Argus A
|
| Argus A, the original Argus camera image by Jeff Rawdon (Image rights) |
Possibly the most important 35mm American camera, the Argus A was largely responsible for popularizing the 135 format in the United States.
Produced in Ann Arbor, Michigan, from 1936 to 1941 by the company still called International Research Corporation,[1] the original price of $12.50 insured its great popularity. The camera featured a collapsible 50mm F4.5 lens and a bakelite body. The shutter was supplied by Ilex. Three body types were manufactured.
The A is most often found in black, although it was also produced in gray, brown, and olive drab. An ivory white version was announced, but no actual examples have yet been observed.
Features:
- Focus Type: 2 Position (6ft - 12ft and 12ft - Infinity, later 6ft - 18ft and 18ft - Infinity)
- Years Manufactured: 1936 - 1941
- Shutter Type: Pre-war Ilex Precise
- Lens Speed: f/4.5 anastigmat
- Aperture Settings: f/4.5, 5.6, 8, 11
- Shutter Speeds: 1/200th sec, 1/100, 1/50, 1/25, B(ulb), T(ime)
- Flash Synch Tubes: No
- Pressure Plate: Fixed
Notes
- ↑ Advertising aimed largely at attracting dealer interest appeared in late 1935 (The New Photo Miniature, No. 4, pg. 234).
Links
|
| with original leather case image by Rick Soloway (Image rights) |
- Argus A user manual at Butkus.org
- Fix the Ilex Precise shutter at Camera Collecting and Restoration
- Argus A, amongst others, at The Argus Collector's Group
- Matt's Argus A at Matt's Classic Cameras
- Vintage Photo's Argus A at Scott's Photographica Collection
- Argus A at Stephen Gandy's CameraQuest
- Argus A - The First American 35mm Camera at Retrothing
- 35mm For The Proletariat: A Modern User's Guide To The Argus A/A2 Camera by Hrad Kuzyk
- Argus A- English version - at Ken.Lyndrup.dk
- Collectiblend's Argus A
In French :
- Argus A at www.collection-appareils.fr
