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Agfa Ansco PB20 Tripar |
 Version française |
Manufactured or assembled in USA from (Circa) 1935 to (After) 1939.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 2995
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Agfa Ansco
Agfa Ansco manufactured a series of folding cameras called Plenax in the late 1930s. It is often mentioned that Plenax corresponds to the shutter name; however, in this series, one can find either a simple shutter (I, B, and T) or a slightly more advanced one (1/25, 1/50, 1/100, T, B).
The 1939 Popular Photography Giant Directory Issue lists three models, each available in PD-16 or PB-20. PB-20 was Agfa's designation for the 620 film format, invented by Kodak, while PD-16 corresponded to the 616 format.
These models are Antar, Hypar, and Tripar:
| Focusing | Shutter | Lens | Price (1939) | |||
| PB-20 | PD-16 | |||||
| Plenax Antar |  |
Fixfocus | T, I | Antar 14 | $10.50 | $11.50 |
| Plenax Tripar |  |
yes | 1/25 to 1/100, B, T | Tripar 11 | $11.50 | $13.00 |
| Plenax Hypar | 1/25 to 1/100, B, T | Hypar 6.3 | $14.75 | $16.50 | ||
All three models are robust self-expanding bellows cameras. The bellows are released by a simple button. Another button allows unlocking and closing the front cover. The spool flanges are pivotable.
The three models are dual-format: 6 x 9 cm or 4.5 x 6 cm. A metal mask inside the chamber, two non-actinic peepholes, and a hinged shutter on the viewfinder indicate the ability to switch between formats.
The controls are well designed, and the speed and aperture scales can be read either next to the viewfinder or facing the lens. __________
This PB20 Tripar features beautiful sides adorned with Art Deco patterns.
Agfa and Ansco joined forces in the American market between 1928 and 1943. Agfa-Ansco, a subsidiary of I.G. Farbenindustrie in the United States infiltrated by Nazi spies (as reported on the evening of August 5, 1951), was absorbed as enemy property, and Ansco continued its activities independently.
During this period, some models were marketed under the Agfa Ansco or Ansco brand. This partnership is the reason why one can find Agfa cameras labeled "Made in USA."
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