Filter sizes? - Agfa folder / rangefinder question

[janice_mackay]

Hi all,

 

I discovered this forum recently when I started learning about,

buying & hopefully using (!) older cameras. I've been lurking for a

little while and reading some of the threads - there's some great

information here!

My question (the first of many, most likely!) - I've just purchased

an Agfa folder, which from the research I've done on the internet,

appears to be a Billy - I don't have it in my hands yet. Can anyone

tell me if this camera can take filters, and if so what is the lens

thread diameter? I've also seen an Agfa lens hood and UV / yellow

filter for sale, in 35.5mm screw thread size.

 

For those who own Agfa folders or rangefinders, I'll be interested

to hear which models suit this filter size.

 

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer,

 

Janice M. (NZ)

[Andrew in Austin]

It would be best to wait until you receive the Billy, before hunting down a filter and lens hood. I have a Billy Record II and in its original form it took what I believe to be A32 or 32mm slip-on filters.

 

Frankly, I wasn't too impressed with the original Steineil Apotar lens. Therefore, I've since installed a later version of the Apotar lens and Prontor SV shutter assembly, which had been mounted in a Record II with numerous pin holes in its bellows. The results of later lens were much improved over the original and I'm now able to use the same A37 filters and hoods as my Record III.

 

In short, wait until the camera arrives. Then give it a whirl to see if you wish to invest some accessories.

[patric_dahl_n]

My 37 mm slip on filters don't fit my Agfa Record II. I believe they use 37,5 mm.

[glenn_thoreson]

Most old folding cameras need the "series" slip on adapters and related filters and hoods. Definitely wait for your camera to arrive before purchasing anything.

[francois_gauthier]

Mentionning the lens should help (Agnar, Apotar, Solinar). Some lenses uses screw-types filters (or hoods), others clip-on (outside) and some either ones.

 

The Billy will most likely use 30mm clip-on, unfortunately hard to find. Another way would be to find and adapter 30mm clip-on to series V or VI and then purchase much easier to find series filters and hood.

 

35.5mm screw won't fit, it was made for other models like Ambi-Silette.

 

Also, check the net for a manual. You will get the specs and how to use your folder.

[janice_mackay]

Thanks all for the welcome and the helpful replies. I expect to collect the Billy tomorrow so will get more information then.

Meanwhile it was interesting to hear that the 35.5 filter size might fit the Ambi Silette.

I haven't located a manual for the Billy yet but will keep looking.

[janice_mackay]

Follow-up: I picked up the Agfa Billy yesterday, and it's in great condition. The lens says Agfa Jsomar, and it doesn't have a screw thread - looks like it would need clip-on filters of some kind.

I have more questions about this folder but will start another thread.

 

Thanks again,

 

Janice M. (NZ)