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Post by andys93integra on Jan 15, 2011 0:31:15 GMT -5
Okay so i got home from my Grandma's house a few hours ago and Googled some info on some of the cameras i just got from her. One of the cameras i got is (i think) an Argus C3, there is no name plate on the camera, although it says Argus on the lens which is the a 50mm F3.5 lens. However i don't think it is operating correctly. There is a little lever on the left side of the camera that you push to cock the shutter, and it is supposed to stay like that until the shutter is released, correct? Well when i push it to cock the shutter the lever snaps back into its original place and the shutter button does not do anything. Or can the shutter only be used if there is film in it? So i just wanted to say that i got another camera to add to my collection and if anybody has info or tips on this camera that would be great. Here is a pic of the Argus: www.flickr.com/photos/andys93integra/5356468474/Andy |
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mickeyobe
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Post by mickeyobe on Jan 15, 2011 4:16:55 GMT -5
Andy,
It is an Argus C3 commonly called "The Brick" for obvious reasons. It is an inexpensive camera but is nevertheless a classic because it was so popular.
Sometimes those cameras fail to function when they have not been used for a long time.
The shutter will cock and fire when there is no film in the camera.
Firstly, try turning the knurled cylinder around the base of the shutter release counter clockwise. It is marked B and I for Bulb and Instant. Make sure the white dot is opposite I. It is possible that the shutter release is stuck in the down position.
If that doesn't work try putting a few drops of lighter fluid into the cable release hole at the top of the shutter release some day when you are watching TV and try operating the camera over and over repeatedly at different speeds.
You might also try holding the shutter release down as you cock the shutter.
Also judiciously tapping the camera on a table could be tried as a last resort. One never knows.
Tip: Turning the knurled wheel around the viewfinder window is how the camera was designed to be focused. However, the gear ratio between that wheel and the lens is such that it is much easier to focus by turning the lens itself.
Mickey
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2011 10:37:14 GMT -5
Mickey: That light oil trick might work for loosening up the shutters on old guys, too.  W. |
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mickeyobe
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Post by mickeyobe on Jan 15, 2011 11:59:00 GMT -5
Wayne,
Thanks for the timely tip.
I have got to try it.
Mickey
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Doug T.
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Post by Doug T. on Jan 15, 2011 12:55:11 GMT -5
Hi Andy! That Argus C3 is a great one for learning camera repair, and there's a lot of info on the net concerning them. It was produced for many years, and countless professional photographers got their start with these. If you ever find one without the gear between the rangefinder and lens, that's an original model C. They're a bit harder to find, and worth more. They made some nice little bakelite cameras as well. They're fun to use, and have a nice art deco look to them. I guess that I like Argus products At any rate here's a site that you might enjoy ! www.kyphoto.com/classicsIt's full of information for repairing classic cameras. Doug T. |
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mickeyobe
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Post by mickeyobe on Jan 15, 2011 15:46:31 GMT -5
Andy, As does Doug, I too like Argus products. Here is my Argus collection numbering over 30 cameras. The second row from the top are the C3's with the C3 in the upper row, extreme left, being the early one without the connecting gear.  Argus cameras are a great field for specialization as they are generally relatively inexpensive and most are readily available. There are enough variations in the C3 to make it interesting. Mickey |
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daveh
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Post by daveh on Jan 16, 2011 0:35:26 GMT -5
New to Greek mythology: Mickey and the Argus nuts.  |
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photax
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Post by photax on Jan 16, 2011 1:31:34 GMT -5
Jason and the Argus nuts looking fot the golden shield C3. ;D
Mickey, is the first one left at the top a infamous "optical lens " camera ?
MIK
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mickeyobe
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Post by mickeyobe on Jan 16, 2011 2:01:25 GMT -5
Dave,
It's 1:50 am so it took me a while to catch on to Argus nuts.
Coincidentally, I am not a sports fan but Toronto's football team (real football) is called The Argonauts.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
MIK,
Mickey, is the first one left at the top a infamous "optical lens " camera ?
Yes. Indeed it is a genuine "optical lens". Far superior to non optical lenses such as plano convex or double convex. It is a plano plano..
Mickey
By the way, the two items to its right are a very unusual (to me) Argus stereo camera and matching stereo viewer.
The camera to their right is a Fuji which doesn't belong there but space on my shelves is at a minimum. Just ignore it.
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photax
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Post by photax on Jan 16, 2011 10:25:58 GMT -5
Hi Mickey, The stereo camera looks like a Hong Kong made Loreo camera. I bought one in 1989, simple to operate but effective. I think they are still in production, I had seen some with different brandings, but no "Argus" so far. Just found this link: www.loreo.com/pages/shop/loreo_products_online_3d.htmlMIK |
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mickeyobe
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Post by mickeyobe on Jan 16, 2011 14:26:37 GMT -5
MIK,
The camera makes no mention of Loreo only ARGUS.
Patented in USA and Germany.
Made in China.
I have seen curved film planes before but this one is extreme.
The viewer is branded "Loreo". No mention of Argus.
Made in Hong Kong.
Two Fujicolor prints came with this . They are beautiful.
Mickey
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Post by andys93integra on Jan 17, 2011 20:08:22 GMT -5
I think i found that it was a 1950 c3, do you think that is right?
Andy
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mickeyobe
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Post by mickeyobe on Jan 17, 2011 20:33:57 GMT -5
Andy,
I think it may be earlier.
A colour photo would help or, at least a picture with lighter shadows, as would a picture of the back and the sides.
I think it is the Third Variant first produced in 1946 or, possibly the Fourth Variant (If the film speed dial on the back is in ASA ratings rather than the Weston ratings as are on the Third Variant.)
I am puzzled by the accessory shoe on the side of the camera. It may have been added after the camera was purchased by a service man or the owner. I shall have to delve deeper to see what I can find out about this.
Are there two holes about 3/4" apart on the same side as the shoe? I think there are but I'm not sure.
Is there an Argus nameplate at the front bottom left?
Pictures would help.
Mickey
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2011 21:26:02 GMT -5
MIK, The camera makes no mention of Loreo only ARGUS. Patented in USA and Germany. Made in China. I have seen curved film planes before but this one is extreme. The viewer is branded "Loreo". No mention of Argus. Made in Hong Kong. Two Fujicolor prints came with this . They are beautiful. Mickey I have an Ansco Pioneer 620 camera that has a curved film plane. www.zorki1c.com/camera/firstcamera.html |
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mickeyobe
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Post by mickeyobe on Jan 17, 2011 22:00:36 GMT -5
Wayne, I have a number of cameras with curved film planes - gently curved. But this one is extreme. Almost angular. Note the film plane and the pressure plate which is rigid to, I suppose, force the film into that sharp bend. I think that both the left and right images were put on the one frame.  I am not familiar with stereo cameras but I thought that each image was always put on a separate frame. This Argus method would eliminate misalignment of the two images. Mickey |
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