did indeed release the latch and allow me to fold it back up. Like I said, it wasn't obvious and without your help I'm not sure I would have figured it out.

ozmoose, thanks for the additional information! I'll try the flashlight trick later.
 
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