AGFA Automatic 66 User manual

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

Please fold this page open!

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Fig. 1

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DESCRIPTION OF THE INDIVIDUAL PARTS
(1) Baseboard Release Button
(2) Film Transport Knob with Built-in Film
Indicator
(3) Adjustment Disc for Setting the Film
Speed (DIN or ASA Scale)
(4) Adjustment Disc for Activating the
Automatic Mechanism. In the Picture
Green Dot next to A= Automatic
Mechanism Switched On.
(5) Red Marker for Switching Off the
Automatic Mechanism
(6) Exposure Time Setting Ring for
Automatic Mechanism: Green Anext
to Green Marker
See Page 6 for the Quick Start Guide!
(7) Moving Pointer of the Exposure Meter
above the Shutter Speed Display
(8) Diaphragm Setting Ring with Click
Stops
(9) Shutter Winding Lever, push down
towards Baseboard Floor
(1) Shutter Release button with Threaded
Cable Release
(2) Frame Counter Window
(3) Focusing Lever
(4) Flash Contact
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

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The principle of the Agfa Automatic 66
With the Agfa Automatic 66 we are giving you a camera that, for the first time, uses a
built-in exposure meter to regulate the shutter speed fully automatically.
It should be expressly pointed out that working with the camera does not require any
knowledge of the function of the automatic mechanism. If we nevertheless give a brief
explanation of its operation, it is not least because of the lively technical interest shown
in this new feature.
It can be assumed as known that light meters use light-sensitive photoelectric cells, which
show the amount of light hitting the cell converted into exposure and diaphragm values
via a galvanometer by means of corresponding needle deflections.
With the construction of the Agfa Automatic, it has been possible to make this needle
deflection the starting point for automatic shutter speed control. The process now taking
place can be compared with the mode of operation of an air pump, the air inlet
opening of which is adjustable and the piston of which is under spring tension. At the

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moment of releasing the shutter, the needle deflection is locked and at the same time
regulates the air flowing into a cylinder.
With a small needle deflection, the air inlet will be small and cause a delay in the
closing process; If the needle deflects further, the air inlet is enlarged and a rapid closure
process takes place accordingly. By ingeniously transferring the spring tension of the
shutter to the pneumatic system, we obtain the necessary mechanical force on the one
hand, but on the other also automatically the precisely timed opening of the shutter, as
it corresponds to the measured light conditions of the subject.
In addition to this shutter speed control, two more factors need to be taken into
account: the position of the diaphragm and the sensitivity of the film material used.
The choice of diaphragm has to be left to the photographer, because depending on the
object, he wants to influence the depth of field, for example. An array of finely tuned
resistors is connected to the photocell circuit and is activated by turning the diaphragm
ring. A look into the window of the instrument needle shows that the expected exposure
time can be changed by adjusting the diaphragm. So, for example, with moving objects
you have the possibility to regulate the exposure time accordingly.
The sensitivity of the film material is set on the top of the camera; by turning the
adjusting knob, a blind in front of the photocell is adjusted, which influences the sensitivity
of the light meter.

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The automatic exposure time controller in the Automatic 66 was developed by Agfa
Camera-Werk according to patent DBP 923525. A number of individual well-known
principles have been combined into an ingenious construction in such a way that we
have come another step closer to the goal of simplifying photography.
ABOUT THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL:
In the instructions below for operating the automatic mechanism, we first describe the
individual steps for inserting and removing the film, as well as operating the shutter if it is
to be used without the automatic regulation. This is primarily the case for flash
photography. Other special cases in which the automatic mechanism is not to be used is
described on page 20. We also give you a quick start guide that you can use if you are
already familiar with the handling of the camera. In any case, please fold out the main
illustration on the first cover page, as we refer to this illustration in the text by its
individual numbers.

