The Agfa Karat 36 v3 is a German folding 35mm rangefinder from the early 1950s and one of the later versions of the Karat 36 line. It combines compact folding bellows construction with a fixed Agfa Solinar 50mm f2.8 lens, Synchro-Compur shutter, and the distinctive single-window split-image rangefinder design used on this series.
Key Features
- Fixed Agfa Solinar 50mm f2.8 lens
- Folding bellows 35mm rangefinder design
- Synchro-Compur leaf shutter with B and speeds up to 1/500 sec
- Manual exposure camera with aperture and shutter speed set on the lens/shutter assembly
- Cold shoe and PC flash sync connection
- Best for: collectors, display, and photographers who enjoy well-made early German folding rangefinders.
- Not ideal for: buyers wanting modern convenience, easy one-hand focusing, or a camera that has been film tested and freshly serviced.
Condition
- Testing: Function check only (no film test)
- Lens serial: S06791
- Shutter serial: 7816936
- Internal body marking: VA 7566
- Exterior condition is very good overall. The leather covering is in good shape, and the camera presents very well.
- The bellows were checked and I did not find any light leaks.
- Lens extension/popup mechanism functions properly and opens smoothly with the spring-loaded front standard.
- Film advance lever, shutter release, film rewind, and film counter are all functioning.
- The shutter speed dial adjusts properly from B through 1/500 sec. All speeds fire with a consistent difference between them, but shutter accuracy has not been verified.
- The aperture adjustment dial functions properly, and the aperture blades move as they should.
- The rangefinder/viewfinder focusing system functions. This is the older split-style focusing design rather than a typical central patch.
- The main issue noted is that focus on the lens is very stiff. It still moves, but it takes a firm turn.
- Lens optics appear clear overall with minor dust. I am not seeing obvious fungus or haze.
- The flash sync port was not tested.
- Not tested: film test, shutter speed accuracy, flash sync, long-term bellows performance under loaded film use, and final image quality on film.
- Please review photos for the most accurate cosmetic condition.
Items Included
- Agfa Karat 36 v3 camera
- Attached Agfa Solinar 50mm f2.8 lens
- Accessories not listed are not included. See photos for details.