Argus C3 and modern Flash

cme4brain

Established
Local time
2:49 PM
Joined
Jan 4, 2006
Messages
78
Location
Suffolk, Virginia USA
I am buying an Argus C3 (my dad had one) and will use it for the fun of using such a well known camera. I know the camera used flash bulbs as all did then, however how is flash photography done now with this camera? Has someone found some electronic device that plugs into the old flash contacts on the side of the camera and allows X-synch with an electronic flash? Can anyone help me?
 
Is it possible to shoot an electronic flash with an Argus C3? Well, yes, it is possible. However, you will have to do several things to enable this.

1. For true X-sync, you'll need to alter the cameras flash timing. The camera was originally setup to fire that bulb flash, so right now the camera is timed to fire the flash slightly before the shutter is fully open. This allows for the flashbulb to reach the peak output when the camera's shutter is completely open. However, for an electronic flash, you don't want this delay. So, you'll need to open the camera up (remove the leatherette on the front of the camera, remove the shutter cocking knob, and remove the four screws holding the faceplate to the camera body). Inside, you'll see the shutter mechanics. If you search the internet for Rick Olsens camera notes, he has a great description and diagram of the C3 shutter.

2. You'll need to find one of the uncommon PC-flash adapters for the Argus C3. If you can't find this, it is possible to rig something up using the original flash. Again, searching the internet should come up with some ideas.

3. You'll need to test your setup to be sure you have the flash timing correct. A quick test involves mounting the flash, opening the camera back, setting the aperture to the widest setting, and pressing the shutter release. You should see a bright light through the lens if the flash timing is correct. Still, you should run a roll of film through the camera to be absolutely sure.

I know this answer covers everything fairly briefly, but the information is out there if you look carefully. I'm just answering your question from memory and based on experience with using/repairing the C3. If you still have trouble, feel free to say so. I'd be more than happy to locate the specific information you need.
 
burninfilm said:
Is it possible to shoot an electronic flash with an Argus C3? Well, yes, it is possible. However, you will have to do several things to enable this.


I know this answer covers everything fairly briefly, but the information is out there if you look carefully. I'm just answering your question from memory and based on experience with using/repairing the C3. If you still have trouble, feel free to say so. I'd be more than happy to locate the specific information you need.

When I look at the owners manual for the C3, it does state that the C3 will sync at all speed with the X-contact, but that must be for a later camera. I do not see this "X" contact, unless it somehow is the flash connector.
 
I just re-timed mine...

I just re-timed mine...

Very easy actually. Just loosen the brass plate atop the shutter cocking assembly and rotate until the contact located above that assembly closes about halfway through the exposure. You can keep a thumb/finger on the cocking lever when releasing the shutter to slow things down so you can see if it closes at the correct moment. After re-assembly, put your flash in front of the lens, look through the camera back and fire the camera...if you're now blind, you did it correctly 😀 .

I was lucky enough to get the original flash battery holder that holds the bulb/batts/reflector. A plastic hot shoe on a cheap strobe will screw right into the bulb holder....before doing that for final assembly run wires inside the holder from the bottom battery contact and the side bulb contact to the shoe connectors on the strobe...voila, instant Metz-style handle flash on a brick. If I remember, I'll take a quick digi-photo to post later today.

Jo
 
cme4brain said:
When I look at the owners manual for the C3, it does state that the C3 will sync at all speed with the X-contact, but that must be for a later camera. I do not see this "X" contact, unless it somehow is the flash connector.
Mine has a X contact on the hotshoe, but I haven't tried it yet. Does yours have the same hotshoe?.

argusx2uu2.jpg


Best regards,
Jes.
 
Back
Top Bottom