Won a C4 on the auction site.

[Al Patterson]

Yeah, I need another camera like I need crabgrass in the yard, but I bid on a C4 for kicks and won it.

I've used a C3 long ago when my dad had one, but never the C4. What should I look for besides checking the light seals?

 

[robin a]

Hi Al,I just asked the same question and was told to exersize it but dont force anything.The blades should be checked for movement as well as the shutter speeds.The Argus Collector Group is a helpful bunch,just E and ask.I just won a C44,waiting on it from Canada.Oh Yeah,clean too.The blades sometimes stick and will require a SLIGHT drop of Ronsonal.Ask the ACG.........Robin

 

[radiocemetery]

Al,
Don't worry about light seals because there aren't any! Look for a really good rangefinder/viewfinder with good contrast and easy to use even if you wear glasses. Look for sharp pictures from the Cintar lens. It is cool how such an inexpensive to buy camera is capable of fine images. I like mine a lot. I have only shot with black and white film in mine. But others here on the forum have posted some nice color images too.

In the meantime you can read about the C4 here.

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-128.html

Have fun with your new camera.

Steve

 

[Steve Bellayr]

When I got my C44 the shutter tended to stick. Working it over a period of time eliminated that problem. On the C44 the lens comes off (duh). It was difficult to line up the infinity with the focus. Took a number of times.

 

[jan normandale]

Al ... are you going for that vintage look? IIRC that Cintar lens is sharp and has very tasty vignetting

 

[Al Patterson]

Al ... are you going for that vintage look? IIRC that Cintar lens is sharp and has very tasty vignetting

Not really, I'm just buying interesting looking cameras. For the vintage look when I shoot steam railroads I use Tri-X. I just remember that my dad used his Argus C3 for all his vacation shots, and I thought the C4 looked neater. Besides, it's easier to collect the cheap stuff than to attempt to obtain one of each of the Leicas...

I really should just buy an R2M or M2 and be done with it, but what's the fun in that?

 

[rick oleson]

Above all, look for any sign of sluggishness in the movement of the shutter blades. Unlike all other leaf shutters, if the blades are sticky in a C4 (or C44 or Argus 21) shutter, it is placing extreme stress on the mechanism. DO NOT continue to exercise the shutter if you see the blades acting sluggish, let it rest until you can clean it. If this is the case, email me at rick_oleson@yahoo.com for some notes on how to get into it.

 

[jan normandale]

Al here's an interesting link for you.. Zeiss glass and an Argus C3 side by side. I know the glass in the C4 is miles better.. that's what prompted my question. Excuse the resolution and size.. "it's a RFF thing" the point is that the Zeiss is sharper and has a more true colour rendition.. but the C3 has a softer focus which is acceptable and attractive, the colour rendition is darker and there's vignetting.. I like it! You may too after using the C4.

 

[Al Patterson]

That may just be an added benefit. Thanks for the link.