Argus Argus A (1936)

Name: Argus A
Brand: Argus

A simple, American-made 35mm camera that brought affordable photography to the public.

Overview

The Argus A is a 35mm camera introduced in 1936 by Argus, an American manufacturer. It was the first American-made 35mm camera to sell for less than $12.50. The idea was to put 35mm photography within reach of the general public. The body is molded Bakelite with a die-cast metal faceplate. It has an optical viewfinder and scale focusing. The low price and plain design helped popularize 35mm film in the United States.

Specifications

Film format	35mm
Lens	Argus anastigmat 50mm f/4.5
Shutter speeds	1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/200 sec, plus Bulb and Time
Viewfinder	Optical viewfinder
Focusing	Scale focusing
Body material	Molded Bakelite

Design

The Argus A has a cast Bakelite body with a die-cast metal faceplate. The lens sits in a helical focusing mount. That keeps the construction simple and durable.

Context

Argus introduced the A in 1936 to bring 35mm photography to the masses at an affordable price. It was praised for its simplicity and accessibility, and it earned the description "the camera that democratized 35mm photography in America." Its success played a key role in popularizing the 35mm film format across the United States.

Market

The Argus A is prone to shutter trouble because the lubricants degrade. The shutter can run sluggish or stick. The Bakelite body can crack if dropped, and the viewfinder glass may get cloudy or desilvered over time. Even with these problems, the camera is considered historically significant and collectible for its role in making 35mm photography widely available.