Agfa Super Silette

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Agfa Super Silette Solinar (compur)

Specifications:

Type: Rangefinder

Lens: Agfa Solinar 45mm f3.5 - f16

Shutter: Compur Rapid 10 speed + B 1,2,4,8,15,30,60,125,250,500

This little gem was lurking in a cabinet at the counter of a charity shop in Gloucester. For a reasonable fee I was able to secure it's release and took it home for a close inspection. It came with a really nice condition ever ready case and a hood, in a separate small case. As usual the slow speeds are a bit suspect but I'm sure that with use this will get better. This is the difference with the Compur shutter they usually free up with use where the Prontors need to be stripped and cleaned. As you probably know I already have a similar model Super Silette but that has a Prontor shutter and Apotar 3 element lens. This, however, has the Agfa Solinar 4 element lens which is one of the best compact lenses in the Agfa range, coupled with the Compur shutter. It is in exceptionally clean condition and looks as though it has been well kept. The glassware is very clean and all actions are smooth and it has a beautifully clear viewfinder and rangefinder spot, hopefully I will be able to get out and test drive it soon.

That time has arrived and rarely do I get so many superb images from a test roll. Looking at the results I think I've found the holy grail, the quality of these is as good as any camera I have ever used, and better than most. I hope, because of this, you will forgive my over indulgence with the number of pictures and the fact that I've published them larger than normal. The only alterations from original scan is to reduce a reddish cast and there are a couple of small crops and straightens, no enhancements or sharpening. Note also that the film was 6 years past its sell by date, hence the reddish cast.

A stroll along one of the oldest streets in Chippenham

An old street for an old camera, however, the street predates the camera by at least 100 years

The old school was built in 1837 and is still in use today.

The Old Vicarage, now a care home, according to Historic England traces its origins back to 1678

Yes, this street really is as old as it looks The huge gardens at the rear run right down to the riverside.

The school from the other side, plus a couple of alms houses in the shadow of the church

What was the original Gaumont Theatre, after changing hands a few times it was finally closed in 2002. The building was partly demolished and rebuilt in keeping with its original appearance in the early 2000s, 100 years later.

Looking across the River Avon to "The Island", although its not really an island anymore

The small stream which was to the right was culverted back in the 70s so technically it is still an island but the stream is invisible

The appearance of the High Street hasn't changed much but there are now 2 shopping areas behind the facades, Emery Gate (indoor) and Borough Parade (outdoor)

Apart from the pedestrianisation this end of the High Street is original

The peace and tranquility of the Avon from the bridge as it wends its way slowly toward the Bristol Channel