Ansco Speedex R Folder Camera
Photo thanks to Bob Braun
[email protected]
Related Local Links:
Ansco Speedex (B2) pages
Folder Camera FAQ pages
The Speedex Special R was a 6x6cm 120 rollfilm camera produced in the
early to mid 1950s. The camera was made in Germany for Ansco, and is
similar to the Agfa Isolette III. Among its features are an uncoupled
rangefinder, meaning you will have to transfer distances to the lens as
the rangefinder isn't coupled to do so automatically. The lens is usually
an 85mm f/4.5 apotar lens in either the Prontor S or SVS shutter.
McKeown's Camera Price Guide quotes an original selling price of $55,
which is around what one might fetch today, depending on condition.
See the related Ansco Speedex pages for more
information on various Speedex models and related variants.
In general, these cameras can be fun to use, relatively compact medium
format cameras, but the optics and shutter speed ranges may leave many
users wanting better optics (e.g., Zeiss Icon..). Still, the cameras look
nifty, may work surprisingly well as picture takers thanks largely to the
medium format sized negatives, and certainly get you away from issues
like which matrix metering mode to use! ;-)
I've got a few of the Ansco Speedex/Agfa Isolette variants that I'm fond
of. 120 in a shirt pocket! Most of the variants don't have rangefinders,
just viewfinders and scale focusing. And of the ones with rangefinders
only the "Super" variants are coupled (my Super Isolette is a definate
favorite). By "It has a meter" I assume you mean one came with it? If
you've found a variant with a BIM I'd love to hear about it. As to tips
or tricks, you can reduce wear on the door by pushing the button when you
close the door. The coupled range finder versions have to be focused at
either infinity or minium (can never remember which without looking!)
before you can close it. Watch out for light leaks in the bellows. And
as ever compose carefully, you only have 12 chances to get it right on
this roll!
Date: Sat, 29 Aug 1998
From: Cheryl Christian [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Ansco Speedex Special "R"
I've had an Ansco Speedex Special "R" since I bought it new in early 1956
with the leather case and a series of size 5 filters being UV 15, 16 & 17
Ansco filters to be used in conjunction with a Kodak Series 5 filter
adapter which fits over the front lens fitting. I've had the bellows
replaced once, in 1967 and have had no light leaks since then.
Unfortunately the camera is not in servicable use right now as the shutter
needs a repair. The lens on this camera is similar to the one on the
Ansco Super Memar 35 mm camera of which I am also the owner.
One camera
I've been looking for is the Ansco Super Speedex which seems to be
extremely hard to find. I wish I'd bought one when they were available
but they seemed expensive at the time which is probably why I've seen so
many Special "R"'s around and never a Super Speedex.
I've been interested
in GAF/ANSCO ever since I became interested in photography in 1953 and
although the company closed down its Ansco division in 1977, I still
continue to collect Ansco items.
If you have any interest in various
Ansco products perhaps I could be of assistance to you. I have an almost
complete collection of "The Ansconian" which was a bi-monthly publication
aimed at professional photographers and studios between the years 1943 -
1965. I also have extensive data sheets on most Ansco photographic papers
and chemicals, black & white and color (Anscochrome & Printon).
William J. Christian
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