|
Agfa Ansco PB20 Plenax (Antar) |
 Version française |
Manufactured or assembled in USA from (Circa) 1935 to (After) 1939.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 14972
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Agfa Ansco
Agfa Ansco manufactured two series of folding cameras at the end of the 1930s using PB20 film. PB-20 was Agfa's designation for the 620 format invented by Kodak, while PD-16 corresponded to the 616 format.
One series is called PB20 Plenax, and the other is simply PB20.
The three cameras in the Plenax series display this name in red on the front face. For the other cameras, the model name also appears under the lens, on the box, and in the user manual. The word "Plenax" is never present in these.
 |
 |
| Type 1 | Type 2 |
The PB20 models have sides decorated with nice arabesques. The sides of the PB20 Plenax models are more understated.
| Focusing | Shutter | Lens | Price (1939) | |||
| PB-20 | PD-16 | |||||
| Plenax Antar |  |
Fixfocus | T, I | Antar 14 | $10.50 | $11.50 |
| Plenax Tripar |  |
yes | 1/25 to 1/100, B, T | Tripar 11 | $11.50 | $13.00 |
| Plenax Hypar | 1/25 to 1/100, B, T | Hypar 6.3 | $14.75 | $16.50 | ||
These are robust self-deploying bellows cameras. The bellows is released by a simple button. Another button allows for unlocking the flap and closing it. The spool holders are pivoting.
The three models are bi-format: 6 x 9 cm or 4.5 x 6 cm. A metal cover inside the chamber, two inactive viewing ports, and a hinged flap on the viewfinder indicate the possibility of switching from one format to another.
The controls are well-designed, and the speed and aperture scales can be read from above next to the viewfinder or directly in front of the lens.
There are differences in the covering from one model to another, but this does not seem to be a determining factor for identifying the models.
__________
The PB20 Plenax Antar is the most modest model in the series.
Agfa and Ansco joined forces in the American market between 1928 and 1943. Agfa-Ansco, a subsidiary of I.G. Farbenindustrie in the United States infiltrated by Nazi spies (as reported on the evening of August 5, 1951), was absorbed as enemy property, and Ansco continued its activities independently.
During this period, some models were marketed under the Agfa Ansco or Ansco brand. This partnership is the reason why one can find Agfa cameras labeled "Made in USA."
Interesting links or bibliography :
Add a link or element of bibliography, a picture taken with this camera, a picture of box or an ads about this camera
Your photos taken with the same camera:
Cameras from Ebay France (Agfa Ansco) (Uploaded each 3 hours)