Difference between revisions of "Argus 260 Automatic"

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The '''260 Automatic''' is a sturdy, metal built [[viewfinder]] camera for [[126]] cartridges from [[Argus]], manufactured by [[Mamiya]].<ref>Page 129, {{Argomania}}.</ref>
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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]] or the [[Amica Amimatic]].</ref>
  
This is one of the more sophisticated cameras one could buy for 126 films because it has an automatic exposure system based on a [[selenium]] cell. This also indicates under exposure by showing a red light in the viewfinder.
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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.
  
For darker situations AG1 [[flashbulbs]] can be used under the flip-up cover. The eject knob can be found on the backside of the camera. (The later [[Argus 264 Instant Load]] would switch to [[flashcubes]].)
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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 Selenium cell controls the aperture in combination with only one shutter speed.
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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.
 
 
The lens is a coated Cintar and focusing ring has indications in meters and feet.
 
Power for the flashbulbs comes from 2 size N batteries. These are not necessary for normal operation, the selenium cell does not need a battery.
 
  
 
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==Links==
 
==Links==
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*[https://www.butkus.org/chinon/argus/argus_260_automatic/argus_260_automatic.htm Argus 260 Automatic user manual] at [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/ Butkus.org]
 
*[https://argusmuseum.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/3E85E033-9B66-4AB6-AAE1-984899075014 Object record] for a 260 Automatic, at the [https://argusmuseum.pastperfectonline.com/ Argus Museum collection database]
 
*[https://argusmuseum.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/3E85E033-9B66-4AB6-AAE1-984899075014 Object record] for a 260 Automatic, at the [https://argusmuseum.pastperfectonline.com/ Argus Museum collection database]
  
[[Category:Argus|260 Automatic]]
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[[Category:Argus|260]]
[[Category:126 film]]
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[[Category:2|260 Argus]]
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[[Category:Japanese 126 film]]

Latest revision as of 04:43, 31 July 2023

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.


Argus 260 Automatic
images by René Maly (Image rights)


Notes

  1. 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.
  2. 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