Argus Instant Load 270
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| Instant Load 270 image by Tony Kemplen (Image rights) |
In the late era of Argus camera when all its cameras had become rebadges of foreign models, this chrome autoexposure beauty from Japan was one of the nicer offerings for 126 film. A 1967 magazine profile notes that its CdS meter cell sets programmed exposures from 1/30 second at f/2.8 through 1/800th at f/22,[1] indicated in pairs with a viewfinder needle. When aperture is set manually, the shutter remains at 1/30 (as would be used for flash exposures). A 1.35v mercury cell is needed for power.[2]
The camera uses scale focusing with pointer indicating three subject icons at the bottom of the viewfinder. Henry Gambino's Argomania attributes manufacture of the 270 to Sedic.[3] The Instant Load 284 was a similar high-specification model, but promoted as having a unique lens design (both are 40mm f/2.8 however).
Notes
- ↑ "750" is shown in the viewfinder. As film cartridges of the era topped out at ASA 160, an f/22 + 1/800 second setting would scarcely ever be needed at the earth's surface; this may be marketing in the same category as auto speedometers going up to 130 MPH.
- ↑ From a photocopied March 1967 Popular Photography (?) via the Argus Museum Flickr account.
- ↑ Pgs. 129–131, 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
Links
- Tony Kemplen's photo set taken of and with this model, from his Flickr stream; and a blog post on shooting with it.
- Jim Grey profiles this model, at his blog.
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| Top view image by Jim Grey (Image rights) |
