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Argus A User Manual

35mm for proletariat
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  • Page 2 Download this book for free at http://www.TheArgusA.com/...
  • Page 3 For the sake of expediency, any Argus A- or A2-type camera will henceforth be referred to simply as “an Argus.” The author realizes that Argus manufacturers produced various types of cameras and that, if mentioned in casual conversation, the word Argus will probably conjure the image of the far more popular C3, not an A or A2.
  • Page 4 Edition of 5 June 2004 © Copyright 2004 Hrad Kuzyk All Rights Reserved. Download this book for free at http://www.TheArgusA.com/...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents HAPTER UBJECT HY THE ISTORY ODELS AND ARTS OF THE CCESSORIES ESTORATION AND RICKS AND INDING AN URTHER PPENDIX RGUS PPENDIX IBLIOGRAPHY AND Download this book for free at http://www.TheArgusA.com/ A/A2 C RGUS AMERA ARIATIONS AMERA ’ UIDE EPAIR ODIFICATIONS...

  • Page 6: Why The

    Why the Argus A/A2 Camera? Why should anyone be interested in a camera whose latest model has been out of production for over 50 years? Certainly not for ease of use. Point-and-shoot cameras made today are far more user-friendly. Not for quality of the lens or accuracy of the shutter.
  • Page 7 May 1937 Download this book for free at http://www.TheArgusA.com/...

  • Page 8: History

    (UniveX 00, Kodak 828, 127, 126, 110, Disc, APS, etc…). Download this book for free at http://www.TheArgusA.com/ The symbiotic relationship between Argus cameras and The Argus A, and its...
  • Page 9 To reflect this redirection in corporate focus, IRC changed its name from International Radio Corporation to International Research Corporation. In 1937, the Argus A was followed by the Argus AF and the Argus B, which were two variations on the same theme. The AF, at $15.00, had an infinitely adjustable focusing mount but the same shutter and lenses, while the B, at $25.00, had a higher...
  • Page 10 C3. These were the ignoble circumstances under which the Argus A2B left the company, now again renamed Argus Cameras, Inc. This was not the end for the Argus A-type camera, however. Possibly to fill in the gap for a low-cost camera while other cameras were being developed, Argus introduced the FA, which was another flash version of the A.
  • Page 11 One can see that the Argus A was very much a product of the times, and it was once those times changed that the age of the Argus A ended. All did not go well with Argus Cameras, Inc. after the demise of the A/A2 line.
  • Page 12 October 1938 Download this book for free at http://www.TheArgusA.com/...

  • Page 13: Models And

    Models And Variations This section of the book is neither a detailed list of the various serial numbers, nor a catalog of every minor variation. Rather, it is a brief overview of the various Argus models produced. In the early years of the Argus, several low-production-run variations were manufactured in an effort to further explore the camera market.
  • Page 14 As other models were introduced, the price dropped from $12.50 to $10.00. Most of the colored models are early Argus As, probably to test the consumer market for interest when they were first introduced. Download this book for free at http://www.TheArgusA.com/ Argus A...

  • Page 15: Focus Type: Variable From 1¼ To Infinity Ft

    Flash Synch Tubes: No Pressure Plate: Fixed The first variant of the original, the AF is identical to the Argus A except that the two-position focus Neck was traded for a variable version with a focal length from 15 inches to infinity. This rendered the portrait and copy lens attachments unnecessary and greatly increased the photographic flexibility of the camera.
  • Page 16 Extinction Meter/Calculator: No Flash Synch Tubes: No This distant cousin was a fancier version of the Argus A, which featured a higher- quality Prontor II shutter rather than the standard Ilex Precise. The Prontor II shutters were imported from Germany, and the start of hostilities in Europe probably hindered their further export.
  • Page 17 Pre-War Argus A2B Focus Type: 2 Position (6ft - 18ft and 18ft - Infinity) Years Manufactured: 1939 - ~1945 Introductory Price: $12.50 Approximate Introductory Price in 2003 Dollars: $165.00 Serial Number Range: ~56215 - 244601 Shutter Type: Pre-war Ilex Precise Lens Speed: f/4.5 Aperture Settings: f/4.5, 6.3, 9, 12.7, 18 Shutter Speeds: 1/200...
  • Page 18 Argus A2F Focus Type: Variable from 1¼ to Infinity ft Years Manufactured: 1939 - 1941 Introductory Price: $15.00 Approximate Introductory Price in 2003 Dollars: $200.00 Serial Number Range: 22760 - 39031 Shutter Type: Pre-war Ilex Precise Lens Speed: f/4.5 Aperture Settings: f/4.5, 6.3, 9, 12.7, 18 Shutter Speeds: 1/200 sec, 1/100, 1/50, 1/25, B(ulb), T(ime) Extinction Meter/Calculator: Yes...

