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Argus C3, 1936 - 1966

 Item
Identifier: 2008-027-1-12-7

Scope and Contents

Rangefinder camera; 35mm film; negative size 2.5 X 3.5 cm; diaphragm shutter built into camera body; f/3.5 55mm Argus coated cintar lens. Serial number 490750.

Dates

  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1936 - 1966

Creator

Access

This material is open for research use by any registered reader.

Biographical / Historical

The Argus C3 rangefinder camera was introduced by Argus in 1939. It was a minor revision of the Argus C2, adding flash sync sockets to the side of the camera. However this model became Argus's runaway success story, staying in production through 1966 with only minor changes. Fondly known as "the Brick," the camera brought 35mm rangefinder photography down to a price affordable by amateurs who could not dream of owning a Leica or Contax.

In the present day, it has become something of a cult classic, despite its rather basic list of features, due to its ruggedness, kitschy aesthetic, and usability, not to mention its massive availability on the antique market.

Extent

1 item (1 camera) : glass, metal, Bakelite ; 5.5 X 7.5 X 13 cm

Language of Materials

English

Repository Details

Part of the The University of Tulsa, McFarlin Library, Department of Special Collections & University Archives Repository

Contact:
McFarlin Library
University of Tulsa
2933 E. 6th St
Tulsa 74104-3123 USA
(918) 631-2496