Allthough I'm not really an Agfa collector or even an Agfa fan, there are a few cameras that are hard to resist. One example are the Karat 36, and another example are the Agfa 1535 (or in fact the entire Optima Sensor series). Initially I wanted a 1535 as a addition to my small collection of compact 35mm's, but I also totally agree with Alfred Klomp when he describes the Optima Sensors as design icons and classics. Apart from the innovative and futuristic appearance, the 1535 is also quite "avantgarde" in its technical and mechanical design. The first thing you notice are the orange shutter release sensor button, which are simply outstanding in all aspects. The next characteristic feature are the rapid advance lever, that doubles as rewind lever !. When the rewind knob are pressed down and turned to the "R" position, the film can be rewinded by using the rapid advance lever. The easy film loading system are also quite unique, and if You take a look at the thumbnail on the far right below, You can see the slab that protects the exposed film if You accidentally open the back cover. Also please note the battery compartment (4 x naughty 625 cells). Finally I just have to mention the automatic Paratronic shutter, which offers an impressive range from 15 full seconds to 1/1000 sec !. 

The 1535 is remarkably well built, and when you actually handle the camera it feels as a rugged and solid camera allthough many parts are made of plastic. The housing though, are made of coated metal. And the viewfinder ! Sigh!. It's just marvellous. The 1535 were the topmodel of the Optima Sensor series, and offers a manual rangefinder, but if You can live without the rangefinder, You might as well choose the 1035 which is identical except for the manual focusing option.

Please visit both Alfred Klomps webpage and Stefan Oldenburgs interesting article about the Optima Sensor Series.