The camera you see pictured at right is the proud property of MFBOXCO and is currently in active use. Not only is it beautiful, but it has all the most complete feature set ever produced on an Agfa Ansco camera of this era. It has most of "The Agfa Ansco Advantages" - but it also has some special parts that will be difficult to interchange with "lesser" models.
There are at least three faceplates for the Specials, however, we are sure that the #1 and #2 share all features. They are numbered based on our best-guess as to their age.
Like the other Shur Shots, you have the Time mode slider, and the Diaphragm slider with a yellow filter and smaller aperture.
The Specials include a spring loaded portrait filter that allow shots in the 5ft-10ft range! The portrait lens is on a simple spring loaded arm that is activated by a small switch on the front of the camera under the lens opening. When pull and hold the switch, the lens swings in front of the lens opening. Release and in springs back. It couldn't be simpler or more brilliant.
On top of that, this camera is dual-format, shooting 6x9 or 6x4.5 and has dual red windows on the back (that you should most certainly tape over). This is achieved simply by removing the film holder and finding two tin panels that are clipped into the top and bottom and attached on a hinge. Unclip them, swing them around and gently press them into place creating a mask over the image area in the 6x4.5 format. The exceptionally bright viewfinders even have lines etched into them for framing 6x4.5.
Among all of the cameras MFBOXCO has tested, the Shur-Shot Special is one of the very best. It suffers, as all Agfa cameras do, from a cardboard body and loose tolerances in the build quality. But if you find one in great condition, as we have, then you will find yourself with a very powerful, but incredibly simple machine that looks amazing, and offers true versatility. We love it so much, we even overlook the "Always On" shutter.
FORMAT: 6x9cm and 6x4.5cm
APERTURES: f/13 and f/22
SHUTTER SPEED: 1/50
MIN. FOCUS: 2.5m/8ft
BEST FILM: 100-160 ASA
BUILD: Cardboard body, metal parts, plastic parts, vinyl covering, glass portrait lens
MFBOXCO RATING: 13.25
For the widest range of features available of any Agfa Ansco box - but still made of cardboard.
Do you have experience this camera? Any helpful tips? Have you seen one at your local flea market? Do you know some trivia about the history the company or other knowledge you'd like to pass on? Add your stories below. We will periodically select the best tips and other bits to include above.