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QUICK START GUIDE
1. Film insertion. 8-11
2. Set the type of film on the film indicator (2) 7
3. Set automation (4), set green point next to green A. 18
4. Set the ASA scale (3), set the black triangle to the
desired sensitivity of the film.
18
5. Set the locking ring (6) to the shortest possible
exposure time, the green point next to the green A.
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6. Aim at the object, note the scale (7) of the exposure
meter, if necessary adjust the diaphragm (8).
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7. Set the focus distance using the range-finder, move
the focusing lever (12) until the central range-finding
image coincides with the viewfinder image.
16/17
8. Tension the shutter winding lever (9) and push the
release button (10).
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9. Turn the film transport knob (20) as far as it will go,
the next film frame number will then appear in the
frame counter window (11).
12
Important
until the first
shot!
Important for
each
subsequent
shot!
Detailed
description
on page

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FILM INDICATOR
This device is meant to be a memory aid to enable you to remember at any time the
kind of film with which your camera happens to be loaded. You should therefore make it
a rule to set it immediately after the insertion of a film.
The ASA number or the type of colour film can be found on the film packaging.
Types of film indicated:
12, 32, 80, 125 ASA
Col RD Colour Reversal film, Daylight
Col RT Colour Reversal film, Tungsten (artificial light)
Col ND Colour Negative film, Daylight
Col NT Colour Negative film, Tungsten (artificial light)
Col CN 17 Colour Negative film for Daylight and Tungsten, universal film for colour
and black and white
Setting: The spring-loaded disc on top of the film transport knob (2) is depressed and
rotated against the direction of the arrow until the desired mark is visible in the window,
then it is released again.

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FILM LOADING
OPENING THE CAMERA
BACK
Lateral displacement of the
small locking lever unlocks the
back of the Automatic 66,
which can now be fully opened
(Fig. 2).
FILM INSERTION
First, the lower spool peg is pulled out by turning the knurled disc to the left (Fig. 3). The
standard 120 rollfilm is unwrapped, preferably in subdued light, and the adhesive tape
removed; the hand should grip the backing paper of the film firmly right up to the
insertion to prevent uncoiling.
Fig. 2

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Next, the spool is placed into
the fixed upper peg, and
allowed to slide into the spool-
chamber. The knurled disc is
turned to the right again until
its projection engages in the
spool recess.
The tapered end of the
backing paper points towards
the take-up spool (Fig. 4)
Fig. 4
Fig. 3

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The backing paper is pulled over the
film channel up to the take-up spool,
and the tapering end inserted into
the wider of its two slots (Fig. 5). Care
should be taken that after a full turn
of the transport knob, the backing
paper is threaded correctly between
the flanges of the empty spool.
Fig. 5

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The back is now closed and pushed home by pressure of the two thumbs (Fig. 6). Care
should be taken that the knurled discs in the camera baseplate have been turned to the
right as far as possible, as they will be locked by the closed camera back.
Fig. 6

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The release button (10) situated next to the transport knob should on no account be
pressed during film winding, as this interferes with the counting mechanism.
After closing the back, the transport knob should be wound on until resistance is felt, or
until the knob can no longer be turned in the direction of the arrow. At the same time,
the counter window (11) next to the transport knob shows that the counting mechanism
has moved from ‘A’ to the number 1, and the film is ready for the first exposure. For
each following exposure, the transport knob should be wound on to a stop; numbers 1 –
12 will then appear automatically in the counter window.
Note! The frame counter, as
well as the shutter release only
work with film in the camera.
Neither can be tested with an
empty camera.
Fig. 7

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OPENING THE BASEBOARD
Pressure on the locking button (1. fig. 1) causes the baseboard with the lens panel to
slide into the taking position. It is best to tilt the front of the camera obliquely downwards
during this operation.
THE DOUBLE - EXPOSURE PREVENTION DEVICE
The Automatic 66 is equipped with an ingenious double and blank exposure prevention
device. This means that the release button is locked after each exposure until the next
number appears in the window after the transport knob has been wound on. Even if
shutter-winding has been forgotten, no release is possible. On the other hand, the film
transport is blocked until the shutter has been released. One should therefore make it a
point to wind the film on immediately before an exposure.

