fraley
Beware of Claws
Any fans of the Argus C4 out there? I just got one, if you have any tips or tricks to share. I took a test roll with ISO 200 drugstore film and processing. No scans, just prints, otherwise I'd post one or two.
I'm thinking of sending it to the health spa for a CLA. I found this info on the internet. Does anyone have experience with getting an Argus CLA'd?
"Former Argus Service Manager Dick Kinsey specializes in the
repair of Argus cameras and equipment. His firm is the Ikon Company, located
in Columbia, South Carolina. His phone number is (803) 787-1626."
Things I like about the camera:
* On an overcast day, the colors and contrast are good
* Very sharp Cintar f:2.8 coated anastigmatic lens
* No flare or light leaks
* Good film transport (even spacing between frames)
* Good visibility of rangefinder patch
* Good viewfinder, quite bright
* Hefty feel to die-cast camera body (28 oz)
* "Genuine Cowhide" ever-ready case has snaps to remove top half
* Behind lens leaf shutter is easily accessible for lighter fluid treatment
* The shutter, aperture and focus controls are manual, simple and reliable
Things I'm not so fond of:
* Could use more standard shutter speeds -- it has B, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/300
* I can't quite make out all four corners of the viewfinder with glasses on
* No brightline or parallax compensation
* Fixed lens, 50mm only (ask Bill Mattocks about the modified version with removeable lenses 😉 )
* Non-standard filter size: 33mm slip-on adapter ring and 41mm or Series VI filters
(threaded inside diameter will take Kodak No. 26 Series VI screw-in adapter ring)
* Would be nice if the shutter speeds snapped into place instead of a free-turning wheel
Conclusion:
This is a solid likeable camera, very reminiscent to me of a Zorki with table manners. The edges have been smoothed off, if you know what I mean. A Zorki what went to finishing school. Okay I am deranged. My family shake their heads and tisk-tisk as I try the shutter for the umpteenth-thousandth time. But it's got that certain something...
I'm thinking of sending it to the health spa for a CLA. I found this info on the internet. Does anyone have experience with getting an Argus CLA'd?
"Former Argus Service Manager Dick Kinsey specializes in the
repair of Argus cameras and equipment. His firm is the Ikon Company, located
in Columbia, South Carolina. His phone number is (803) 787-1626."
Things I like about the camera:
* On an overcast day, the colors and contrast are good
* Very sharp Cintar f:2.8 coated anastigmatic lens
* No flare or light leaks
* Good film transport (even spacing between frames)
* Good visibility of rangefinder patch
* Good viewfinder, quite bright
* Hefty feel to die-cast camera body (28 oz)
* "Genuine Cowhide" ever-ready case has snaps to remove top half
* Behind lens leaf shutter is easily accessible for lighter fluid treatment
* The shutter, aperture and focus controls are manual, simple and reliable
Things I'm not so fond of:
* Could use more standard shutter speeds -- it has B, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/300
* I can't quite make out all four corners of the viewfinder with glasses on
* No brightline or parallax compensation
* Fixed lens, 50mm only (ask Bill Mattocks about the modified version with removeable lenses 😉 )
* Non-standard filter size: 33mm slip-on adapter ring and 41mm or Series VI filters
(threaded inside diameter will take Kodak No. 26 Series VI screw-in adapter ring)
* Would be nice if the shutter speeds snapped into place instead of a free-turning wheel
Conclusion:
This is a solid likeable camera, very reminiscent to me of a Zorki with table manners. The edges have been smoothed off, if you know what I mean. A Zorki what went to finishing school. Okay I am deranged. My family shake their heads and tisk-tisk as I try the shutter for the umpteenth-thousandth time. But it's got that certain something...
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