Did you know? Argus price 1954

[radiocemetery]

Hi Argus folks

I was at an antique mall today looking for old calipers to convert into lens spanners. I didn't find any, but there was an Argus C3 with it's box that still contained the original receipt. The receipt, dated 12-23-1954, recorded the price of the camera as $49.25.

That seems like a lot in 1954.

Steve at the radiocemetery

PS the antique vendor wanted 25.00 for the camera and box, no case, no flash.

 

[jlw]

Yup, according to the NewsEngin Cost-of-Living calculator, based on average US city data for 2004 (latest year available) your Argus would cost about $340 in current money.

Interesting to realize that a camera we now think of as a crude, funky cheapie must have been quite a prized possession in its day. Of course it's not so surprising when I think of how many really good old family Kodachromes I've seen that were made with these modestly-spec'ed Argae... back then, for many photographers, the Argus was the first "good camera" they'd ever owned, and they used it with care and respect.

 

[rover]

What were the producation dates of the Argus cameras? Perhaps a better question is, Is there a web sit which shows the producation dates of the Argus cameras?

 

[radiocemetery]

http://arguscg.tripod.com/index.html

Here is a link to an Argus collectors site. There is an Army manual for C3 repair on this site, and a data base survey that they are compiling for the Argus cameras. Pretty interesting. I have a real nice C3 that dates to 1955. I have signed up for a darkroom photography class this spring and hope to wow everyone with this camera. I haven't used it yet. I think it will be fun.

Steve at the radiocemetery

 

[fraley]

I'm shooting a roll of Fuji Acros at the moment with my Argus C4. The shutter speeds are a little unusual -- 100, 300 instead of 125, 250 -- but it's a nice solid camera and has a clean, sharp lens. Takes so long to wind ahead that I tend to think more before shooting too 🙂

 

[radiocemetery]

Fraley,

I was tempted to get a C4 recently. The top cover had some dents that could have been repaired, but what stopped me was the focusing wheel and the gear on the lens would uncouple at random places while focusing. This would result in an out of focus condition. I am not sure this was as easily remedied, and I didn't want to spend the money until I can find out. I am keeping my eyes open to see if other C4's share this problem.

I have read that the lens on the C4 is better than that of the C3. Anyone have any experience comparing the two?

regards, Steve at the radiocemetery

 

[fraley]

Steve,

I just turn the lens barrel to focus. I had a CLA done on mine (cost much more than the camera!). The focusing wheel is rather stiff and I think it's easier just to turn the lens. Sorry, I can't compare C3 and C4 lenses. But I do know my C4 lens is at least as good as my FSU lenses.

 

[J.Ed]

The C4 problem is that the rangefinder assembly has shifted slightly and barely engages the lens gearing. Easy fix, especially as the top needs to come of to repair the dents.

The Argus C series of cameras (C,C2,C3) were in production from approximately 1939 to 1966. Two million cameras more or less.

 

[radiocemetery]

J.Ed,

Thanks for the tip on the C4. I will have to check out the one I saw a little further. Maybe I will have another Argus in my arsenal of old shooters. You described the problem exactly, and I didn't know the rangefinder assembly could be easily shifted.

Steve

 

[radiocemetery]

Fraley,

My C3 focuses most easily with the lens also, although it is much better after a CLA I did myself. BTW I like your gallery shots especially the "holy truck", and the dog. Nice work.

Steve

 

[fraley]

Have you all seen this article in Shutterbug on Argus? You might enjoy it.

http://www.shutterbug.net/equipmentreviews/35mm_cameras/0306classic/index.html

Thanks Steve for the comments!

 

[Robert Kildare]

In 1954, the Argus C4 was listed in the Sears catalogue at $85.00. That was almost half of a schoolteacher's monthly salary. A hefty price. The C4 sold quite well anyway, despite the price and despite Argus's decision to advertise mostly the C3.

 

[athos]

Popular Photography's annual Directory and Buying Guide for 1954 lists the C-3 as $69.95 with the 50mm lens, flash and case. Accessory price for a 100mm or 35mm lens was $59.95 each.

 

[radiocemetery]

Athos,

Northwest Montana is as close to heaven as I have been. BTW I did get the C4 Argus and it is a great shooter with an excellent viewfinder and rangefinder.

Steve

 

[otaku]

Thats not really cheap thats a nicely priced camera. I've never spent more than 500 on a camera