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The
Prontor-SVA shutter
Number key:
(1) Knurled ring and scale for
setting the diaphragm. Set to
the middle red mark.
In automatic mode: Set only
full f-stops that click into
place.
In manual mode: half
aperture values can also
be selected.
(2) Flash contact 3 mm. for
connecting the flash cable.
(3) Knurled ring and scale for exposure time setting:
In automatic mode: as in fig. 1 point 6 set the shortest exposure time by setting the
green Anext to the green dot.
In manual mode: any exposure time can be set; the numbers mean fractions of a
second, for instance 2 = 12
, 25 = 125
of a second.
1
Fig. 8 2
3

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(4) Shutter winding lever; tension by swivelling towards the flash contact before each
exposure.
(5) Distance scale for lens focussing, refer to range-finding section p. 16/17.
(6) Index mark for distance-setting and depth-of-field scale (5).
(7) Focusing lever
(8) Self-timer lever (also set when using M-synchronisation). Tensioning is only possible after
tensioning the shutter winding lever (4); not available in automatic mode.
Flash technique (only use in manual mode! Switch off automatic mechanism with knob (4) at
marker 5 fig. 1).
The Prontor-SVA shutter of the Automatic 66 is fully synchronized and has a synchro-lever
for X and M-setting (13) fig. 1 underneath the flash contact.
To trigger the flash at ‘M’, the self-timer lever must also be cocked; its effect as a self-
trigger is then suspended.
The information on the packaging of standard flash bulbs provides information about
which synchronization mode and which shutter speed can be used for the individual bulb
types.
Electronic flash units must always be used with the X-M synchro-lever in the X position.
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5
6
7
8

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RANGE - FINDING
Now we will proceed to find the object
distance. This is done with the built-in
coupled range-finder in a very simple
way. A glance into the viewfinder
eyepiece in the back of the camera
shows that the viewfinder image is
divided: into an overall bright image and
a circular central cut-out, which is tinged
light blue. This central (range-finding)
image will at first show two laterally
displaced images (see fig. 10). If the
focusing lever is moved as illustrated,
complete coincidence of the two central
images will result (fig. 11).
Fig. 9
16

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Comparison of the distance numbers on the distance ring opposite the triangular mark in
the centre will confirm this. The result of the range-finding operation is absolutely reliable
and relieves you of the need for judging your distances.
Either now, or before the range-finding, the shutter is wound. The view-finder window of
the camera is brought up close enough to the eye so that the view-finder field can be
fully seen right to its corners.
The camera is held with both hands as illustrated and the release button pressed home
gently and smoothly with the index or middle finger of the right hand. It is important to
adopt a firm stance and not to give the camera a lateral tilt.
Fig. 10 Fig. 11
This point
automatically
indicates the desired
sharp focusing of the
lens on the object
concerned.

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Exposures with automatic control of exposure time.
Fold open the page with fig. 1 whilst reading this chapter and pay close attention to the
following three items:
1. ASA Setting
With your thumb you press down on the locking disc (3) fig. 1 next to the ASA scale
and place its black pointer next to the ASA number that corresponds to the inserted
film (information on the film package)
2. Automatic mode
Next to the scale with the moving needle is the button for the automatic mechanism.
You can adjust it by pressing your thumb so that the green dot is next to the green
A(Fig. 1). The automatic mechanism is now switched on.
When switched back to the red line (5), the camera works with the set shutter speeds
without automation, e.g. B. for flash photography, or in the special cases mentioned on page
20.
3. Shutter
The large knurled ring of the shutter is turned as far as it will go for the shortest
possible time so that the green Ais next to the green dot (see point (6) in fig. 1).
When these three functions have been set, the exposure will work automatically. In the
exposure window of the top cover, the position of the needle (7) shows the approximate
exposure time after aiming at the object. If the white pointer is in one of the two red