Introduction to the Argus C3 Matchmatic
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- Argus' C3 model cameras represent the most-produced American-made camera ever. Made of forged and cast aluminum, bakelite, and generally reliable parts, the Argus C3 bodies largely remain functional and reliable many decades after their construction. These rangefinders deliver very high quality images because of their sharp and contrast lenses, significant mass, and nearly imperceptible shutter action.
Index:
Skip the Intro: 0:07
About the Argus C3 Matchmatic: 0:27
Camera's Market and History: 2:38
Camera Features Overview -- Top: 7:21
Camera Features Overview -- Front: 8:34
How a Rangefinder Works: 11:19
Camera Features Overview -- Sides and Bottom: 13:31
Camera Features Overview -- Back: 14:10
Camera Features Overview -- Inside: 15:20
Loading and Unloading Film: 16:50
How the Shutter Works: 20:34
Changing the Lens: 21:26
Notes: 23:44
Camera Don'ts: 24:36
Begging and Pleading for Love: 26:19
References:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argus_C3
www.cameramanuals.org/argus/ar...
www.arguscg.org/
argusinfo.net/DatingGuide/Dati...
blog.dcview.com/article.php?a=...
sites.google.com/site/fromthe...
oldnews.aadl.org/node/204921
www.michigan.org/property/the-...
orgainsville.tripod.com/argus/...
www.theothermartintaylor.com/m...
My Photography Website:
www.5119photography.com/
My Blog:
beyondbokeh.blogspot.com/
feeds.feedburner.com/BeyondBokeh (reader link)
Follow me on Google+:
plus.google.com/+DavidHancock - Jak na to + styl
My brother had one in the late 50's and took many family pictures. Great pictures in fact. Amazing in the camera world to have the same basic camera in production for 27 years and made in America. Iconic. I started with a Minolta srt 101 and having it updated at Tempe Camera in the Phoenix area. Sad to see almost no local camera stores and camera repair today. Keep up the good work. My first SRT camera the Minolta stayed in production for about 10 years. The argus c3 lasted for 2.7 times that.
:D These are super reliable cameras for sure.
I have an Argus (black one) There is no serial number stamped on to the bottom. There is no aux holder but there are two flash ports on the side. I have only shot one film in it so far (of which I am verrrrry happy with and now have a 2nd film loaded n ready to go! I had NO idea that the lens's could be changed, though glad i know now :). The Argus camera was the first 35mm camera that recorded the beach landings on D day! It recorded that historic moment (as it continued to do so throughout the second world war) I love this camera for its ruggedness, its quality pics but above all........The history that it recorded throughout those troubled times!! It MORE than kept up with the Leica!!! :-)
Its an affordable Leica. I had a hard time finding one that didn't have a damaged lens, these things were used and abused!
I collected cameras for year starting with Argus. I have one of these new in the box. Thanks for your vid. It was a good walk down memory lane.
Thank you! I have to imagine that any camera of that age that's NIB is a very rare fine.
I’d like to see it
@@DavidHancock yeah a guy at work gave it to me some years back. He said his dad bought it & he was pretty sure shot one roll & passed away a few weeks later. It had sat in his moms closet & then his for years. He was glad someone who had an appreciation was going to have it. I have about 10 other c3s , a few in the box but not quite new. Started off with my Dad's a2b at age 16 way back in 68.
What a wonderful and informative video. Thanks for making this!
Thank you!
Brilliant video - very informative -Thanks. Just bought a 1958 Matchmatic (thanks for serial number link I now know the year) and haven't seen many of these over here in the UK.
Thank you!
Loves this video, very informative, great voice and you showed me how to open it! No one else doing the film load how to has this step :)
+OeilPhotography Thank you!
There I was agreeing with you about not changing lens on top of a drain or something where you might lose parts and at the same time I was putting the lens back on my camera...and almost threw away the middle gear cap as it got lost in my used cleaning supplies lol. Great video, thank you for the information David.
