ARGUS camera company
![Picture](/uploads/1/0/2/0/10205587/9039257.jpg)
Argus Lady Carefree,
plastic camera for 1967
Argus is an American maker of cameras and photographic products, founded in 1936 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Argus originated as a subsidiary of the International Radio Corporation (IRC), founded by Charles Verschoor. Its best-known product was the C3 rangefinder camera, which enjoyed a 27-year production run and became one of the top-selling cameras in history. The company's Model A was the first low-cost 35 mm camera in the United States.
Link: Argus Collectors Group
Link: Argus Collectors Group
ARGUS C3
![Picture](/uploads/1/0/2/0/10205587/1940201.jpg)
1939-1966
The Argus C3 was a low-priced rangefinder camera mass-produced from 1939 to 1966 by Argus in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. The camera was the best-selling 35mm camera in the world for nearly three decades, and helped popularize the 35mm format. Due to its shape, size, and weight, it is commonly referred to as "The Brick" by photographers (in Japan its nickname translates as "The Lunchbox"). The most famous 20th century photographer who used it was Tony Vaccaro, who employed this model during World War II.
The basic C3 model underwent only minor revisions from its introduction until it was discontinued in 1966. For instance, the number of shutter speeds was lowered from ten to seven to five, an accessory shoe was added, and the exposure reminder dial on the back of the camera was removed. There was a variant featuring color-coded exposure controls known as the Colormatic. A second-generation C3 with an improved lens and more comfortable controls, the Standard C3, came out in 1958, though it was otherwise nearly identical to its predecessor.
The Argus C3 was a low-priced rangefinder camera mass-produced from 1939 to 1966 by Argus in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. The camera was the best-selling 35mm camera in the world for nearly three decades, and helped popularize the 35mm format. Due to its shape, size, and weight, it is commonly referred to as "The Brick" by photographers (in Japan its nickname translates as "The Lunchbox"). The most famous 20th century photographer who used it was Tony Vaccaro, who employed this model during World War II.
The basic C3 model underwent only minor revisions from its introduction until it was discontinued in 1966. For instance, the number of shutter speeds was lowered from ten to seven to five, an accessory shoe was added, and the exposure reminder dial on the back of the camera was removed. There was a variant featuring color-coded exposure controls known as the Colormatic. A second-generation C3 with an improved lens and more comfortable controls, the Standard C3, came out in 1958, though it was otherwise nearly identical to its predecessor.
ARGUS MATCHMATIC
![Picture](/uploads/1/0/2/0/10205587/9959379.jpg)
1958-1966
Three variants were offered in addition to the basic C3: the Matchmatic, Golden Shield, and C33. The first two, produced from 1958 to 1966, were sold with a selenium light meter attachment but were otherwise essentially identical to the Standard C3. Both models also featured distinctive finishes: two-tone tan and black leatherette on the Matchmatic and metallized PET film coating on the Golden 3Shield. The C33, sold from 1959 to 1960, was a significant departure from the basic model though it still featured the classic "brick" shape. It offered numerous improveme s over the older model including an integrated rangefinder and coupled light meter.
The Matchmatic model has recently become popular amongst Harry Potter collectors: the character Colin Creevey used it in the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
In Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Polly Perkins aka Gwyneth Paltrow is a reporter, packing an Argus C3 around through all sorts of mayhem.
Before that, it was known as the camera used by Spy Magazine photographer Elizabeth Imbrie (Ruth Hussey) in the 1940 comedy The Philadelphia Story.
Three variants were offered in addition to the basic C3: the Matchmatic, Golden Shield, and C33. The first two, produced from 1958 to 1966, were sold with a selenium light meter attachment but were otherwise essentially identical to the Standard C3. Both models also featured distinctive finishes: two-tone tan and black leatherette on the Matchmatic and metallized PET film coating on the Golden 3Shield. The C33, sold from 1959 to 1960, was a significant departure from the basic model though it still featured the classic "brick" shape. It offered numerous improveme s over the older model including an integrated rangefinder and coupled light meter.
The Matchmatic model has recently become popular amongst Harry Potter collectors: the character Colin Creevey used it in the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
In Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Polly Perkins aka Gwyneth Paltrow is a reporter, packing an Argus C3 around through all sorts of mayhem.
Before that, it was known as the camera used by Spy Magazine photographer Elizabeth Imbrie (Ruth Hussey) in the 1940 comedy The Philadelphia Story.