Argus C44R
The Argus C44R is the rapid-wind version of the C44 rangefinder, which was itself the interchangeable-lens version of the fixed-lens C4. The changes from the C44 were all ergonomic. The metal wind and rewind knobs gave way to a two-stroke rapid wind lever and a rewind knob with a recessed, pop-out crank handle. It also takes the optional CM-2 slip-on coupled light meter - Argus's own advertising claimed the meter "Makes America's Best 35, even better!"
The interchangeable lens mount was a big step for Argus, partly because a third-party interchangeable version of the C4, the C4 Geiss, already existed. Argus still designed its own mount anyway. Four Cintagon lenses were made for the system: 35/4.5, 50/2.8, 50/1.9, and 100/3.5. The C-44/R lenses are easy to spot by their streamlined look and recessed fluted barrels, which no other Argus lenses have. The 50mm f/2.8 Cintagon sold with the C44 body for $149.50, or by itself for $89.50.
Owners say the winder and rewind work well and the rangefinder is accurate and easy to use, though haze in the finder is common. The shutter, when oil-free, operates correctly - "not a given with C-44s." It is also loud. One owner warns: "Be careful about using the C-44 R near the military, the police, or political candidates. The C-44 R's loud shutter may be mistaken for a gun shot."
No detailed technical specifications are documented in the sources gathered here. That covers shutter speed range, dimensions, weight and rangefinder base length. If you have a C44R and can measure or test one, the archive would welcome the data.
Similar items on eBay
No exact Argus C 4R listings are live right now — these searches show current Argus and similar vintage camera gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.