Agfa Box 45

Introduction: The Agfa Box 45 at a Glance

The Agfa Box 45 is a box camera for 6x9 cm exposures on 120 film. It belongs with the analog cameras and, more precisely, with the medium-format film cameras, because every frame is a big rectangle of film. According to camera-wiki, it was introduced in 1938.

The original instruction manual shows how it is meant to be used. The cover names the film as Rollfilm B2-8 and the picture size as 6x9 cm, about 3.25 x 2.25 inches. Inside, it explains loading, instantaneous and time exposures, and a few extras.

Shooting a medium-format film camera is a different rhythm from shooting digitally. With a limited number of frames on a roll and no instant preview, most photographers slow down and think about the light before pressing the lever. The result only appears after the film has been developed.

Design Roots and Historical Background

A box camera for 120 roll film

The manual describes a short list of controls: lever 1 for the type of exposure, lever 2 to release the shutter, an aperture slide numbered 4, a winding key and a button on the carrying strap that opens the back.

The manual cover calls the film Rollfilm B2-8, while camera-wiki simply says 120 film. Both describe the same 6x9 cm picture size, so 120 is the film to look for.

Introduced in 1938

Camera-wiki states that the Agfa Box 45 was introduced in 1938, citing the Lippisches Kameramuseum. The manual itself prints no year. Camera-wiki has only a short entry for this model, so the manual is the best source for how it works.

The manual also covers a yellow filter and a portrait attachment, so the camera rewards a little study.

Key Technical Highlights

Format and film

The Agfa Box 45 exposes 6x9 cm pictures on 120 film. The manual cover gives the film as Rollfilm B2-8 and the size as 6x9 cm, 3 1/4 x 2 1/4 inches. That is far larger than a 35mm frame.

Exposure levers and the cable release

For instantaneous exposures, set lever 1 to the instantaneous mark and press exposure lever 2 slowly downwards. For time exposures the shutter stays open as long as lever 2 is held down. A cable release can be screwed in at point 3, and the camera can be screwed onto a tripod for time exposures in upright and horizontal format.

Aperture slide, yellow filter and portrait lens

In sunshine, aperture slide 4 is pulled out slightly until it snaps into position. Pulled fully out, it brings a built-in yellow filter in front of the lens. For close-ups, the manual recommends the Agfa supplementary lens 44 (Vorsatzlinse 44).

• Picture size: 6x9 cm on 120 film
• Lever 1 selects instantaneous or time exposure
• Cable release socket at point 3, plus a tripod socket
• Aperture slide 4 with a built-in yellow filter
• Optional Agfa Vorsatzlinse 44 for portraits

Modern-Day Use in 2026

Where the Box 45 excels

This camera suits bright, open conditions, where its simple controls are an advantage. A large negative suits landscapes, buildings and relaxed portraits, and the deliberate way of working is a good way to learn how light behaves on film.

Use it for:

• Daylight landscapes and street scenes
• Portraits with the Agfa Vorsatzlinse 44 attachment
• Time exposures from a tripod, using the cable release
• Practice in composing and judging light

Practical shooting tips

• Press lever 2 slowly downwards, as the manual instructs.
• Stand still and breathe out before you press the lever.
• Use the tripod socket and the cable release at point 3 for time exposures.
• Pull out aperture slide 4 slightly in sunshine until it snaps into place.

Buying and Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying used

A camera of this age deserves a careful look. The checklist is mostly mechanical:

• Open the back lid with the button on the carrying strap and check that it closes firmly.
• Look inside for light leaks, rust and mould, and check that the inner body slides out of the outer case.
• Work levers 1 and 2 and listen for the shutter action in both instantaneous and time positions.
• Check that the winding key turns properly and that the film spool seats securely.
• Look through the lens for haze, fungus, scratches and dust, and slide aperture slide 4 in and out.

Hold the camera up to a bright window with the back open and look for pinholes or light coming in where it should not.

Film, power and loading

Loading goes like this: press the button on the carrying strap, open the back lid, pull the inner camera body out of the outer case, then press in the winding key while turning it and close the back lid.

• Choose a film you can easily have developed.
• Load in shade and wind carefully.
• Take the film out promptly after the last frame and keep exposed rolls cool and dry.

Basic care and accessories

A few simple photography accessories keep an old camera in good shape:

• A soft case or bag to protect the camera from knocks and dust
• A cable release that fits the socket at point 3
• A small tripod for time exposures
• A blower brush and microfiber cloth for gentle cleaning of the lens

Conclusion: Simple Tools, Slow Pictures

The Agfa Box 45 is a box camera for 6x9 cm pictures on 120 film, introduced in 1938 according to camera-wiki. Its manual describes instantaneous and time exposures, a cable release, a tripod socket, an aperture slide with a yellow filter and a portrait attachment.

If you are curious about medium-format film, a well-checked example can be a rewarding start. Read the manual, inspect the body, and choose a film your lab can process.

Ready to explore cameras like the Agfa Box 45? Browse our curated selection of analog cameras and medium and larger format film cameras, and pair them with the right photography accessories at DutchThrift.com.

Sources: original Agfa Box 45 instruction manual (cover image and operating instructions); Agfa Box 45 on camera-wiki.org, text licensed under GFDL 1.3.