Argus C/C-2/C-3 Attributes


The Argus Collectors Group is conducting a survey to identify the attributes of the Argus C, C2, and C3. The purpose of the survey is to document changes in features of the camera family over their production life. The results will be posted on the ACG web site.

Directions:    Have your camera handy, then proceed by answering each question, either filling in the blank space to the right of the question (like question 1) or clicking on the dot to the left of the correct answer to select it. When you are done press 'submit' to send us the information.

If any of the features of your camera don't match the choices provided, please describe them in the 'comments' section at the bottom of this page.

If you need to look at a photo with labels to help get aquatinted with the C-3 follow this link.
Orientation Photo


1. Enter the camera's serial number including any alphabetic prefix/suffix. The serial number is either inside the camera or on the bottom. If it's inside, it's either on a label under the sprocket wheels or stamped under the film opening. Look at the arrows in this photo for the three possible locations.
2. Is serial number:
on a label inside camera body
stamped right-side-up inside camera body
stamped up-side-down inside camera body
stamped on bottom outside of body
3. The shutter speeds are on a dial on the top right side of the camera. What are the marked shutter speeds, see photos below:
10 different in 2 concentric 'rings':
10 different in a single 'ring':
7 different (10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 200, 300):
5 different, marked numbers 10, 25, 50, 100, 300; numbers evenly spaced, with a screw in the middle like:
Five different, marked numbers 10, 25, 50, 100, 300; unevenly spaced like:
Five different, marked numbers 10, 25, 50, 100, 300; evenly spaced, with no screw in the middle and a small blue bulb image next to the '25' on the dial like:
Five different, no screw in the middle, marked numbers are 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 like:
4. What are the lens apertures (numbers on dial around front or side of lens barrel):
3.5, 4.5, 6.3, 11, 18
3.5, 4.5, 6.3, 9, 12.7, 18
3.5, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16
3-1/2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
5. What is the labeling on front or side of the lens barrel:
f3.5 Argus 50mm
f3.5 - 50mm Argus Cintar
f3.5 - 50mm Minca Cintar
f3.5 50mm Argus Coated Cintar
Argus 50mm f3.5 Coated Cintar
6. Look closely at the numbers on the dial on the top left front marked 'Range Finder', 'Flash Finder' or 'MTR'. It may be hard to see the '3' at a glance. What is the range of numbers on the dial:
3, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, ..., 100, [infinity]
3, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, ..., 50, [infinity]
3.5, 4, 5, 6, ..., 100, [infinity]
'Flash Finder' outer dial, numbers 1-8, 'Distance' inner dial, numbers 3, 4, 6, 8, ..., 25, [infinity]
.9, 1, 1.25, 1.75, 2.5, .... 30, [infinity], 'MTR' on dial
7. Is there a gear coupling the lens to the Range Finder on the Front of the Body?
yes
no
8. Is there a flash socket (two holes on side of body, same side as back latch, opposite side of back hinge):
yes
no
9. If there's a nameplate on front body to left of lens, what does it say:
(none)
Argus
GOLDEN SHIELD by argus
10. Is the shutter cocking lever on the front:
silver, round knob, flat lever
black, round knob, flat lever
silver, teardrop shape
black, teardrop shape
11. Is there an accessory shoe on top of the body above viewfinder:
yes, metal with 3 screws
yes, metal/plastic with one screw
no
12. What is the color of body covering:
black
olive drab
tan and black
textured metallic silver
13. Is there a switch below shutter cocking lever marked 'F-S':
yes
no
14. Is the shutter release (button on top of camera above Rangefinder dial):
'mushroom' shape, dot on top edge, 'I B' on plate at base
cylindrical, threaded inside, 'I B' on knurled dial around it
flat, round, small threaded hole in center, 'I B' on top
15. What is on the back door of the camera:
no dial, undivided BLACK leatherette
no dial, undivided TAN leatherette
no dial, undivided textured metallic silver
no dial, three horizontal strips of leatherette divided by two chrome accent strips
dial marked 'WESTON FILM SPEED'
dial marked 'A.S.A FILM SPEED'
16. Is the exposure counter dial (on top of the camera with numbers between 0 - 30 and marks in between):
chrome with black numbers
black plastic with white numbers
17. Looking at the back of the camera at the top, there are two viewfinder windows. The one on the right is for the rangefinder. Looking through it, half of the image is tinted -- what color is the tint:
blue
yellow
no tint
18. The camera back is attached to the body by a hinge held on with screws. How many screws are used:
10 (5 on each side of the hinge)
8 (4 on each side of the hinge)
9 (4 on one side of the hinge, 5 on the other)
19. Look closely at the top and sides of the film release catch (small silver button on top of the camera next to the counter dial). Some of the six-sided ones look round from the top, but the flat sides can be seeen from the side. Is it:
Round like the head of a nail
Also like a nailhead, but with six flats on the side of the head (hexagonal)
20. You may need a magnifying glass for this. Look inside your camera, under the sprocket wheels. There may be variuos patent numbers numbers and other markings molded into the plastic. These may be covered up by a label. If you can see any of the following, please indicate which you see:
a sort of 'three-leaf clover' with the letters 'RMP' inside
a 'P' inside a shield
a very small rectangle, maybe 2 x 4mm, with the letters 'MPC' inside, letters touching the edges of the rectangle
a small rectangle with very distinct letters 'MPC' inside, the letters distinct from the rectangle
Do you have any other comments about your camera:

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