Agfa-Ansco No. 1-A Readyset Royal Folder Camera
Photo thanks to Bob Jay
[email protected]
Our medium format folder camera pages provide a
good overview and FAQ introducing folder camera use. This folder was made by
ANSCO in the 1931-32 period (the height of the depression in USA). This version
is called the "silver fox", or you could find an "ostrich grain" version in
the Readyset Royal 1 and 1A lineup (or the plain Readyset 1 and 1A "eagle").
The camera gets its "silver fox" name partly as it was sold packaged in a silver
colored cardboard box. But the real leather covering is colored and processed to
look like the fur of a real silver fox too. Like many cameras of the period, the
metal parts are chrome trimmed with grey enamel and black bellows (see photo).
The little triangle thing at the top is a 45 degree prism plus lens. It gives you
a viewfinder style image of what the camera lens is pointed at, showing the center
of what will be in the photo (if not the edges of the frame).
McKeown's price guide to antique and classic cameras (1992-93) edition suggests
a price range of $30-50 for the camera alone, and $50-75 for the camera plus the
origional silver box. Hint: save those boxes, sometimes they double the value of
your collectibles!
Note that Agfa and Ansco had an intertwined history,
and many camera models were produced under both the Agfa and Ansco names at different
times.
In the "Silver Fox" pattern. Black bellows are worn. Shutter is crisp - lens is clear.
I just converted an Agfa Readyset Royal No. 1A from 616 to 120.
Replaced the lens with a 90mm f/6.8 Optar. The 2 1/4 x 4 1/4 wide
field photos look fantastic. By cropping an addition 1/8 inch from the
vertical side (2 1/8 x 4 1/4) you can get the same 1:2 aspect ratio as
the 6x12 panoramic format.
Eugene Goffredo [email protected] wrote:
>Hi!, > >I just came into possesion of a Kodak Junior Six-16 folding camera. It >is in real nice shape and the shutter seems to work. The question is, >can this camera be modified for use with 120 roll-film? Or, does some PINE 3.89 MESSAGE TEXT Folder: INBOX Message 160 of 189 100% >is in real nice shape and the shutter seems to work. The question is, >can this camera be modified for use with 120 roll-film? Or, does some >iconoclastic nut still produce 616 film? It would be cool to use it this >summer!!! > >Eugene in New Jersey. > >Yashica FR-1. Toyo 45c, and Fiat owner
Jim Richey
[email protected]
http://snoopy.cmagic.com