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SAMPLES

SUMMARY
I like Agfa; the film, paper, chemicals and especially the cameras. This company has produced some wonderful and affordable classic cameras that can create acceptable to excellent results. Being a sucker for box cameras, I was delighted to come across this little beauty. The A-8 designation in the name refers to Agfa's own equivalent to 127 roll film. B-2 was their 120 roll film designation, and D-6 for 116 size film. The box Cadet was produced for all three film sizes. Since the A-8 was designed for the smaller 127 roll film there is no room on the camera for mirror viewfinders which are found on many larger roll film box cameras. Attached to the side of the A-8 Cadet is a flip-up, metal guide for framing. It can be used for portrait and landscape shooting. As with most box cameras of this era, the A-8 Cadet is a simple, cardboard box covered in black leatherette, and the Agfa logo stamped in the front. There is a small, leather strap on the top of the camera with 'Afga A-8 Cadet' embossed on it. A small metal latch holds the back panel closed. This can be unclipped and folded open. A metal hinge connects the back panel to the camera, a nice feature which stands the test of time. The metal film carrier can then be removed for film loading, but remember to pull out the film advance knob on the side of the camera before attempting to remove the film carrier.

Behind the shutter is a single meniscus glass lens. The single speed, quick return, shutter is probably around 1/30 and there is a pull lever to allow for long exposures. This is a Bulb setting so the shutter lever is moved in one direction and held there for the duration of the exposure, then released to close the shutter again. The B-2 Cadet, this camera's big brother that takes 120 roll film, has a Time setting so the photographer doesn't have to keep holding down the shutter lever during exposure. There is only one aperture on the A-8, probably f11 if I were to guess. As usual a red window can be found on the back panel for viewing frame numbers. Be sure to cover this with a piece of black tape when shooting. Since the lens is inside the camera behind the shutter it is always protected so placing this tiny camera in a bag or overcoat pocket is quite safe. I've read that there is a flash capable version as well, along with an A-8 Special that features an Art Deco metal faceplate.

CLEANING AND REPAIR
For a cardboard box camera produced in the late 1930s this A-8 was still in great shape. The outside can be cleaned with any type of leather cleaner. Since there is very little on the outside of this camera including no viewfinders, I took this opportunity to use some black shoe polish on the exterior. Boy does she shine now. I may have to start using this on more cameras. Open the camera and remove the metal film carriage to access the rear lens element. Windex is perfect for cleaning this non-coated lens. My recommendation if any fungus or haze is present is to utilize a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. The easiest and quickest way to clean the front of the element is to place the shutter in Bulb mode, holding the shutter release with one hand, and clean the lens with a cotton swab dipped in cleaning solution. Just stick the end of the cotton swab through the front aperture opening, it's more than big enough, and you can even view what you're doing by looking into the body of the camera. The retention ring around the lens can be removed, if necessary, but I try to avoid this when ever possible on these older box cameras. The metal viewfinder on this example has some small areas of rust, but can still be shined up using metal polish and a soft toothbrush.

EBAY SUGGESTIONS
The Agfa A-8 Cadet can be found on EBay but it's not as prolific as its 120 brethren, the B-2 Cadet. Auctions may be few and far between. I've seen prices range from around six dollars to a 'mint' model purchased for thirty-six bucks! EBay never ceases to amaze me regarding the price range of completed auctions for any given camera. These are small and light, so shipping costs should be nominal. Garage sales, thrift stores and swap meets are other great sources for these old box cameras. Expect a wide range of physical condition. The good news is that the shutters are so simple on these types of cameras that rarely are they broken. They may slow down a little with age, but make fine shooters.

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Agfa Links
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Agfa Box Cameras
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Marcy's Agfa A-8
Agfa Cameras