ARGUS

Argus Inc. was a camera maker based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. Before 1939 it was International Research Corporation, a department of International Radio Corporation, Ann Arbor. It was the American company that popularized the modern cartridged 35mm film in the U.S., especially by its characteristically brick-shaped rangefinder cameras. The first camera of Argus, the Argus A, resulted from a patent that the company received in 1936. Read more about Argus at Camerapedia

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Argus A

Description 35mm cartridge camera with bakelite body. Argus Anastigmat f4.5/50mm in collapsible mount. Early models have fixed pressure plate, sprockets on one side of film. Later models have floating pressure plate and sprockets on both sides. Of early types, the first 30-35 thousand were made before a tripod socket was added to the bottom and the rewind knob thickened to match. Originally advertised in the following color combinations: black/chrome, gray/gunmetal, ivory/gold.
Year 1936-1941
Film Size 35mm
Value $20 - $30
Acquired May 2009. Purchased on ebay for $9.99.
Sample Photos

Southlake Dogs
DPS and Fire House Southlake TX April 2010

 

C2

Description Like the "C", but the rangefinder is coupled. Introduced just after the model C in 1938. An Early "brick", also found with all metal trim in high polished-chrome finish.
Year 1938 - 1942
Film Size 35mm
Value $25 - $40
Acquired July 2005. Gift from parents.
Sample Photos


My PT Cruiser, August 7, 2005.

 

C3

Description The most common "brick", and found in at least five variations in film-wind knob, accessory clip and name plate designs. A solid, durable and well-like camera, like the C2, but internal sync.
Year 1939 - 1966
Film Size 35mm
Value $12 - $20
Acquired December 2010. Gift from parents.
Sample Photos


Mills Silo and my 2009 Honda Metropolitan in front of Blacksmith Building Grapevine TX May 22, 2011.

 

Argoflex E

Description Focusing 3-element, f4.5/75mm, Varex Anasitgmat; shutter b-200
Year 1940 - 1948
Film Size 620
Value $25 -$40
Acquired 1996. Gift from a friend.
Sample Photos


Old Bedford School - Bedford TX July 4, 2010

 

Argoflex Seventy-five

Description Black plastic body, fixed focus
Year 1949 -1958
Film Size 620
Value $1 - $10
Acquired unknown
Sample Photos


Fort Worth Stock Yards Fort Worth TX October 20, 2010

 

Argus Seventy-five

Description Black plastic body, fixed focus. Same as Argoflex Seventy-five, but name shortened from Argoflex to Argus.
Year 1940 - 1948
Film Size 620
Value $1 -$10
Acquired unknown
Sample Photos


State Fair of Texas October 7, 2010. Special thanks to the Dallas Model A Ford Club for allowing me to take photos of the beautiful cars.

 

C-twenty

Description Replaced the A4, using the same basic body style but incorporating a rangefinder. Brown plastic body.
Year 1956 - 1958
Film Size 35mm
Value $15 - $30
Acquired July 2005. Friend picked up for me at an auction in Ben Wheeler, TX for $10.
Sample Photos


Cowboys Stadium Arlington TX July 11, 2010

 

Argus C3 Matchmatic

Description Basically a face-lifted C3 in two-tone finish. Designed for use with a non-coupled clip-on selenium meter.
Year 1958 - 1966
Film Size 35mm
Value $20 - $30
Acquired February 2010. Purchased on ebay for $20.13
Sample Photos


City Hall, Pre-Cival War Log Cabin, Vintage Railroad and Mills Building Grapevine TX June 13, 2010