Thank you!
Hey thanks a lot foe the info it was very helpful. Keep up the good work :)
Thank you and I will!
Sweet video. Thanks so much for sharing.
You're welcome. Thank you for the share!
David,in relation to the Argus C3 you have the patience of Job.Truly beauty is in the eye of the beholder.The only thing missing in your excellent video would be photos taken by this beast . I'm mystified by the adoration shown by you and other owners the Argus.I would have torn what little hair I have left in exasperation trying to use the thing!Hats off to you and other aficionados. That being said I will put my hat back on,my head gets cold.
Yeah, my one roll of film from this camera was TERRIBLE. My lens has some bad haze in it and couldn't focus, so rather than use bad samples photos, I just pressed on without any. I don't like to do that often, but sometimes it's needed.
excellent video. thank you
Thank you!
Thanks for the video I found one of these at a Thrift store for $4 ;)
Justin Payne You're welcome and, wow, that's a great deal! This is definitely worth picking up for $4.
What is the best way to clean it?
For the lens, I have a tutorial video that shows proper cleaning technique. Old lenses like these need a bit more care when cleaning than new lenses do. The optical glass is very soft and the coatings will be more vulnerable to damage due to their age.
For the camera, use rubbing alcohol (it shouldn't damage the paint and it dries quickly) and some Q-tips. Get the Q-tips wet and simply scrub away until the dirt is gone.
sweet thank you very much ! Will watch the other video thanks.
How
Thanks for demystifying this camera. I have one, passed down from my granddad, but was confused about setting it. I have the meter, which appears to work, though I haven't shot with it yet. My rangefinder window is dingy, but there's a clear spot that is legible if I have a sharp, high contrast edge on the subject. Thanks again.
Thank you!
Just saw some photos taken with this camera from the 40s or 50s, filled me with awe.
These old Argus cameras took good photos. They're fairly underrated.
Thanks for the great information. My C3 arrived in the mail today. My camera has a great backstory, as it was used in the Korean War. I can’t remember the last time I used film? Signed up for a local photography refresher class! 🎞
That's fantastic! I hope that it gets a lot of great use in the future!
Just got a C3 for 99 cents. No film but it seems to be structurally ok. Looking forward to seeing what it can do someday.
Nice!
First of all great great job explaining second thanks a lot for your videos and third i just got an argus c3 today looks in great condition just started my collection got a minolta srt202 the only thing is that i don't know much about EV and how to work with the light and all that but im very enthusiastic and willing to learn how any way thanks a lot for your vids and keep doing a great job
Thank you and I will. Great timing on the SRT202. I was just given one last week and wrote the script over the weekend. I'm writing more scripts this week but plan to do a big recording binge in November and then edit videos for the next few months. The 202 will definitely be included in the recording binge this month.
Sweet!!! Can't wait for that one any recommend links i can check for a beginner like me? Thanks in advance :)
Check the manual on Butkus.org. THat will give you the baseline for everything about the camera.
This video is absolutely great. Thank you. I collect vintage camera and video cameras and have about 100. I recently bought a C3 but had it customized (mint green leather), cleaned, and refurbished. And of course I have an additional C3 just as is. I have visited your photography site, and will of course follow. What is you favorite vintage camera (preferable 35mm) to shoot with?
Lindsay Barrasse Thank you, and who serviced your Argus? I didn't know anyone out there was still servicing Argus bodies.
Favorite 35mm body, well, Can I give you a top five? If so, it's the original Asahi Pentax from 1957, the K1000, Nikon F3, Canon A1, and Miranda Sensorex. That list changes periodically, though.
