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Agfa Silette (Type 1) |
 Version française |
Manufactured or assembled in Germany from 1953 to (Circa) 1961.
Index of rarity in France: Frequent (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 71
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Agfa
Silette is the generic name for a large series of 35mm cameras built by Agfa for over 10 years. Some models of this series are very common, which has led to a general disinterest in the series. Personally, I find the idea of collecting all models of this series interesting.
The first Silette models are simply called Silette. From 1953 to 1962, they have a "gendarme hat" shaped top cover, are made of metal, very well constructed, quite simple, and without originality.
Starting from 1962, the shape and materials change. The top cover becomes flat, and metal is replaced by plastic. The models that did not have a number in their name until then become Silette I and Silette II.
The Super Silette models have a coupled rangefinder, with different shapes and equipment levels.
The Silette-L models have a light meter (L stands for Lichtmesser, which means light meter in German). Like the Silette, the overall shape changes in 1962, even though some models from the late 1950s adopt a third form.
The Silette SL has a coupled light meter. The career of this model was short, and the shape of the gendarme hat top cover did not undergo any evolution.
The Silette-LK models, initially, were a more affordable alternative to the Silette SL. Their lens and shutter are of lower quality. The shape of the Silette-LK follows the same evolution as the Silette-L, but as this series had a long life, the latest models with Sensor (1973) have a different shape.
The Silette Rapid can only be used with Rapid cartridges. This model does not exist with the gendarme hat-shaped top cover.
The Silette Record is a unique model adopting the general shape of some Optima 500 models.
Type 1 in McKeown's book
This Silette model corresponds to the first version, dated 1953. Its Apotar 3.5/45mm lens and Pronto shutter (1/200 sec) do not make it a significant piece in the history of cameras. Its quick wind lever is certainly less common among equivalent cameras of the time.
Two signs of wear are regularly observed on this model: the Agfa logo (on the left side of the front panel) has lost its color and has turned black, to the point of being almost invisible, and the metal plate that supports the lens/shutter unit is oxidized.
Interesting links or bibliography :
| Sur mes-appareils-photos.fr, suggested by Eric Carlhan |
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