Argus C-2

Download Argus C-3 Manual

My first contact with the Argus C-series cameras was as a small kid in the late 1950's - my Dad had a C3.  I have learned since that there was quite an evolution of this basic design, starting in the late 1930's with the original camera, that was supplied in the basic form, but without coupled rangefinder and flash synchronization.  This camera was sold for a year or two.  Then flash synchronization and rangefinder coupling was added.  This was the Argus C2 shown on this page.  Later the camera underwent further changes resulting in subsequent C3 cameras.  Here are pictures of a C2 camera that I acquired, cleaned up and sold.  I am looking for another in better condition than this one.

Lenses

Argus Sandmar Wide Angle 35mm f/4.5	Tele-Sandmar 100mm f/4.5	Soligor 135mm f/4.5

Argus C3 Lens Removal and Installation

I found lens removal to be somewhat troublesome as compared to the bayonet mount of the Leica M3, and even compared to the Pentax screwmount.  This is because the lens must be coupled to the rangefinder using a gear that goes between.  The removal is not too bad though the small pieces (gear and retainer) must not be misplaced.

First the gear retainer is unscrewed while the lens is set to 3-feet. (It's set to 5-feet in this photo, which is fine too.  This allows the removal of the gear retainer without interference from the lens housing.  Some C3 retainers are smaller and should be removable with the lens set on any distance setting.)

Next the gear is removed from between the lens and rangefinder.

Next the lens is simply unscrewed.

Installing the lens is the reverse procedure with the lens focus distance matched to the rangefinder but...

The 50mm lens has no markings.  For that lens, I retract the lens all the way back into its housing (infinity) after screwing it back on the camera.  I set the rangefinder to infinity, then carefully drop the gear between lens and rangefinder wheel, assuring the last gear on the lens engages the gear with the rangefinder set to infinity. 

Then I carefully adjust the rangefinder to make the lens extend, allowing me to install the gear cover without having it interfere with the lens housing.