I got me a brick!

[oscroft]

Before I came to this forum and found CameraQuest, I'd never heard of Argus cameras - I guess they never really made it to the UK. When I learned a little of them, I was surprised how many C3s were made and how much of an impact they made on the acceptance and use of 35mm film in the US. And when I first saw pictures of the C3, which is probably the most hideously ugly camera I've ever seen, I wanted one - just to get a feel for the thing and find out what it was like to use.

So after prevaricating and watching eBay auctions come and go for ages, I've finally dived in and won one for a C3 in good working order and what looks like excellent cosmetic condition. Just waiting for it to arrive now 🙂

 

[oscroft]

The brick is here!

The brick is here!

My brick arrived this morning, and it's in excellent condition. Cosmetically it's pretty good, with all the chrome still unmarked and gleaming, and the shutter looks good - it fires at all speeds and looks about right. The focus cog train is a bit stiff, but I guess the lubrication has got a bit thick.

It's an ugly mutha with all the elegance of, well, a brick. But it has a strange kind of charm - I think I'm going to like it 😀

 

[Austintatious]

Alan,
The C-3 is a fun camera to use and can render some really nice images for you. You can do some double exposure shots very easily with it. (even when you are not trying to) Here is a link to the owners manual in case it did not include one.
http://arguscg.tripod.com/id82.html
Enjoy it !!

Charles

 

[Skinny McGee]

My biggest problem I have with mine is correct film advancement. I got one that the rangefinder was messed up on and made a great pinhole out of it. You can also find the 100mm lens for cheap.

 

[oscroft]

My biggest problem I have with mine is correct film advancement

That's interesting, thanks - I might try it with a sacrificed film (I've got one I use for the purpose) to check it's at least moving smoothly before I try shooting with it.

I got one that the rangefinder was messed up on and made a great pinhole out of it

I've been quite lucky there. The rangefinder seems accurate and is nice and clear.

You can also find the 100mm lens for cheap

I've never seen one, but my eyes are now peeled - I'd love to get one (but my C3 doesn't have an accessory shoe, so a viewfinder might be a bit of a problem). Talking of lenses, how do you remove the lens? (I can see no obvious way, and the only instructions I've found on the web are for general operation and don't mention changing the lens).

 

[oscroft]

Here is a link to the owners manual in case it did not include one.
http://arguscg.tripod.com/id82.html

That's great, thanks - I didn't get a manual with it, and that's better than anything I'd already found on the web.

 

[Dean]

Here is your handy repair manual:

http://arguscg.tripod.com/Repairing_the_Argus_C3.htm

Have fun!

Dean

 

[raid]

Getting your first brick can be addictive. I first got a C3, then followed up with a C4 and a C44. The lenses are very good with B&W film.

Raid

 

[oscroft]

Getting your first brick can be addictive. I first got a C3, then followed up with a C4 and a C44. The lenses are very good with B&W film

Hehe, yes, I'm already keeping an eye open for more Argus stuff 🙄

But first, some Delta 400 in the one I've got and out for a shoot at the weekend.

 

[murrayatuptown]

People call it ugly, but they also called the Kodak 35RF ugly too.

I like 'em both, as well as the Moskva 5, because of all the stuff sticking out all over the place...I guess I like knobs better than buttons.