International Camera Museum : Blue Moon Camera and Machine

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Argus C3

The Argus C3 is one of the most popular and successful American-made 35mm cameras of all time. It was introduced in 1939 and enjoyed a production run lasting until 1966, with over 2 million cameras sold. Almost every photographer has seen, held, or used one of these cameras at some point in their lives.

The C3 was a successor to the previous C and C2 models produced by Argus. The C3 has a coupled rangefinder and flash synchronization, along with the ability to change lenses. The camera has relatively simple shutter speed controls and, over the years, the range of shutter speeds was lowered from an initial ten speeds to five speeds. The aperture is set on the barrel of the lens. The shutter is manually armed prior to firing, making it possible to do double exposures. The rangefinder and viewfinder are in separate windows. The later C3 Matchmatic was an Argus C3 equipped with an accessory selenium cell meter.

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A Flayed Argus C3

Peel off the skin, pry away the flesh, and gasp at the horror of what is revealed... or so goes this common theme in horror.

Not every thing so denuded becomes a monstrosity. This skinless zombie Argus is actually quite beautiful in its way. Then again, horror films have taught us that not all monsters look monstrous; it might be best not to turn your back on this Argus lest it cannibalize your unprotected rolls of film.⁠

⁠We really enjoy the Halloween holiday here at Blue Moon Camera. Today we will share a Halloween movie recommendation from our staff member, Tracy, who simply says "I love Rosemary's Baby."

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Argus C3 in Red

It should be a crime to leave a camera this beautiful sitting unused on a shelf.

Argus C3 in Blue

We're sorry (kind of). We don't mean to tempt you with beautiful film cameras (not really). But having this blue Argus C3 on the shelf was too much for us to pass up (totally honest on this one). The camera was completely refurbished, working as well as it ever had in the last half century (longer actually) since it was first manufactured. Not only was it in tiptop mechanical shape, but it had a new, blue leatherette (we love this color)!

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Argus C3 with red skin

Our repair technician's fondness for colorizing cameras with new leatherette skins knows no bounds. He recently brought in a couple of Argus C3s that have since been made-over up with dashes of color to help stylize their brick-like nature. ⁠

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Curiously enough, the Argus C3 has been enjoying a mild surge of new interest among our customer base. The boxy design, simple use, and inexpensive prices with which these can be found have drawn photographers to them as of late. ⁠

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One tip you may or may not have known about the C3, it is capable of changing out lenses. The camera uses a screw mount found only on these Argus cameras. By removing the geared wheel between lens and focusing dial, you can then un-thread and remove the lens, allowing you to swap in a 35mm, 75mm, 100mm or 135mm... if you can find them.⁠

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An interesting historical footnote - when this camera was first introduced in 1939, it sold for $35, which in 2019 dollars would amount to almost $650! ⁠

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Argus C3 Match-Matic

A sportier brother than the original, the Argus C3 Match-Matic looks and functions nearly the same as the C3, but uses a selenium meter instead. A popular rangefinder of its day, this brick was convenient and fun to travel with on vacation. ⠀

The Match-Matic is as much a plain camera as the old C3, but redefined by the stylish two toned beige and black color combo. Albeit heavy, this dressed-up little beastie was - and still is - a clever creation. Financially accessible and still fun to admire.

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