stephane_bastien1

Last thing,

I rather pull the rangefinder out instead of front, because, when you put the front off, you have to unscrew the hidden screws. To make that, you must cut the leatherettte...

It's really dangerous ! You risk to torn leatherette...

It's up to you !

It's true that rangefinder could be hard to pull out (cause the rangefinder mecanism arm, which push on the wheel). But, if you take your time, you'll got it, trust me !!

Sincerely

Stephane

Hi,

Well, if your rangerfinder window is just dirty, start by pulling out the ring retaining the rangerfinder glasses on the back of the C3 (back open). Use a very little screwdriver, beware to not break precious glass !

It would be one or two circular glass(es).It depends of version. When two glasses are used, a black tube is inserted between them. Beware of position !! Flat surfaces must be external (Am I clear ?)

You may have to strike a little the C3 on your open hand to make them go out.

Use windows cleaner and kitchen paper. Dry them.

After, you have to dismantle the rangefinder mecanism. Two screws are visible on the top. You have to unscrew view counter too (beware, springs and discs !). Maintain film sprocket with another screwdriver to unlock screw.

Then, all the windows (green and clear), are accessible. Use same cleaner. You can depose a very little amount of WD40 on the interior of rangefinder wheel, and make it turn, to "spray" oil all around.

Beware when cleaning mirrors, glue can be tired, don't loose them...

You have just to put rangefinder mecanism back into its place. Stop film sprocket with your finger in order to screw film counter back on place. You'll have to push on it to perform it !

Lately, put out finder glass (as rangefinder glass), and clean it. You can clean the other glass too, with cotton tips, through the finder. If focus is hard, it may be cause the lens is "dry". Unmount lens, find the little screw situated at the base, and traveling into a aligned hole. Put one drop of WD40 into the hole. Turn lens, in both directions to dispatch oil.

You can put one or two oil drops in the threading of the copper ring, inside the lens back. Beware: don't put oil on glass !!

After several lens turn, clean with cotton tips. It must be black(old oil an dust). Put oil again, turn lens again, and again. It MUST be smooth to turn now. Mount the lens back on the body, it should work as new.

All my C3 has been treated as described, and ALL work fine now !

All the process takes 1 hour the first time, cause you must be careful and soft. After, with training, it's much more fast !

I've some pictures taken during this kind of process, if you are interested by, just let me know, I'll send them to you.

Stephane, French Argus Fan

PS : I hope my english is good enought, excuse me for my mistakes...

Hello,

I've search in previous post, there's not really the answer I'm

expecting.

I'm an old fashion photographer (!). I'm using Canon FT, FTb,

Nikkormat FT2, Hassy 500C. The most enhanced is a Canon AE-1 "minty".

I've discovered recently Argus C3 (I'm french, there's no Argus

around here !!).

So what's about C3 ? Are the lenses sharp, is the body reliable, is

nice to use (I'm not sure), and so.

And finally, what's the correct price for this kind of Dinosaur, in

good shape ?

Thanks .

Stéphane From Saint Germain Lèsn Corbeil (France)

Hello,

I'm 41.

I've starting photo in 1978, with a canon dial 35-2 (I've still it),

Then I bought a Canon AE-1, and after a Canon A1. There were expensive for my student budget, I remember that !

After the army, all was sold, and I bought a Nikon FE, and a Nikkormat FT2. I've sold the FE, but I have the "mat" today. I bought a Hassy 500C too with two lenses (still here too, I think I'll keep it forever).

Today I have :

2 Zorki 4K (the second for backup) both mint,1 Canon FT,1 Nikon EM, My FT2, 1 Rollei 35S, 1 AE-1 (Recently received, bought on Ebay), mint.

And I looking for an Argus 3C. I've got an Icarex 35S, good shape , but I want to sell it (anybody interested ?, nice price !)

I like collect cameras, but I use them, it's not only for display !

I was professionnal photographer for 6 years, using 4x5" and 13x18 Sinars, Mamiya RZ etc..

Then I was working in computer managment for industry, and now I'm system administrator in a big company !

But the photo virus is still in me !!!

Bravo for photo.net site !

Hello,

Go to :

http://www.derrybryson.com/manuals/Pentax/Accessories/SpotmeterV.pdf

I've just print the manual (31 pages) you're looking for !

Anyway, just type ""pentax spotmeter" pdf" in google and the second reply is fine.

Bye.

Stéphane From France

Hello,

C330 (even C220, C22, C33 and C3 !!) were excellent cameras.

When I was young, just before becoming a photographer (I quit now...), I wanted this mamiya.

But a very good deal was offered to me. I bought an old "blad", (sorry "hassy" for you in U.S., "blad" is the nickname in France : ))

a 500C with two silver lenses. So C330 was forgotten !

Just a think, may be you may have some parallax trouble in macro.

It's not a SLR, so with close subjects, you cannot be sure to have it like in the finder.

Anyway it's a good system.

Excuse me for my English, I don't write daily in this language ...

Cheers for France.

Stéphane