  • Page 19: Lens Speed: F/6.3

    Argus AA Focus Type: Fixed Focus Years Manufactured: 1940 - 1942 Serial Number Range: 500000 - 513250 Shutter Type: Custom for Argus AA Lens Speed: f/6.3 Aperture Settings: f/6.3 (Dull/Color), 9 (Cloudy), 12.7 (Sun/Bright) Shutter Speeds: Time, Inst. Extinction Meter/Calculator: No Flash Synch Tubes: Yes Pressure Plate: Fixed The entire Shutter and Neck assembly was redesigned to incorporate a flash...

  • Page 20: Aperture Settings: F/4.5

    Post-War Argus A2B Focus Type: 2 Position (6ft - 18ft and 18ft - Infinity) Years Manufactured: ~1945 - 1950 Introductory Price: $29.00 (includes carrying case and excise tax) Approximate Introductory Price In 2003 Dollars: $270.00 Serial Number Range: ~56215 - 244601 Shutter Type: Post-war Lens Speed: f/4.5 Aperture Settings: f/4.5, 6.3, 9, 12.7, 18...
  • Page 21 Flash Synch Tubes: Yes Pressure Plate: Floating This last model was a stopgap effort to use leftover Argus A parts and provide a low-end flash camera while a replacement was being designed. This does not detract from the FA in any way. Unlike the previous flash model, the AA, this camera had a two-position focus and full-sized f/4.5 lens.
  • Page 22 March 1939 Download this book for free at http://www.TheArgusA.com/...

  • Page 23: Parts Of The Camera

    Parts Of The Camera The parts of the Argus A family of cameras are very similar to one another; often only one part differs between separate models. In the figures below, the parts of the camera are labeled. If the part is only present on certain models, those models are written in italics after the name of the part or figure.
  • Page 24 Fig. 4-3: Neck area of an Argus A2F Fig. 4-4: Back view of an Argus A2F Fig. 4-5: Top view of Exposure Meter/Calculator (A2Bs & A2F) Download this book for free at http://www.TheArgusA.com/ Shutter Plunger (pre-war A2B & A2F) Focus Indicator (AF & A2F) Focusing Ring (AF &...
  • Page 25 Fig. 4-6: Inside view of an Argus A2F Fig. 4-7: Inside view of the Back Cover Fig. 4-8: Flash Synch Tubes Download this book for free at http://www.TheArgusA.com/ Sprocket Wheel(s) Winding Shaft Floating Pressure Plate Film Cartridge Retainer Flash Synch Tubes for Argus AA Flash Synch Tubes for Argus FA...

  • Page 26: User' Guide

    User’s Guide Loading The Camera 1. Remove the Back Cover by pressing the Lock Clip. While pressing, either pull on the leather tab on the Lock Catch or pry the Back Cover off with your fingers. If you have difficulty removing the Back Cover, you can pry the Lock Catch with a flat-head screwdriver or butter knife, and later bend the Lock Catch with pliers until it is easier to remove with your fingers.
  • Page 27 Fig 5-2: The Neck and Shutter in the storage position (left), and the extended position (right) 11. The method for focusing the lens depends on the model of camera: Argus A, A2B, and FA (Two-Position Focus): This is probably the most misunderstood aspect of the Argus. The focus distances are only labeled on the Argus Download this book for free at http://www.TheArgusA.com/...
  • Page 28 FA. (The Modified Two-Position Focus in Chapter 8 discusses the two-position focus further.) 1. Focus in infinity position: To focus for a distance of about 15ft. to Infinity, rotate the Shutter and Neck assembly until the Lens Locking Tabs are NOT over the Locking Lugs.
  • Page 29 shutter. Keep in mind that the Argus View Finder shows slightly less than will appear on the film negative; this was intentional and meant to compensate for aiming errors. The camera must be held steady, resting against the cheek, and the pressure on the Trigger should be gradual so that the camera is held as still as possible while the shutter is operating.
  • Page 30 Using The Light Meter/Exposure Calculator (A2B and A2F) I. First, you must set the Tabs to the proper film speed. Determining Film Speed: To set the Film Speed Tab, you must translate the film speed on the film cartridge, which is in ISO(ASA), to the film speed written on the camera, which is in Weston.

