By 1953, when this camera was released, Ansco was a "stand-alone" manufacturer and lost the Agfa. Their designs became more simple, plastic parts were more prevalent, and they were made in mass quantities to sell cheaply to the masses.
This simplicity, and consistent build quality, makes Ansco cameras really great shooters today. There are minimal parts, so minimal potential for failure - and of course they retain some* of The Agfa Ansco Advantage.
This was one of the first box cameras tested by MFBOXCO in preparation for the launch of this website. It has some cool features, but they are balanced by other things that are not so good.
As you can see in the photo, there is just one viewfinder and it's on the side. This is necessary to allow for the flash attachment on the top. The side finder can be difficult to clean, but it's fairly natural to use and makes it simpler to switch framing from portrait to landscape..
The pegs on the top of the camera accept a flash unit that uses M5 bulbs. MFBOXCO tries to keep a few of these attachments in stock and we provide a complete kit if you wish to experiment with flashbulbs.
The pushbutton shutter release on the side is a nice change from the switches on most box cameras and adds to the sleek look. It's basically the same as the typical "Always Off" shutter, with just slight modifications.
The camera is overall very simple and usable, and has the very attractive quilted aluminum faceplate, but when Ansco decided to go cheap, it created some drawbacks that you'll need to check for when buying a Shur-Flash.
The biggest issue with all Anso cameras of this era is the cardboard film holder. Gone is the all metal "cartridge" of earlier Agfa Ansco cameras and replacing it is a fragile cardboard "cone" with some thin metal supports. This type of holder can be tricky to load, and can be a bit more likely to produce "fat rolls" if any of the parts are missing or bent, or if the cardboard itself is crushed, torn or simply crumbling from age.
The other problem is the curved bar winder which is prone to corrosion and sometimes needs a bit of lubrication to get it working properly.
Basically, if you find one in great shape, and especially if you find a complete set with the flash unit, it's a great looking camera that's super easy to use.
FORMAT: 6x9cm
APERTURE: f/22 (?)
SHUTTER SPEED: 1/50
MIN. FOCUS: 2.5m/8ft
BEST FILM: 50-100 ASA (flash); 160-400 ASA (no flash)
BUILD: Cardboard body, metal parts, plastic parts, vinyl covering
MFBOXCO RATING: 7.25
Very nearly our lowest rating, but plentiful and accepts a flash, if you need.
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.