Argus Autronic 35 viewfinder problem

[KingDavid73]

I recently got a Argus Autronic 35 from ebay and had a question about it.

I've always used SLR type cameras, but always thought rangefinders seemed interesting. I finally looked on ebay and got a couple, with this Argus being the first to arrive (yesterday).

I looked it over and everything seems to be working correctly, except for the focus / viewfinder.

Since I've never used a rangefinder camera before, I'm not sure exactly what to look for, but from what I understand, there is supposed to be a smaller image superimposed onto the main image in the viewfinder, and when they overlap, then the image is in focus. The only problem is there is no superimposed image. I turn the focus dial and the lens moves in and out, but nothing in the viewfinder changes.

I tried cleaning everything off just in case maybe smudges or dust were blocking something, but that didn't help. I found the manual for the camera online and it showed what it's supposed to look like, but all I don't see anything in the viewfinder except what I'd see with my own eyes. No superimposed image or frame border (idk if this model has a frame border, but I know many rangefinders do).

Anyway, is there something broken causing this, and is it an easy fix? A little bit of research has said that this might be a common issue with this model and it's just out of sync?

Any info on this issue would be helpful.

Thanks,
David

 

[tunalegs]

It's been a really long time since I've had mine, but you're more looking for a "ghost" image in the middle of the viewfinder, and when the OBJECT you are focusing on lines up in both the viewfinder and ghost image, it is in focus. Keep in mind that if something (like your finger) blocks the rangefinder window, no superimposed ghost image will be visible.

 

[KingDavid73]

Right, that's what I thought. I don't see any sort of ghost image. I've looked around some other areas online and one source (http://www.flickr.com/groups/arguscg/discuss/72157610683215554/) shows someone with the same problem I'm having.

I'll take another look today after work. Maybe there just wasn't enough light last night when I was trying to figure it out? I was just wondering if anybody knew if this was something that could be easily fixed?

I just wanted to try out a couple rangefinder cameras to see what I thought before I dropped any serious money on a decent one. (I paid $2 for this camera). I also have a Balda Baldessamat-RF coming in the next couple days.

 

[tunalegs]

I would say the Autronic is probably one of the worst rangefinders out there for getting a feel for rangefinders. For $2 you have nothing to lose just putting it on a shelf as a curiosity and looking for a different camera (not another Autronic). I would not bother repairing it or looking for another one, the C3 and C4 are better cameras and easier to find in working condition (although they are also in their own little world so far as rangefinders go).