Argus C-4 (1951–1957)
A 35mm rangefinder camera built with a die-cast metal body and fixed coated lens, produced by Argus for the mid-century amateur market.
Overview
The Argus C-4 is a 35mm rangefinder camera made by Argus between 1951 and 1957. It features a fixed 50mm f/2.8 coated Cintar lens and a leaf shutter with speeds from 1/10 to 1/300 second, plus bulb. Known for its rugged all-metal construction, the camera was designed for durability and ease of use, with a die-cast aluminum body, leather-grain finish, and satin metal trim. It automatically cocks the shutter and uses standard 35mm film.
Specifications
| Film Format | 135 (35mm) |
| Lens | 50mm f/2.8 Coated Cintar |
| Shutter Speeds | B, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/300 |
| Shutter Type | Leaf Shutter |
| Weight | 25 oz |
| Construction | Die-cast metal body with leather-grain and satin metal trim |
Design
The Argus C-4 has a die-cast aluminum body with a metal leaf shutter located behind the lens. Its construction emphasizes durability, with a fully metal chassis and protective leather-grain covering. The shutter is gear-controlled and automatically cocks after each exposure. The body includes an ASA cable-threaded release and is designed for standard 35mm film loading and advance.
Context
The Argus C-4 was marketed as a high-quality rangefinder camera during its production run from 1951 to 1957. Originally priced at $99.50, it received a $10 price reduction in 1953 due to improved manufacturing efficiency. It was considered one of the better cameras Argus produced, offering a refined design over earlier models. The later C-44 variant introduced interchangeable lenses via a bayonet mount.
Market
The Argus C-4 is now sold as a vintage collectible on platforms like eBay and Amazon, often described as a non-usable collectible item rather than a functional camera. It was noted in user groups as a rugged, American-made rangefinder suitable for learning, with lighter weight compared to other Argus models like the C-twenty.
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