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Subject: Dead Media Working Note 05.9
Dead Medium: the Agfa Geveart "Family Camera"
From: ABruch_AT_VTRLMEL1.TRL.OZ.AU (Adrian Bruch)
In early 1981 Agfa Gevaert Australia released the "Family"
camera. I think it was also released in Europe. This was
a fixed-focus lens, modern design super 8mm film camera
with easy to use controls (meaning a minimal opportunity
for enthusiasts to fiddle and adjust anything). The
accompanying "Family" projector held a 25', 50', or 200'
spool of colour film. The film was internally projected
onto an acrylic screen (similar to a telecine screen) and
had no capability to play sound.
The camera sold for under $400 Australian. It
could shoot one still frame (snapshot) whenever the still
button was pressed. Or it could shoot normal motion
footage. The camera had a built-in hole puncher, which
made a small dot on the sprocket. When the dotted frame
was projected on the Agfa "Family" player it would hold
for 8 seconds, thus showing a still frame. The
projector/player had an optional attachment for the Kodak
instant camera, so that users could print out favourite
snaps.
The Agfa Family Camera failed to be marketed
successfully. Several things caused its demise within 18
months. First, the State Electricity Commission refused to
allow the release of the existing model until the wiring
of the player was rewired to Australian standards. (This
reduced the profits considerably.) Second, the Kodak
Instant camera infringed Polaroid patents and was
withdrawn from worldwide markets. Third, the rival video
camera portapak technology arrived in Australia. By the
time the Agfa "Family" was withdrawn from the market it
was reduced in price to less than $99.
Agfa Australia claims to remember nothing of this
camera, but I found a camera repairer who will allow me to
use the manuals, or take photos of his own camera/player
if that is of use.
Adrian Bruch ABruch_AT_VTRLMEL1.TRL.OZ.AU
Dead
Media | 0.01-02.0 | 02.1-04.0
| 04.1-06.0 | 06.1-08.0 |
08.1-10.0 | 10.1-12.0 |