Agfa Optima Reflex

Style, film format	Twin-lens reflex 35mm with SLR-style viewing
Lens, shutter	Coated f/2.8 45mm Apotar, unspecified leaf shutter
Photo quality	Very good
Ergonomics	Overall very good

It seems that Agfa didn't mind going its own way when it came to camera design. From cheapie box dual-format cameras to the Karats that required special pre-loaded Agfa film cassettes to the wonderful Isolettes, you could generally be assured of getting something out of the ordinary.

The Agfa Optima Reflex would probably sit squarely in the category of the unexpected.

Boasting on-board metering, autoexposure, through-the-lens focusing and a very solid body, the Optima Reflex could deliver what other German SLRs couldn't at that time -- a viewfinder that didn't black out.

To be sure, there were other twin-lens 35mm TLRs, but this one should be considered one of the better ones, despite the fact that it has the Apotar, a triplet, rather than Agfa's excellent Tessar-formula Solinar.

The camera offers autoexposure, although there are not viewfinder indicators to show you the selected speed oraperture.

But no matter, this camera gave me very nice shots, and its ease of use is very good. The one downside is that it has a front-mounted shutter release, which requires a careful push so as not to move the camera when taking a photo. The weight of the camera helps to provide a stable shooting platform.

If you want something different -- something that will stand out from the pack -- find yourself a nice Optima Reflex.