David Hancock The seller I bought it from cleaned it. Was very excited about it but it came in the mail the other day and I wasn't to happy with the way he placed the new leather on it. The leather wasn't cut properly and frayed in places. Its a nice display piece from a far but I think I am going to redo the leather myself. I have a total of three argus c3 cameras- 1942, 1950, and 1957. I am going to shoot with the 1950 Argus today. Nervous as its a very in depth camera system, grateful because it will teach me so much. I love the Miranda Sensorex body, reminds me of a Transformer Robot. I have been playing with a Chinon CS and a Chinon CM4. Happy with the CM4, although its a cheaper camera its one that should not be looked over. Currently making a 120film camera with various parts laying around and 3D printed parts as well. I think ! have about 100 vintage cameras, about 1/2 in working order dating back 100+ years. ;-)
Well, if you haven't subscribed, I have a video in the works (it's ways out yet) on the Sensorex and Sensorex II. I don't have any more Argus videos planned for right now, though.
I have a couple of C3s.No matchmatic.I also have the tele lens for them.One is attached to a Speed-o-Copy which is really weird.I had to do some work on the lens on one to get it to focus properly and I still need to check out the shutter.This is one I want to run some film through.
M Poole These take great photos. Argus lenses were pretty nice (arguably better than most Kodak lenses) and these cameras were built exceptionally well. If you want, you're welcome to share a link to any photos you take with your C3 as a comment.
Great video! I got an Argus C3 recently, but it reeks of mold inside and out. I've tried cleaning every visible nook and cranny I can reach first with 70 percent rubbing alcohol and later with apple cider vinegar. What can I do to get rid of the smell? Do I have to tear down the body and clean it inside and out? Any advice you can give is very much appreciated!
Well, I'd definitely avoid using vinegar again.
So my first step would be to air it out thoroughly. Set it somewhere with good ventilation and prop it open for a few days. I'd also let it sit out in the sun in the morning and evening. Bring it in when it's really hot outside or you might find that the lubricating oils get thin and muck up the shutter. So a couple hours first thing in the morning and a couple in the evening in sunlight. I'd try that for three days. And when it's not outside, of course leave it propped open.
If you have any dessicant packs (such as from clothing), after letting it air out you can store it with a dessicant pack inside the film cassette chamber. That will help remove any hidden moisture. All that will help stop any growth.
In all probability, the smell is coming from the leather. You may want to try removing the leather, drying it in rice (and of course that rice won't be safe to eat afterward) and re-gluing it. Use Pliobond to reglue the leather if you do that. Pliobond won't off-gas (like super glue) and fog the lens with glue off-gas.
That is how I would go about it and I'd proceed in that order. Let me know if that helps.
Thanks for the advice. Airing my Argus C3 in the dawn and dusk sun for three days helped. It smells better than when I bought it. The odor is coming definitely coming from the leather. I removed it and am drying it in rice right now. The rest of the body seems to smell just fine. I'm considering whether or not to replace the leather instead. Bits of it are missing on the front, the outer edges were starting to peel off and part of it tore easily while I was removing it. Hopefully I can get my C3 restored without spending a good deal extra.
Thanks again!
P.S. Why avoid using vinegar? I read it works well as a disinfectant and mold killer.
Any good external meter will also read in ev which you can use in place of the original argus meter.
I have a early one with no flash sink. Its very difficalty to find in Europe. And if, they are very expensive. I've import from the USA. Because they are there bargain. Jimmy Carter was also a Argus C3 user. Its a amazing camera. I've him in the collection too and full working. I love thos camera.
Nice and thank you!
I have an Argus c3 from 1947 and when I look through the rangefinder to focus it does nothing. The blue and yellow parts of the glass do nothing. They don’t focus or move or anything and I can’t find anything online that addresses this issue. It’s frustrating and in an attempt to “fix” it I messed with the screws on top of the camera underneath the rangefinder adjusting cap and now it’s completely out of wack and I don’t know how to adjust it back. Really irritating.
Check with the Fix Old Cameras channel. They might have a video on recalibrating rangefinders.
Is there some way to add some type of flash since the bulbs are not available anymore?
It's been a LONG time since I made this so I don't recall call the camera's intricacies, but if it has an "X" setting on the flash that will let you use a modern flash.
