Argus Autronic I
The boxy, auto-exposure Argus Autronic 35 rangefinder camera (with a silver shutter release) was occasionally labeled as the "Autronic C3" and as Autronic I. But in January 1962 Argus launched two successor models: The revised Autronic I (with a black shutter release) upgraded to an f/2.8 Cintar lens; while the Autronic II also adds a new and enlarged bright-frame viewfinder. Pricing was USD $79.95 and $99.95, respectively.
Just months after this introduction, Argus merged with Mansfield Industries; and as of December production of these (and other) models moved to their production facility in tiny Spring Grove, Minnesota.[1] This ended the era of building cameras in Ann Arbor which had begun with the Argus A in 1936.
Argus Autronic II image by Rick Soloway (Image rights) |
Autronic I image by Graustark (Image rights) |
Collectors take note: A mint Autronic I will be exhumed from a time capsule in Ann Arbor in 2062.
Notes
- ↑ Noted in a December, 1962 clipping from the Ann Arbor News; collection of Ann Arbor District Library.
Links
- Autronic I and Autronic II at Mike Butkus's OrphanCameras.com
- Argus Autronic series at Argus Collectors Group
- 1962 newspaper clipping about the new Autronic introductions with their features compared; from the Ann Arbor District Library's Argus materials online