Doug T.
Lifetime Member
Pettin' The Gator
Posts: 1,199
|
Post by Doug T. on Nov 13, 2012 10:53:28 GMT -5
Here's another one from the auction, more to follow............ I've heard that you could build a house using these instead of using real bricks Doug
|
|
lloydy
Lifetime Member
Posts: 506
|
Post by lloydy on Nov 13, 2012 11:45:44 GMT -5
I just love the design of those, who cares if it's good or bad as a camera, it's just so cool.
|
|
Stephen
Lifetime Member
Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
|
Post by Stephen on Nov 13, 2012 19:25:11 GMT -5
If the lens is OK they work well, and took other lens, but then most people who bought them did not want the other lenses, and those that did bought other makes cameras....
The case amuses me, the rounded ends in an effort to made it look more normal, just succeeding in making it even larger. The engineering inside is decidedly simple, works, but nothing like any other designs.
Argus just seemed determined to go their own way with this one, a classic for all the wrong reasons!
Stephen
|
|
mickeyobe
Lifetime Member
Resident President
Posts: 7,280
|
Post by mickeyobe on Nov 13, 2012 22:25:18 GMT -5
Commonly called "The Brick" for good reasons. Let me see the back and I may be able to tell you if yours is the third or fourth variant. Mickey
|
|
Doug T.
Lifetime Member
Pettin' The Gator
Posts: 1,199
|
Post by Doug T. on Nov 14, 2012 16:04:20 GMT -5
Hi Mickey, Here's the back. The serial number is 87710, and it has a floating pressure plate. Thanks Doug
|
|
mickeyobe
Lifetime Member
Resident President
Posts: 7,280
|
Post by mickeyobe on Nov 14, 2012 16:13:18 GMT -5
Doug,
Yours is the early post war Third Variant. Circa 1946.
I can't tell from the picture but the lens is probably coated. The shutter cocking lever is now black The film rating dial is still in Weston, not ASA.
Mickey
|
|
|
Post by barbarian on Nov 18, 2012 10:58:46 GMT -5
These weren't delicate instruments. I have yet to find a C-series argus with the shutter broken. The rangefinders are sometimes out of whack but even I can adjust them.
This was the first quality, affordable American 35mm rangefinder , and they sold huge numbers of them over nearly 40 years of production.
My first rangefinder was a C3.
|
|
Stephen
Lifetime Member
Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
|
Post by Stephen on Nov 19, 2012 7:35:50 GMT -5
That was very much the design principle of the Argus, keep it simple, there is a low parts count, and it all works, but the amazing part is the design, or lack of it, in the appearance, they were so different to other 1930's/40's cameras. This must have been a advantage at first, it got them noticed in a big way, but they were left behind by the 1950's, selling mainly on the low cost. The standard lens quality was good, nothing outstanding, but turned in good photos if you took a bit of care, and it boasted extra features like the rangefinder and separate lenses. Also you could replace the standard lens, if damaged, yourself, even up grading the lens. I doubt if there was ever a tougher camera offered as a popular market camera. Stephen.
|
|
|
Post by pompiere on Nov 20, 2012 13:24:10 GMT -5
Wasn't one of the reasons for the removable lens because Argus also sold an enlarger that you could use with the camera lens, thus saving the cost of buying another lens? When I got my first C3, I had to completely disassemble it due to sticking shutter and focus helical. You could barely turn the rangefinder wheel. Thanks to Rick Olsen, I ws able to get it back together:
|
|
Stephen
Lifetime Member
Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
|
Post by Stephen on Nov 20, 2012 14:01:55 GMT -5
The Argus removable lenses was always intended as interchangeable, there was quite a range from Argus and other makers. There were three enlarger models as well, and it was common to allow camera lenses to be used on enlargers, so it may well be that they fit. Argus marketed it as a "system" camera, not just a basic point and shoot. There were even underwater housings made for it, and plenty got modified for specialist uses. Stephen.
|
|
Doug T.
Lifetime Member
Pettin' The Gator
Posts: 1,199
|
Post by Doug T. on Nov 20, 2012 17:32:04 GMT -5
Hi again,
Argus cameras and accessories are fun to collect, and don't cost a lot.
After selling a couple of the other items that came in this box lot, I got the Brownie and this C-3 for free !! It doesn't get any cheaper than that ;D
Doug
|
|
mickeyobe
Lifetime Member
Resident President
Posts: 7,280
|
Post by mickeyobe on Nov 21, 2012 11:16:40 GMT -5
Hi again, Argus cameras and accessories are fun to collect, and don't cost a lot. ;D Doug Doug, As you can see I am inclined to agree with you. I am an Argonut. My Argus collection. Mickey
|
|
Doug T.
Lifetime Member
Pettin' The Gator
Posts: 1,199
|
Post by Doug T. on Nov 21, 2012 17:22:03 GMT -5
Mickey,
My collection is very small. It consists of the C-3, a couple of A's, an A2F, and an FA. I've had others in the past, and only recently started actively hunting for them again. It's fun trying to find something other than the "Brick". Doesn't Toronto have a football team called the Argonuts?
Doug ;D
|
|
mickeyobe
Lifetime Member
Resident President
Posts: 7,280
|
Post by mickeyobe on Nov 21, 2012 17:39:44 GMT -5
Doug,
"Doesn't Toronto have a football team called the Argonuts?"
Argonauts.
I am not a sports fan but I believe the Grey Cup game is being held here this weekend. After it is over they may be the Argonuts.
They are playing the Calgary Stampeders who have a tradition of riding a horse through the lobby of the hotel where they are staying. This is not the usual practice in Toronto. The bell boys here refuse to shovel manure.
Mickey
|
|
Doug T.
Lifetime Member
Pettin' The Gator
Posts: 1,199
|
Post by Doug T. on Nov 25, 2012 18:51:54 GMT -5
I've got a bid in on an Argus A5. It was made in Japan, so I don't really know if it qualifies as an Argus product. I wasn't going to bid on it, but it's a nice looking camera, and the maker is a mystery to me, so I decided to go for it.
Doug
|
|