Argus 21
| Argus 21 |
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Manufacturer: Argus
Film type: 35mm
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The Argus 21 is a 35mm film camera, manufactured from 1947-52. The distinguishing feature of this camera is the "Markfinder". The Argus 21 viewfinder features a projected bright frame and central cross to aid in photo composition, said to be inspired by the company's WWII military optics. The 1/200 top shutter speed is a bit limited; and film loading and rewind are somewhat idiosyncratic (see the manual linked below).
While the 21 is a scale focus camera, its body became the basis for the followup rangefinder models the C4 and C44. However the 21 featured a decorative circular motif on its back (blank, where the Argus CC had an exposure calculator), and a different baseplate locking catch, both only briefly used on the followup C4.
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| image by John Kratz (Image rights) |
Links
- Argus 21 manual (PDF) at Mike Butkus' OrphanCameras.com
- Argus Metal Bodied Removable Back Cameras and Model 21 profile (PDF) at Argus Collectors Group
- A period advertisement shows how the bright-frame 'Markfinder' works; scan from the Argus Museum Flickr account
- The Argus Eyes employee newsletter for July, 1952, devotes page 7 to a send-off for the final "21" shipped from the factory, serial #64785. It notes this model being temperamental to put together.
- Argus 21 at Sylvain Halgand's www.collection-appareils.fr (in French)
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| Back release with screw head (see more views of this camera) image by sunivroc (Image rights) |
