I might buy one just so i can go on forums like this saying how much i like my c44 to annoy people. Its construction and shutter design are quite different from the c3, so the sketches below may come in handy if you experience shutter or rangefinder problems. However the c44 bayonet is clumsy to use, as a lens can not be mounted until pairs of small red guide marks inside the mount throat and lens bayonet are aligned. Focus is smooth, aperture mechanism is working well. It also notes that serial numbers between 0044020000 and 0044022266, originally produced in october 1956, were duplicated in december 1956 production. I go over the operation of an argus c3 as well as how to calibrate the rangefinder on an argus c3. Page the precision, superimposed image type rangefinder in your argus c44 is coupled directly and permanently to the lens mount. Importantly, the argus cm2 light meter attached to this camera works as it should. Due to its shape, size, and weight, it is commonly referred to as the brick by photographers in japan its nickname translates as the lunchbox. Vintage argus c4 35mm film camera cintar 50mm len case accessories manuals flash. They did make a more rare version of the c4 with a changeable lens, but most people know about the c44 that was standard with that option. Apr 29, 2009 ive been looking at all manual rangefinders and im intrigued by the argus c44.
To focus the camera, look through the eyepiece on the back of the camera. By turning the rangefinder dial you can watch the depth. Argus c44 rangefinder argus c44 rangefinder by sirgibbsalot1 5 years ago 14 minutes, 51 seconds 2,386 views argus, c44 rangefinder camera. The camera has a hot shoe and switch for m or x sync for the flash. To remove a lens, turn the rangefinder dial to set the lens at infinity oo. Argus c3 by jacob carlson 3 years ago 8 minutes, 47 seconds 19,978 views today, after finding my grandpas old, argus, c3 camera, argus c44 rangefinder argus c44 rangefinder by sirgibbsalot1 5 years ago 14 minutes, 51 seconds 2,386 views argus, c44 rangefinder camera. Argus c44 cfortyfour overview, operation, use, taking a photo. The argus c44 is an americanmade 35mm rangefinder camera.
I have some earlier models, the c3 and the matchmatic c3, and some later ones i think, an autronic 35 and an autronic ii. Of course another big plus is the c44 s attractive glitzy shiny chrome styling. The initial maximum shutter speed was 1200, but the later versions featured 0 sec maximum shutter speed, and xsynch on the hot shoe. Many consider the c44 and c44 r the ultimate argus interchangeable lens rangefinders, since they were the last and most expensive of the long argus rangefinder line and probably because they are not aware of the geiss c4s. The c44 employs a behindthelens leaf shutter as do other argus cseries models, offering 1100 second and b. It was the american company that popularized the modern cartridged 35mm film in the u. It was an update to the earlier c44, adding a rapid wind lever, a pop up rewind lever, and plus a provision for the optional argus cm2 coupled exposure meter. The specs on it look good but everyone seems to bash it saying that its hard to change the lens. Argus c3 instruction manual, user manual, pdf manual. Argus instruction manuals argus sales brochures argus camera surveys argus books argus informational documents acg contests and events. Or you could just tear into the top to see what you have there. Jan 14, 2021 the 1950s made argus c4 aka cfour as is written on the lens barrel has a faster cintar lens at f2. The argus c4 is a very nicehandling, affordable rangefinder camera.
The new argus c44, with its builtin convenience and versatility, is americas finest 35mm. The model 21 markfinder and the c44 are very similar in construction, these sketches should help with those too. The geiss lenses have a better quality of fit and finish to them, imho, than the c44r lenses. This is the swan song for the serious us manufactured argus camera designs, but was only produced in 1956 and 1957. Having the accessories for it make it an even nicer temptation. May 16, 2019 the leica q2 is an impressively capable fixedlens, fullframe camera with a 47mp sensor and a sharp, stabilized 28mm f1. This leica wannabe is essentially a c4 with the inclusion of interchangeable lenses, something the c4 lacked, except for an aftermarket version modified to accept geiss interchangeable lens.
I got this poor thing at a yard sale a while back, and it needed tlc, and still needs some. This bargain bin camera is not fully functional, however it is complete with all correct parts and can be either repaired, used as a display piece, or used as a parts donor for other cameras. Get the best deals on argus rangefinder film cameras when you shop the largest. The thread with the c4 in the range finder forum was not my first c4. I like to use a continuous focus mode, a socalled yracking mode. The top resembles in part the c3 because of the rangefinder dial, but has some of the contours of the leica screwmount and mseries, but not so blatant as many other brands that copied the leica. The argus c3 was a low cost and good quality camera. This fires with an unexpectedly noisy snap, not unlike a. The geiss mount is considerably easier to mount and dismount lenses than the c44r the geiss lenses have a better quality of fit and finish to them, imho, than the c44r lenses the geiss lenses have a wider focal length range, from 35 to 5, rather than the 35 to 100. Apr 22, 2020 for argus c44 lenses i simply use an extension ring that has been cut down to correct distance and glued to a m39 or cmount adapter for my camera system. Many consider the c44 and c44 r the ultimate argus interchangeable. Argus c44, argus c44 r, user manual, interchangeable lenses. Mar 20, 2018 this is an argus c33, a 35mm rangefinder produced by the argus corporation in ann arbor, michigan between the years 1959 and 1961.
I believe the earliest ads for this camera were from 1952. This is a little curious because it sold for more than the argus c3. The c44, including its revised model the c44r, was the last in a long line of argus 35mm rangefinder cameras. Argus instruction manuals argus sales brochures argus camera surveys argus books argus informational documents. The g2 has removable lenses and an electronic autofocus system. Vintage argus c44 35mm film camera with cintagon 50mm f2. The c33 was an oddly designed, but ambitious update to the original c3 which added many features that had become standard for rangefinders in the years after the original cameras release. The combined rangefinder viewfinder allows you to compose your picture and focus through the same eyepiece. Its styled like a traditional leica m rangefinder and brings a host of updates to the hugely popular original leica q typ 116 that was launched in 2015. However, i did repair the faulty shutter and oiledadjusted the innards.
