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People often ask, How to change lenses on Argus Rangefinder?
Let’s find it out!
How to Change Lenses on Argus Rangefinder?
The Argus II has two different lens options. One option is a monofocal lens which provides 20/20 vision at all distances. The second option is a bifocal lens which provides 20/40 vision at close distance and 20/80 vision at a far distance.
To change the lens follow these steps
Step 1: Remove the screw on the eyelid gear by rotating it counter-clockwise.
Step 2: Then remove the idler gear.
Step 3: Now remove the lens by rotating it counter-clockwise.
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Argus Rangefinder
The C3 was introduced in 1939 as an improved version. It had a more powerful engine than the C2. The C3 was sold for around $35, equivalent today to about $650.
The C3 proved hugely successful. Customers were reportedly drawn to the boxy design. The camera had many gears, knobs, and dials. The camera developed a reputation for ruggedness and sharp, high-quality images.
The C3 was an iconic camera for many years. The C3 had a rangefinder design and was popular among photographers. However, it was not able to beat the cheap Japanese SLR cameras.
Cameras are cheap and easy to fix. They were designed in 1935.
Note: If you want to know Leica LRF 1200 Rangefinder 2002 Model click HERE.
Specifications
The C3 was constructed primarily out of Bakelite plastic and metals. The design featured a unique but simple diaphragmatic shutter built into the camera. The rangefinder was separated from the viewfinder and coupled to the lens through gears located on the exterior of the camera body.
This allowed the camera to use interchangeable lenses without the need for a complex focal plane shutter system.
The camera is equipped with a 50mm f/2.8 Cintar anastigmatic triplet lens. The lens was made under contract by B&L, Ilex, and Graft optical, which was taken over Argus in 1939, and varied in quality.
Models
Early in the series, the camera had a rangefinder but no coupling to the lens. Focussing a C is a two-step process, first finding the range using the built-in device, then focussing the lens by turning it until a scale on its side matched the distance given by the device.
Early production Cs had high and low-range shutter speeds marked on the dial, with a separate button to select the desired speed. The high/low range selector was soon deleted from the production line, and speeds were controlled by a rotary dial with ten marks.
The C was replaced within just several months by the C2. The C2 had a geared coupling between the lens and the rangefinder. This made the camera much easier to use. In 1939, the C3 was released.
It had electrical plugs on the left side for a battery-powered flash. It also had a synchronization system between the shutter and the flash.
The original C3 had only 7 shutter speeds (from 1/2 sec to 2 seconds). An accessory shoe was added. The exposure reminder dial on the rear of the camera was removed, but there was a variant called the Colormatic. The new C3 had a better lens and more comfortable controls.
The Matchmatic, Golden Shield, and C33 are three variations of the same camera. All three cameras offer a selenium lightmeter attachment. Two-toned leather and metal finish.
The Matchmatic and Golden Shield are made of plastic while the C33 is made of metal.
Note: If you want to gain information about How to Use West Marine Rangefinder Reticle 7×50 click HERE.
When Was the Argus Camera Made?
Argus cameras were made by several companies over time. Argus was founded in 1892, but the company went bankrupt in 1898. In 1902, Argus was re-established as a camera manufacturer. In 1904, Argus was sold to the American Optical Company, which continued making Argus cameras until 1925.
In 1926, Argus was bought out by the Eastman Kodak Company, which continued manufacturing Argus cameras until 1932. From 1933 to 1945, Argus was owned by the Bausch & Lomb Optical Company.
After World War II, Argus was purchased by the RCA Corporation, which continued producing Argus cameras until 1972. Since then, Argus cameras have been manufactured by various other companies.
Note: If you want to know How Use 19TH Century Rangefinder clicks HERE.
How to Change Lenses on Argus Rangefinder?
Conclusion
Changing the lens of the Argus rangefinder is not that hard, you just need to know the steps and you are good to go.
We hope that this article was helpful. If you have any queries feel free to reach out in the comments section below.
If you want to know more information about rangefinder click HERE.
