Bausch and Lomb lens for the Argus C3

<p>This seems to be quite a rarity. There's not much info available on these, other than that they were only made pre-war, and possibly less than 1000 were made. Anybody know more about this rare piece? </p><div></div>

<p>Apparently there are three known examples, this would apparently be the fourth.</p><div></div>

<p>Although it looks similar to the normal 50mm lens, it actually differs in many details in construction. In general the B&L lens is better constructed and finished.</p><div></div>

<p>Dave,</p>

<p>I found very little information on this lens. I found one Argus ad from 1939.</p><div></div>

<p>I had never seen one until the last month or so on ePay. The first one sold for $107.00 USD the second sold for $26.00 USD. I've been collecting cameras since 1977, it was good to see a rare Argus C-3 lens. The vast difference in selling price just shows how internet auctions can be deceiving when it comes to asking price, buy-it-now and completed item price!</p>

<p>Thanks a bunch for the ad. Four elements eh? Interesting.</p>

<p>Here is the only camera store ad that I found. It is from May 1941. I thought it interesting that they also had a version for Leica mount.</p><div></div>

<p>Paul that second one may have been this one, since that is what I ended up paying. The seller didn't know what camera it fit, so I doubt anybody looking for argus lenses casually would have seen the auction. I stumbled across the auction looking for something entirely different and decided to bid since I didn't think I'd see another one anytime soon. I'd be willing to bet it would have gone for maybe two or three times as much if it had been easy to find.</p>

<p>Thanks for the Ads Marc, they're really great. I wonder how rare the Leica mount version is? I hadn't even heard of it.</p>