  • Page 31: Shutter Speeds

    Fig. 5-3 : Example 1 Example 1 Film: 100 ISO (72 Weston) The second block is visible in the extinction meter. You are outdoors with average lighting conditions. Use the following Shutter Speed/Aperture combinations: Shutter Speed f-stop Table 5-2: Equivalent Shutter Speed/Aperture combinations for Example 1 Example 2 Film: 50 ISO (40 Weston) The third block is visible in the extinction meter.
  • Page 32 In the early models of the Argus camera, the early As and AFs, the aperture settings are listed as f/4.5, 5.6, 8, and 11. This undoubtedly caused confusion because the difference between f/4.5 and f/5.6 is about a half stop, whereas the other differences are full stops.

  • Page 33: Accessories

    Accessories Soon after it entered the market, the Argus was quickly joined by a myriad of accessories. Verschoor envisioned the Argus as part of a system of components that could cheaply create pictures from start to finish. On the enlarger, the camera body and lens were also used to hold the negative and project the image onto the print.
  • Page 34 the sun; thus providing more interesting and more artistic shots. The attachment fits the camera lens mount as well as filters, copying, and portrait attachments. combination may be used. This lens shade is very helpful in bright situations. Portrait Attachment No. 3 (SORCA) Part No.
  • Page 35 Argus cameras by modifying an old Argus filter, as described in Chapter 8, or by bending the aluminum tabs until they properly grip the Lens Assembly. Carrying cases for the Argus A cameras are commonly found in very poor condition because they are made out of leather and about sixty years old. The author has seen examples of cases for every camera except the Argus FA.
  • Page 36 Fig. 6-2: Argus Redycase (left), De Luxe Case (center), and Zipper Case (right) Black Leather Zipper Case (BLANCA) Part No. 50 An all-purpose case of heavy selected cowhide, completely lined with soft rich velvet that will not scratch or damage camera. Zipper fastener running around slightly more than three sides, allowing almost instant full (bookwise) opening.
  • Page 37 (SAFE) Part No. X-3 Now available for use in anchoring the Argus camera with greater safety in either the De Luxe Carrying case or the “Redycase”. This is a threaded stud with large knurled head which can be inserted in tripod socket to prevent the possibility of camera accidentally falling out of case.
  • Page 38 There were several books written in the 1950s about Argus cameras, but the author has only found one which mentions any of the Argus A line. The earliest editions of “The Argus 35mm Guide”, by Dr. Kenneth Tydings, S.P.E., lightly touch upon the Argus FA.
  • Page 39 to the desired length of time. Self-timers are particularly useful if you are using a cheap, unstable, miniature tripod or taking extreme close-ups. There are several things to keep in mind if you are looking for a self-timer. Try to get one with an instruction manual.
  • Page 40 When acquiring a flash for your Argus camera, make certain that you purchase a flash that will fit your camera. The Argus AA uses a flash gun whose flash posts are 3/4ths of an inch apart (center to center).

