ARGUS C2

Name: Argus C2
Brand: Argus

The Argus C2 is a 35mm rangefinder camera made by Argus Cameras of Ann Arbor, Michigan, from 1938 to 1942. It came right before the Argus C3. It was a real step forward for American camera design in the late 1930s, with solid construction and mechanical operation that amateur photographers could handle.

Overview

Introduced in 1938, the Argus C2 arrived while compact 35mm rangefinder cameras were starting to displace larger plate and roll-film formats in the consumer market. It was made by the International Radio Corporation (IRC), which operated under the Argus brand. The design aimed for reliable performance and better ergonomics than earlier models like the Argus A and Argoflex series. It was aimed at amateurs and home users, and it balanced price and function with a coupled rangefinder, a fixed lens assembly, and a focal-plane shutter with a broad speed range.

The C2 has a streamlined top-plate layout that puts the viewfinder, rangefinder window, and shutter speed dial into a single unit. The C3 carried that layout forward and refined it. The C2 looks similar to the later C3, but it lacks the C3's distinctive "brick" shape and has a more rounded top housing. Lens options varied. Most were the 50mm f/3.5 or f/2.8 Cintar triplet, though some versions got a higher-grade lens such as the 50mm f/2.8 Kodak Ektar. The cloth focal-plane shutter runs from 1 to 1/300 second, plus Bulb. The camera also has a self-timer and flash synchronization through a PC socket.

The C2 sits in a transitional spot in Argus's development. It showed the company's growing skill in precision mechanical design and set up the C3, which became one of the best-selling American 35mm cameras of all time. The C2's production run was fairly short. It ended in 1942 when the U.S. entered World War II and military contracts replaced civilian camera production. That makes the C2 less common than its successor.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	Rangefinder
Film Format	35mm (135 cartridge)
Years Produced	1938–1942
Lens Mount	Fixed lens (non-interchangeable)
Shutter	Cloth focal-plane shutter; speeds 1, 1/5, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/200, 1/300 sec, and B
Metering	None (uncoupled; handheld meter required)
Exposure Modes	Manual only
Viewfinder	Combined optical viewfinder and coincident-image rangefinder (magnification ~0.45x)
Dimensions	Approx. 150mm (W) × 85mm (H) × 60mm (D); weight ~700g (varies by lens)

Key Features

Coupled Rangefinder Focusing: One of the first American-made 35mm cameras to feature a built-in, coincident-image rangefinder, enabling accurate manual focus.
Focal-Plane Shutter with High Speeds: Offered shutter speeds up to 1/300 second, which was fast for its era and competitive with European contemporaries.
Interchangeable Back (on some variants): Certain models featured a removable back for quicker film loading, a rare convenience at the time.
Flash Synchronization: Included a PC sync socket for use with flashbulbs, supporting X and M flash types via selector switch.
Dual Accessory Shoe: Top plate includes both a standard flash/accessory shoe and a secondary cold shoe for mounting external viewfinders or rangefinders.

Historical Context

The Argus C2 was launched at a pivotal moment in photographic history. By the late 1930s, 35mm film had gained popularity due to its compactness and ease of use, driven largely by German innovations such as the Leica and Contax rangefinders. American manufacturers sought to capture a share of this growing market with domestically produced alternatives. Argus, already known for its box cameras and early 35mm models, aimed to compete with mid-tier European cameras by offering a well-built, mechanically sound rangefinder at a more accessible price point.

The C2 competed directly with cameras like the Kodak Retina I and the Wirgin Edinex, though it lacked the lens interchangeability of the Leica. Its all-metal construction, precise rangefinder, and reliable shutter made it a favorite among serious amateurs. Its design influenced the C3 and also postwar American camera engineering. Discontinuation in 1942 came as Argus shifted production to military optics and surveillance equipment during WWII. When civilian production resumed, the C3, based heavily on the C2's design, became the new standard.

Collectibility & Value

The Argus C2 is a sought-after model among collectors of vintage American cameras, though it is less widely known than the C3. The short production window and the wartime cutoff make it relatively rare, which adds to its appeal. In excellent working condition, with a clear rangefinder and functional shutter, the C2 typically sells for $250 to $450. Models with Ektar lenses or rare accessories go higher.

When looking at a C2 to buy, inspect the rangefinder alignment, shutter accuracy across all speeds, and the condition of the leatherette and film advance mechanism. Common problems are stiff or frozen shutter curtains, misaligned rangefinder images, and light leaks from deteriorated foam seals. The camera has no battery, so metering is not a concern. The flash sync mechanism should still be tested if you plan to use flash. Original boxes, manuals, and lens caps can add significant value, particularly for complete sets.

Similar Cameras

Kodak Retina I (Type 117) – German-made 35mm rangefinder with interchangeable lenses via cassette system; introduced in 1934.
Wirgin Edinex – German 35mm rangefinder with focal-plane shutter; contemporary competitor with similar feature set.
Graflex 35 – American-made rangefinder produced by Graflex; less common but comparable in target market.
Leica II (D) – Premium German rangefinder with interchangeable lenses; benchmark for quality at the time.
Argus C3 – Direct successor; nearly identical mechanics but with refined body design and longer production run.

Repair & Maintenance

The Argus C2 is fully mechanical and needs no batteries. Common maintenance jobs are lubricating the shutter mechanism, cleaning the rangefinder optics, and adjusting the film advance gear. The cloth shutter tends to stick or tear if it is not exercised regularly, and replacement cloth is hard to find. Repair difficulty is moderate to high because of tight internal tolerances and limited spare parts. Full servicing is best left to technicians familiar with pre-war American cameras. Regular use, dry storage, and periodic cleaning of the viewfinder and rangefinder windows are advised to keep it working.