It seems unlikely that the rangefinder would be that far off inside the top unless it had been tampered with in the past. I love it, and it is definitely an interesting little rf. It has an impressive array of attachments and lenses, but it couldnt compete with the continued onslaught of superior foreign cameras especially the. Argus c44 or c fourty four vintage rangefinder camera from 1956. Argus c4 rangefinder camera instructions guide manual. See more ideas about camera, rangefinder camera, rangefinder.
The geiss c4 is my choice as best performing argus interchangeable lens rangefinder, over the later c44 and c44 r. It has an impressive array of attachments and lenses, but it couldnt compete with the continued onslaught of superior foreign cameras especially the single lens reflex models. Argus autronic 35 argus cm2 coupled exposure meter. Unlike other rangefinder cameras, the g2 has the ability to change lenses and has many of. Exploded views with limited repair instructions and detailed description of auto exposure control system. N1 218291 rangefinder assembly complete 1 1 21828 rangefinder base assembly 1 2 23705 rangefinder. Vintage camera mid century argus c forty four with 35mm f4. The geiss mount is considerably easier to mount and dismount lenses than the c44r. If the image below looks like your camera, click below to see the full manual.
Argus c3 case light vintage 35mm camera cintar 50mm f3. The first camera of argus, the argus a, resulted from a. Picture making with the argus c3 c4 a4 in color and in. The c44s owners manual accurately describes the process for changing lenses as, the ease with which the argus c44 lenses are interchanged. Viewfinder is clear and bright, rangefinder is calibrated well. Argus argus forty cosina argus stl argus argoflex 75. Get the best deals on argus rangefinder film cameras when you shop the largest online selection at. Nov 28, 2018 however the c44 bayonet is clumsy to use, as a lens can not be mounted until pairs of small red guide marks inside the mount throat and lens bayonet are aligned.
Argus c44 with functional cm2 light meter f stop cameras. You will probably find the argus c44 to be an interesting camera, if you decide to purchase it. There are several versions of the c4, with the earliest version 1 sharing main body elements of its precursor, the argus 21, or markfinder. Argus c20 argus c33 argus 21 argus c2 argus autronic i argus c3 lens accessories argus autronic ii argus c4 lithagon lenses argus minca 28.
Jan 04, 2017 the argus c4 was a 35mm rangefinder made by american camera company argus ann arbor, mi during the 1950s at a time when american camera companies were producing cameras for the consumer market. Viewfinder window rewind knob rangefinder diat accessory. The combined rangefinderviewfinder allows you to compose your picture and focus through the same eyepiece. All shutter speeds and camera functions are working and accurate. Of course each lens becomes a modified mount one, not adapted and will fit only one camera system i dont have. It came in great overall condition and the focus was right on. Argus c44 c44 r instruction manual and interchangeable lenses booklet posted 71904.
Information documentsacg contests and events argus c44 c4 click below to. The camera sold about 2 million units, making it one of the most popular cameras in history. Check out our argus manual selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. The c44 employs a behindthelens leaf shutter as do other argus. Before 1939 it was international research corporation, a department of international radio corporation, ann arbor. We have 1 argus c44 manual available for free pdf download. It was a sales success from the very begining and a fierce competitor against similar american cameras, such as the more expensive kodak 35 rf and the perfex. This is an argus c44r, a 35mm rangefinder camera made by argus inc. Media publishing text id 8870e287 online pdf ebook epub library should send him some money for all the camera manuals i have downloaded over the years from his sitei bought my c4 for 10 and had to reset the lens because someone. Argus c44 and c44r user manual argus variable power viewfinder pdf format, 476kb manual courtesy acg member tom heckhaus argus turret viewfinder.
Mar 30, 2017 later argus released the argus c44, which became their standard interchangeable lens rangefinder. Argus c44 vintage rangefinder camera with bayonet lens system. The argus c4, unlike the argus c3, did not have interchangeable lenses. This manual camera library is designed for reference and historical purposes. Is it really that bad or are people just nit picking. It was an upgraded version of the argus c and argus c2, adding a rangefinder gear and flash synchronization. May 09, 2020 per an argus product service department document dated may 1957, c44s with serial numbers lower than 0044032270 were made in 1956, and those from 0044032270 on were made in 1957. Aug 06, 2019 this is an argus c44r, a 35mm rangefinder camera made by argus inc. Many consider the c44 and c44r the ultimate argus interchangeable. Argus c44 manuals manuals and user guides for argus c44. You automatically focus the lens for sharp pictures by turning the rangefinder dial until the double image in the small circular spot. Argus c44 camera, 2 lens, viewfinder, light meter cm2, manual, case. Argus c44 and c44r user manual argus variable power viewfinder pdf format, 476kb manual courtesy acg member tom heckhaus argus turret viewfinder pdf format, 3kb manual courtesy acg member tom heckhaus argus c44r parts guide. The c44 was produced from 19561957 before it was replaced by the c44r which featured a winding lever in place of the knobs used on the c44.
Shutter repair is a pain in the now all it needs is a leather kit. There are no rotten light seals to fix as the factory made the door fit into the slots very deep. Argus cfour c4 35mm rangefinder camera 50mm cintar lens w. Online camera manual library this is the full text. The frame counter counts down and has to be manually reset once a roll of film is inserted. The argus c3 was a lowpriced rangefinder camera massproduced from 1939 to 1966 by argus in ann arbor, michigan, united states.
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