Difference between revisions of "Argus 260 Automatic"
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| − | The '''260 Automatic''' is a sturdy metal [[viewfinder]] camera for [[126 film]] cartridges from [[Argus]], manufactured starting in 1964 by [[Mamiya]].<ref>Page 129, {{Argomania}}. If there is a parallel Mamiya model we have not seen it. There is a bit of visual similarity to the [[Halina Simplette EE Automatic]].</ref> | + | The '''260 Automatic''' is a sturdy metal [[viewfinder]] camera for [[126 film]] cartridges from [[Argus]], manufactured starting in 1964 by [[Mamiya]].<ref>Page 129, {{Argomania}}. If there is a parallel Mamiya model we have not seen it. There is a bit of visual similarity to the [[Halina Simplette EE Automatic]] or the [[Amica Amimatic]].</ref> |
This is a comparatively sophisticated camera for 126 film,<ref>It's claimed to be the first non-[[Kodak]] model to accept 126 cartridges. Details are found in a [https://www.flickr.com/photos/186048873@N07/51026867022/ May 1965 ''Popular Photography'' (?) magazine profile], photocopy in the [https://www.flickr.com/photos/186048873@N07/ Argus Museum Flickr account].</ref> because it has an automatic aperture system based on a [[selenium meter]] cell, albeit only over a range from F/22 to f/5.6. The shutter speed is fixed at 1/125th second. The camera can detect the 126 cartridge keying which indicates ASA 64 or 160. The viewfinder warns of likely underexposure by showing a red flag. | This is a comparatively sophisticated camera for 126 film,<ref>It's claimed to be the first non-[[Kodak]] model to accept 126 cartridges. Details are found in a [https://www.flickr.com/photos/186048873@N07/51026867022/ May 1965 ''Popular Photography'' (?) magazine profile], photocopy in the [https://www.flickr.com/photos/186048873@N07/ Argus Museum Flickr account].</ref> because it has an automatic aperture system based on a [[selenium meter]] cell, albeit only over a range from F/22 to f/5.6. The shutter speed is fixed at 1/125th second. The camera can detect the 126 cartridge keying which indicates ASA 64 or 160. The viewfinder warns of likely underexposure by showing a red flag. | ||
Revision as of 22:06, 16 June 2021
The 260 Automatic is a sturdy metal viewfinder camera for 126 film cartridges from Argus, manufactured starting in 1964 by Mamiya.[1]
This is a comparatively sophisticated camera for 126 film,[2] because it has an automatic aperture system based on a selenium meter cell, albeit only over a range from F/22 to f/5.6. The shutter speed is fixed at 1/125th second. The camera can detect the 126 cartridge keying which indicates ASA 64 or 160. The viewfinder warns of likely underexposure by showing a red flag.
For darker situations AG-1 flashbulbs can be used by flipping up a reflector, which also resets the shutter to 1/30th. In this mode the aperture adjusts according to the focus distance set. The bulb ejector can be found on the backside of the camera. (The later Argus 264 Instant Load would switch to flashcubes.)
The 40mm lens is a coated Cintar and the scale focus ring has indications in meters and feet, as well as three icons for typical snapshot subjects. Power for the flashbulbs comes from 2 size N batteries. These are not necessary for normal operation, as the selenium cell does not need a battery.
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| Argus 260 Automatic images by René Maly (Image rights) | ||||||||
Notes
- ↑ Page 129, Gambino, Henry J. Argomania: A Look At Argus Cameras and the Company That Made Them. Doylestown, PA: Aeone Communications 2005. ISBN 0-9770507-0-X. If there is a parallel Mamiya model we have not seen it. There is a bit of visual similarity to the Halina Simplette EE Automatic or the Amica Amimatic.
- ↑ It's claimed to be the first non-Kodak model to accept 126 cartridges. Details are found in a May 1965 Popular Photography (?) magazine profile, photocopy in the Argus Museum Flickr account.
Links
- Object record for a 260 Automatic, at the Argus Museum collection database
