Minneopa State Park with an Argus C3
October 1, 2006
I recently purchased a few (seven) unwanted film cameras off Ebay for the purpose of taking some old-fashioned snapshots. The first camera to arrive was a hefty Argus C3. Affectionately called “the brick,” it was one of the most popular cameras ever produced. My particular “brick” was in fairly good shape after 50+ years, and as the nickname implies, it’s awfully squarish, with a few added levers and dials.
Trials and tribulations with the brick
After doing some reading, I learned how to properly load my Argus C3 with a modern roll of Fuji 35mm film. Unlike every other photographic experience I had enjoyed prior to purchasing this monster, I quickly learned that everything is manual–no batteries required. Every shot involved a lengthy push button, turn knob one-quarter turn, release button, turn knob again, procedure. After all this button-pushing and knob-turning, I had to align two very fuzzy images in an extremely clouded rangefinder window. Once that was done, I pressed the shutter release and received a very unsatisfactory, metallic “clang.” Without much confidence that the machine was even working, we piled into the family sedan and drove to Minneopa State Park.
What a surprise
Our expedition was recorded on my ancient Argus and our Canon A620 digital camera. I daresay, I prefer the results from the Argus over that of my very popular, modern Canon. There’s a warmth, and nostalgic feel to the Argus, and despite my earlier reservations, almost every shot turned out a winner.
Lovely photos. It sure was a beautiful day.
Comment by Joe Lencioni — October 1, 2006 @ 10:34 pm
There is so much character in your photos. Having used old camers in my earlier days, I can really appreciate your work. Mechanical cameras take a speical touch and you seem to have it. I have an old camera around somewhere. If I can find it it is yours. I have been wondering why I held on to it all of these years. I guess I just like the way it looks and feels.
Comment by Marietta Keenan — October 6, 2006 @ 12:08 pm
Aloha! Coincidentally I found an Argus C3 at the local antique shop for $10, attracted by it’s 1930’s Bauhaus, unabashed functional design, around the same time as you got yours. The shop owner dated mine to about 1942 or ‘43 (by looking at the serial number). Tan saddle leather case in excellent unscuffed condition; camera’s black leather was peeling at the edges so peeled it all off thinking I’d put on replacement leather (off an old handbag gotten from a thrift store). However I found the chrome front and back much more appealing and after a good buff and polish, now gleams brighter than the Hawaiian sun! I stripped, cleaned and lubed the entire camera before running 2 rolls of Fuji S-200 film in it, and I’m gonna head down to the local WalMart to pick them up and see how they turned out. Your C3 photos are impressive to look at and I can’t wait to see what was produced out of mine. Yes, a very “manual” camera in every sense of the word. Glad to see new C3 fans popping up every day! Mahalo. //Larry
Comment by Larry L Medina — October 10, 2006 @ 8:39 pm
Great to hear, Larry! They surely are amazing little machines. My case was in fairly good condition, and the chrome on the camera shines like new. I’ve taken a few night shots with it recently, and have once again been thoroughly impressed. Good luck with your photos–I hope you enjoy your C3!
Comment by Jerry — October 10, 2006 @ 10:38 pm
i just picked up a brick at a local thrift store. i am totally unsure about this film-winding system, and having just loaded my first roll. i also have a very cloudy focus view. i’ll take it out today and see what comes of it. i hope my results are as good as yours.
thanks for the encouragement.
Comment by xtine — February 18, 2007 @ 3:24 pm
I used my parents Argus C3 camera for a b & w photography class in college. This was the 1980’s. My professor thought I was nuts. I took some pretty amazing shots. Here it is 2007,and I ended up finding my enlargements that I processed myself for the class. I framed the 2 best ones,and have them on the wall. Then to my surprise my mother gave me the camera today. My dad used it a lot while I was growing up,and I had acquired his slides several years ago. Now I have the camera,and I couldn’t be more thrilled!!!! What a lot of memories this camera has for me!!!! My dad passed away, but I still have those memories,and some pictures he and I both took. I live near St. Louis , Missouri,and I love my Argus C3!!
Comment by Gary Wyatt — June 11, 2007 @ 10:29 pm
[...] shots. I have a few winning photos that I’ll post over the next few days. Jerry was using his new Argus C3, so he has to develop his film before he knows whether he got any winners or not. I think he [...]
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