SOLD -
An Agfa Ambi Silette 35mm camera equipped with 3 very nice lenses. This is an all metal, mechanical rangefinder camera with interchangeable lenses. This camera is very clean and in great condition. The viewfinder in particular is very clear with a nice large window. There is a sliding cover that keeps the viewfinder clean when it is not in use.
The camera comes with a 50mm f2.8, a 90mm f4 and a 35mm f4 lens. Each lens is easily attached and unattached from this camera. The interchangeable lens mount is unique in that you do not have to rotate the lens in a certain way or match a dot on the lens with a dot on the camera. Just bring the lens up to the lens mount and push it on, and twist until it latches. To remove, press the latch at the bottom of the camera and turn it slightly. The lens pulls right off. These 3 lenses are in very good condition and are clear with no fogging, scratches or fungus. The camera has manually changeable framelines that can be selected for each focal length.
The aperture on each lens is adjusted by turning the ring at the end of the lens. The 35mm adjusts from f4 to f22. The 50mm adjusts from f2.8 to f22. The 90mm adjusts from f4 to f32. The lenses are a bit slow based on current standards but the photos are great. Color pictures are nice and saturated and I find the Ektar film in particular comes out looking like slides. Black and white is just as nice although it is bit lower in contrast than what I am used to from the newest Zeiss rangefinder lenses.
The shutter is a Compur leaf shutter that is built into the body of the camera. It is adjusted via a lever at the base of the lens mount the adjusts from B (bulb) through 1/500 of a second. Since this is a leaf shutter it will allow you to use flash at all shutter speeds, unlike the Leica or the Zeiss Contax cameras. If you like to do fill flash then this camera is certainly built for you. Each shutter speed is very consistent but they are all running a bit slow.
The coupled rangefinder works smoothly and accurately. The rangefinder spot is contrasty and shows clearly in the viewfinder. It is easy to see while you adjust the focus.
The camera back opens to load film using standard film cassettes. The film takeup spool has a handy little tooth to engage the sprocket holes on the film allowing positive engagement so you can quickly load your film. The film advance lever advances the film, cocks the shutter and advances the film counter on the top of the camera.
This was Agfa's top of the line 35mm camera in the 50s. It is a very solidly built camera intended to compete with Leica and Zeiss at a much lower price point. It is small, light and easy to handle. The only thing I miss are strap lugs. If you want to carry this camera on a strap you will need to have a case.
I am asking $120 USD for this camera and the 3 lenses. I accept Paypal or USPS Money Orders. I only sell and ship within the continental United States. Paypal fees are included in the price. I ship USPS Priority Mail.
If you have been looking for a solid and inexpensive rangefinder camera that won't cost as much as the Leica or Zeiss options then this is a great alternative. This camera is a solid alternative in the metal, mechanical rangefinder market.
Enjoy the pictures and thank you for looking.
An Agfa Ambi Silette 35mm camera equipped with 3 very nice lenses. This is an all metal, mechanical rangefinder camera with interchangeable lenses. This camera is very clean and in great condition. The viewfinder in particular is very clear with a nice large window. There is a sliding cover that keeps the viewfinder clean when it is not in use.
The camera comes with a 50mm f2.8, a 90mm f4 and a 35mm f4 lens. Each lens is easily attached and unattached from this camera. The interchangeable lens mount is unique in that you do not have to rotate the lens in a certain way or match a dot on the lens with a dot on the camera. Just bring the lens up to the lens mount and push it on, and twist until it latches. To remove, press the latch at the bottom of the camera and turn it slightly. The lens pulls right off. These 3 lenses are in very good condition and are clear with no fogging, scratches or fungus. The camera has manually changeable framelines that can be selected for each focal length.
The aperture on each lens is adjusted by turning the ring at the end of the lens. The 35mm adjusts from f4 to f22. The 50mm adjusts from f2.8 to f22. The 90mm adjusts from f4 to f32. The lenses are a bit slow based on current standards but the photos are great. Color pictures are nice and saturated and I find the Ektar film in particular comes out looking like slides. Black and white is just as nice although it is bit lower in contrast than what I am used to from the newest Zeiss rangefinder lenses.
The shutter is a Compur leaf shutter that is built into the body of the camera. It is adjusted via a lever at the base of the lens mount the adjusts from B (bulb) through 1/500 of a second. Since this is a leaf shutter it will allow you to use flash at all shutter speeds, unlike the Leica or the Zeiss Contax cameras. If you like to do fill flash then this camera is certainly built for you. Each shutter speed is very consistent but they are all running a bit slow.
The coupled rangefinder works smoothly and accurately. The rangefinder spot is contrasty and shows clearly in the viewfinder. It is easy to see while you adjust the focus.
The camera back opens to load film using standard film cassettes. The film takeup spool has a handy little tooth to engage the sprocket holes on the film allowing positive engagement so you can quickly load your film. The film advance lever advances the film, cocks the shutter and advances the film counter on the top of the camera.
This was Agfa's top of the line 35mm camera in the 50s. It is a very solidly built camera intended to compete with Leica and Zeiss at a much lower price point. It is small, light and easy to handle. The only thing I miss are strap lugs. If you want to carry this camera on a strap you will need to have a case.
I am asking $120 USD for this camera and the 3 lenses. I accept Paypal or USPS Money Orders. I only sell and ship within the continental United States. Paypal fees are included in the price. I ship USPS Priority Mail.
If you have been looking for a solid and inexpensive rangefinder camera that won't cost as much as the Leica or Zeiss options then this is a great alternative. This camera is a solid alternative in the metal, mechanical rangefinder market.
Enjoy the pictures and thank you for looking.
Last edited: