Argus Automatic 35

An Argus of obscure origin image by Jim Clarke (Image rights)

Note: the Argus Autronic models are different cameras.

The camera labeled simply Argus Automatic on its front and top is more fully named in its manual as "Argus Automatic 35" (and also as "electric eye 35mm"). This is a scale focus model from the era when Argus had been merged with Mansfield Industries of Chigago. The Argus Museum dates it to 1963–66. It precedes Argus's "Instant Load" models for 126 film.

The camera offers a limited range of shutter speeds from 1/250th to 1/15th second. A selenium photocell enables shutter-priority autoexposure, although manual aperture control of the 45mm f/2.8 lens is available.

Engraving on the camera's baseplate indicates "made in Japan," although we aren't aware of definitive sources identifying a specific manufacturer. At this time Mansfield (and so, Argus) had a relationship with Mamiya, e.g. in the case of the Mansfield Eye-Tronic; or the Argus (SLR)—also a product without a distinguishing model number. However Yamato was the maker of the Mansfield Skylark from this era, and the concurrent Argus A-5 bears more resemblance to that.

Links

• Argus Automatic 35 manual from Mike Butkus' OrphanCameras.com
• Object number 2016.1.309 entry at the Argus Musem database shows several photographs of an Argus Automatic.
• Material relating to the Automatic 35 at the Ann Arbor Argus museum's artifact database