  • Page 41: R Estoration And

    Restoration And Repair One of the great advantages of the Argus A is how easy it is to repair. This chapter will discuss repairs by dividing the camera into three main sections: the Body, the Neck, and the Shutter (see Fig. 4-1).
  • Page 42 The only reason to take it off is to clean around it or to polish it with aluminum polish. If you attempt to polish it, be prepared to spend a lot of time scrubbing the knurled portion. Ensure that when you replace the knob, the slot in the screw-hole of the knob is properly lined-up.
  • Page 43 set the Counter Dial to “0” when the camera is first loaded with film. Unfortunately, this clutch often fails and begins to unscrew the retaining screw. When reassembling, ensure that these items are replaced onto the screw in the proper order; first the Dial, then the copper discs (with the “rim” of the bowl touching the Dial), and then the brass cylinder.
  • Page 44 glue it EXACTLY where it broke off. Serious problems will occur if the Pressure Plate is not affixed correctly. The post-war A2B and the FA have a floating Pressure Plate (see Fig. 4-7). This is a stamped aluminum plate that is kept aloft with by a springy metal band. The only problem to be had with a floating Pressure Plate is a weak spring, but this can be fixed by carefully bending the metal band with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
  • Page 45 Light-Proof Ribbon The most overlooked part of the Body is the inside of the cylinder that the Neck slides into. If you undo the four screws that hold the Neck and Shutter assembly to the Body, you should see that the inside of this Body cavity is lined with a fuzzy, light-proof ribbon that is similar to velvet.
  • Page 46 Argus. His “AOS Optical Spanner”, with pointed ends, fits every model of Argus A type camera. The part number is “AOS-PT” and it sells for $19.00, not including shipping or taxes. S.K. Grimes (www.skgrimes.com or (401)762- 0857) also sells an Optical Spanner Wrench, which runs $35.00, including postage to the...
  • Page 47 Fig. 7-2: “Homemade” adjustable shutter removal tool Once you have removed the nut, the Shutter can be separated from the Neck, and two metal plates, one with the Lens Locking Tabs and one with the Locking Lugs, can be removed from the Neck. In addition to these plates, there are occasionally one or more thin washers.
  • Page 48 Cleaning The Lens The objective lens of the Argus is very easy to clean. But be careful not to scratch or damage the lens by using improper cleaning techniques. At a minimum, use only the materials found in a lens cleaning kit purchased from a camera store. The Lens Assembly, which has already been removed, can be further disassembled.
  • Page 49 Q-Tip to the spindle and lubricate it. Work the mechanism so that the lubricant is spread around. The pre-war shutter is found on the Argus A, AF, pre-war A2B, and A2F. While the shutter is generally the same, the face plates are differ considerably. This is the same shutter found on the Argus A3 and Argus ColorCamera (CC), and these procedures can be used to repair those cameras as well.
  • Page 50 Fig. 7-4: Pre-war Shutter Face Plates Let us take a look at the inside of the pre-war Shutter. Do not attempt to remove any of the screws on the inside of the shutter mechanism; they are difficult to replace. On this shutter, you can fire the Trigger while the Face Plate is removed, it will not affect the mechanism if it is working properly.
  • Page 51 F: This lever rides on a cam on the Face Plate. When you rotate the Face Plate to set the shutter speed to B(ulb) or T(imed), this lever sets the mechanism in B to the proper position. G: This lever also rides on a cam on the Face Plate. It controls the shutter speed from 25 to 200.
  • Page 52 The post-war Shutter is found on the post-war Argus A2B and the FA. Although there is no direct evidence, the post-war Shutter appears to be the Wollensak Alphax shutter, also used on cameras such as the Bolsey B, Bolsey C, Perfex One-O-One, and others from the post-war period.
  • Page 53 E. These are the lubrication points for the delay mechanism. For every speed from 25 to 150, this mechanism delays the shutter blades to ensure that the shutter blades remain open for the appropriate amount of time. If your shutter blades do not close properly when set to 25 speed but work well on 150 speed, the problem most likely lies here.
  • Page 54 Again, reassembling the Shutter is trickier than taking it apart. The steps are the reverse of disassembly, but care must be taken to ensure that all of the various components, particularly the cams on the Face Plate, line up properly. When replacing the Face Plate, make sure that the Shutter Speed Lever is at the top of the Shutter.
  • Page 55 “finishing” side of a nail file. These are not the only light leaks that can appear on an Argus camera, but they are the most common. Be creative when searching for light leaks, and don’t give up easily.

