Agfa Optima 1035

[spencerleamer]

Got this dusty point-and-shoot from a friend a few years ago and just had some time to figure out what was wrong with it.

Issue: Shutter was not staying open (Even with fresh batteries), thus not exposing the film one bit.

Solution: Had to resoder a few wires; the neutral coming from the battery chamber had gone bad as did the power line connecting the south side of the termination mechanism used in the shutter release to the little magnet which releases the shutter for close as the appropriate time.

Conclusion: Everything works as it should and I was even able to dig out an old Pentax strobe to mount on top. Can't wait to test that one out.

Here's a photo of it:

 

[charjohncarter]

Nice little package. I use these small 35mm cameras a lot. I do not like hauling the heavy bulky 35mm SLRs, or even a heavy IIIf. I'll bet it will be sharp.

 

[spencerleamer]

Just ran a test roll through it today. I need more practice using those pictograms on top of the lens for guesstimating my focus. But when the images are in focus it one hell of a little camera.

 

[notraces]

I just got one of these -- it's in wonderful condition. I don't have batteries in it, do I need batteries in order for the shutter to fire properly? I cock the shutter and press the release, but there's no light - shutter isn't opening. I'm hoping batteries are needed.

 

[shadowfox]

Super cute.
If Solitar is Solinar design, it'll produce good pictures.

 

[petronius]

I just got one of these -- it's in wonderful condition. I don't have batteries in it, do I need batteries in order for the shutter to fire properly? I cock the shutter and press the release, but there's no light - shutter isn't opening. I'm hoping batteries are needed.

Yes, no action without batteries!

 

[ath]

I have a malfunctioning 1035 as well. Do you mind sharing how you managed to open it?

 

[batterytypehah!]

I have the 535 which is very similar (lacks the self timer and has simpler lens coating, I think). Not super compact but in return you get an amazingly large and bright VF. The lens is quite capable and takes standard 49mm filters.

The auto exposure works very well, doesn't lock up in low light, and the batteries are easy to find online. Too bad it only goes up to 500 ISO.

Focusing is by symbols and click stops (4 zones), or you can use a scale in feet and meters on the bottom side of the lens.

Unfortunately, the film mechanism is a pain in the neck. There is no take-up spool. Instead, the sprockets just push the film into a chamber, where it is supposed to curl up on its own. As a result, on mine at least, it's not uncommon for frames to touch or overlap slightly. To rewind, you engage a button that reverses the action of the wind lever. All in all, you have to wonder what they were thinking when they designed it...