Agfa Optima II S Camera Value Guide

The Agfa Optima II S is a landmark of German engineering, representing the pinnacle of the 'Magic Eye' selenium meter era. It is highly collectible for its pioneering automatic exposure system and its high-quality Color-Apotar 45mm f/2.8 lens.

What affects the value of Agfa Optima II S Camera?

• Functional status of the selenium light meter, as these cells often degrade and lose sensitivity over time.
• Clarity of the Color-Apotar glass, specifically looking for signs of fungus, haze, or cleaning scratches.
• Cosmetic condition of the leatherette wrapping and the presence of the original leather carrying case.
• Mechanical accuracy of the Prontormator shutter speeds and the smoothness of the rangefinder focusing ring.

How to Identify Agfa Optima II S Camera?

• Verify the 'Optima II S' branding engraved on the top metal plate of the camera body.
• Check for the presence of the Prontormator shutter and the Color-Apotar 45mm f/2.8 lens assembly.
• Inspect the front-facing selenium light meter cell, often referred to as the 'Magic Eye' honeycomb window.
• Confirm the integrated rangefinder window located next to the viewfinder, a key distinction of the 'S' model.

History of Agfa Optima II S Camera

Introduced in 1961 by the German manufacturer Agfa, the Optima II S was part of the groundbreaking Optima series, which pioneered the 'Magic Eye' selenium light meter for automatic exposure. This specific model combined a sophisticated rangefinder with automatic aperture and shutter speed control, representing a high-water mark for mid-century consumer camera technology.