Belomo Agat 18K
The Agat 18K was produced in Belarus for Belomo from 1988 to 1997. The 18 in 18K refers to the fact that the Agat is a half-frame camera. The 18K replaced the Agat 18.
The Agat 18K is a unique camera in more than just a half-frame format. The body is plastic and very light. The shape is simple and about as small as you could reasonably get a 35mm camera. The orientation is unique. Most cameras are oriented so they are wider than they are tall (even other half-frame cameras like the Canon Demi EE28 or Olympus Pen EE.S), but the Agat orientation is rotated 90 degrees. This orientation lets the Agat keep a landscape orientation.
The lens is an Industar 104, 28mm, f2.8. The ISO range is from 25 to 1600. Shutter speed is 1/65th to 1/540th. In fact, the controls are not independently controlled but are partially automatic. You set the ISO then you pick the aperture or use one of the light icons (sailboat for full sun beach to a window for indoor) and the camera will use a corresponding light speed.
My Take:
I do like a good cheap plastic camera and half-frame is always fun, so the Agat 18K seemed a good fit. In use, I found it more than a bit quirky. Loading the film takes a bit of thinking but it works. The build quality is not very high. Not is a Holga cheap plastic but decently constructed way; more like, is this thing going to hold together way. Not getting the back locked securely, resulted in it falling off and overexposing about half the roll. The odd orientation and placement of the shutter release, had me guessing every time I picked it up. The lack of direct exposure control was exacerbated by my use of extremely expired film. But it was still a fun camera. I love how small and lightweight it is. Half-frame is always a fun exercise.
I would say if you like the offbeat or the unique, give the Agat 18 a try. Do not overpay as the quality is not there. Also, if you pick it as your main camera you may be in for a struggle. Not my suggestion as a first camera or first plastic camera (Holga gets that vote) but could be a cheap way to try half frame. Extra, throw in the bag or pocket fun camera.
Lens: Industar 104 28mm f2.8
Film: Expired Fujicolor 100