  • Page 56: Tricks And

    Tricks And Modifications When the Argus debuted in 1936, taking a picture was still a hit or miss endeavor. Light meters were primitive and hardly more accurate than charts. Flash bulbs had just been invented and were still quite unreliable. Each type of film came with its own chart of shutter speed and f-stop combinations, depending on the lighting conditions (“Is this BRIGHT SUN or HAZY SUN?”).
  • Page 57 Set the aperture at f/4.5. You can now look through the back of the camera to see exactly what the negative will look like. Keep in mind, however, that the image will be upside- down. If you intend to take many close up pictures, you can mark the front View Finder lens with a fine-point water-soluble marker to indicate any changes due to parallax.
  • Page 58 shallow depth of field, make for interesting effects. Cityscapes can be made with the first exposure during the day and the second at night. While some of these effects require computation to determine the proper exposure times and apertures, they offer some truly unique approaches to picture taking.
  • Page 59 The Pinhole Argus The Argus camera can be changed into a pinhole camera. But so can a shoebox. What makes the Argus a better pinhole camera than a shoebox? 1. The Pinhole Argus can easily be converted back into a normal camera with no permanent damage.
  • Page 60 pixels, and 1200 should have 75 pixels. Once you have double-checked that your scanner is properly set, scan the strips of aluminum foil and zoom in on the holes. Count the number of pixels that fit lengthwise in the hole and divide by the dpi setting. That will give you the correct diameter of your pinhole.
  • Page 61 and the shutter is in the extended position with the optimum pinhole size, the exposure time should be 1.3 seconds (1/100 x 130 = 1.3). Bear in mind that this calculation assumes that the pinhole is exactly 0.0113 inches in diameter, perfectly round, the film is without reciprocity, etc.
  • Page 62 slight modification, however, the Argus can produce all sorts of “artistic flaws”. It also allows a surprising degree of control over the intentional flaws. This modification places a “mask” about 1/8 between the negative and the lens. Therefore, light traveling through the lens must pass through the mask before it reaches the negative.
  • Page 63 The Closer Two-Position Focus The focusing mechanism on the Argus A and A2B is limited because it can only focus at two distances: Infinity to about 15ft, and about 15ft to 6ft. This modification allows the user to temporarily shorten these distances to take closer pictures.
  • Page 64 Junk and toy cameras often have this type of accessory shoe, as well. There are two logical places to put an accessory shoe on an Argus A. The area to the right of the Counter Dial (above the cavity for the 35mm film cartridge) works well if it is only intended to hold something small, like an Argus light meter.

  • Page 65: Finding An Argu In

    Finding An Argus In Good Shape The 60 Second Camera Evaluation You are walking down the street of a city you are visiting and something black, yet chromed, catches your eye. As you approach it, you see that one of the many antique stores in this part of the city has just put an Argus A2B in the window, just like the one you’ve always wanted.
  • Page 66 You should see a very temporary flash of light. If you consistently see a flash of light while firing the shutter, then the shutter mechanism is probably still good and will be easily restored. If you cannot fire the shutter and see the flash of light at the top speed, you may not be able to use the camera without sending it to a repairman.

  • Page 67: For More Information

    Oklahoma Press, this book is obviously a labor of love. Lahue and Bailey outline all of the major American-made 35mm trends, companies, and camera models from the early thirties to the early seventies. In addition to the Argus A cameras, this book also covers other cameras by Argus, UniveX/Universal, Kodak, Perfex, Bolsey, Kardon, Bell &...

  • Page 68: Appendix A: Argus A Patent

    Appendix A: Argus A Patent Download this book for free at http://www.TheArgusA.com/...
  • Page 69 Download this book for free at http://www.TheArgusA.com/...
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  • Page 72 Download this book for free at http://www.TheArgusA.com/...

  • Page 73: Appendix B: Bibliography And References

    Aim and Shoot: Argus Candid Camera Photography. Ann Arbor, MI: International Research Corporation. Argus Lens Accessory Kit. Ann Arbor, MI: International Research Corporation. Instructions For Operating Model A Argus Camera. Ann Arbor, MI: International Research Corporation. Instructions For Operating Model A2F Argus Camera. Ann Arbor, MI: International Research Corporation.

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