Ok, so I finally got my Argus, it came in the mail today. I have aquestion, the lever thing that you have to move to ´´trip the rellease´´ as you said seems very loose on mine. I tried what you were doing, you know, advancing, tripping the rellease, but I could wind it all I wanted, and it never stopped after ´´one frame´´ passed, and I wouldnt have to trip the rellease to take a photo. I was doing this without film loaded in the camera, so is that why? Because the films wasnt inside? I don´t want to put film in it yet, because I have to get it cleaned first, so is this normal?
Hmm. Well, let's see. It certainly sounds like something is amiss but let's try something first. While winding the film at the lever, turn the film guide sprocket in the back at the same time. That will fool the camera into thinking there's film moving inside of it so that if there is a need for it to have film it should then work. I forget if this camera has to have film or not.
Sorry, I´m not quite sure what to do. Where is the film guide sprocket.
The film guide sprocket is inside the camera. It should be a pair of metal gears protruding through the inside of the camera. The gears engage the film as it moves through the camera.The video's description has an index and if you click on the time stamp for loading and unloading film or for the camera features -- inside, you'll see it.
Hey can you possibly do one on the Ziess Ikon Contaflex I. i just got one and don't know anything about it. thank you
Good suggestion. I have one on my shelf I've been eyeing for a video. I'll write the script and film it with my next batch.
thank you
I just purchased one of these guys, saying that its hard to use without a light meter is a little concerning. Would a modern lightmeter be fine to use with this?
Yes, a modern light meter will work fine. You can also use the Sunny 16 rule.
My aunt gave my one of these and it doesn’t have the indent in the leather on the back I wonder if where she got it from they just didn’t have the case
May not have our it may be a different model. There were multiple versions of these.
Yep it's from Harry Potter good job bro you know your movie history good job 👍🏻
Thank you!
So when it is loaded with new film...how does the camera know where the first photo will be...or how does the top catch that you release to advance the film line up with the first frame? Or does it get close, and you may or maynot get the first photo lined up?
The film is one continuous strip of light-sensitive material, so if it doesn't line up perfectly, that's fine. There's no real 'perfect' alignment because the act of capturing a photo creates the frames. The frames aren't pre-made on the film.
@@DavidHancock Thanks and that makes since...oh I thought that the film(negatives) were numbered or has a number on each spot that the camera takes a photo...for some reason I thought this..
Oh yes, negatives are numbered, but that's only for reference for reprints. So if you needed to reprint a photo, you'd just tell the lab 'reprint photo seven' and whichever photo was nearest the number 7 they'd reprint. The numbering is spaced so that there's very little change that it would be hard to tell which frame was nearest each number.
Thank you for the video. I´ve just recently gotten into analog cameras and am deciding on which one I should get. My grandparents found an EXA and a Zenit -E. I´m going to start off on those, but this.. THIS is the camera my heart craves. I mean I know the Zenit is very good and all, but the size, the shape, the olive colour of this one is just too amazing. My
only problem is, where can I buy one. I have found a few on Ebay, but it hardly ships to middle Europe and most of them are around 50 dollars and that is a lot (And also the black ones, I know it´s stupid but THAT OLIVE COLOUR!!) . Any idea where I can get one for a good price? Like an online camera thrift shop? Thanks!
I don't know of any places other than eBay that will ship to middle Europe. Maybe an online retailer in Europe, or the German eBay site? Maybe Amazon UK?
Ok thanks anyway. :)
One more question: The viewfinder on this camera. Does it show the picture when focusing, and actually shows if it is in focus or out of focus? This may sound like a stupid question, but I don´t really have a lot of experience with analog cameras and don't know the terminology.I hope you understand what I am asking. :)
There's a rangefinder in it that uses a matched-image system to let you know what the lens is focused on, but you don't see what the lens see like an SLR.
Sorry, I don´t think I quite understand. So if I´m focusing, and looking
through the rangefinder, the picture I see will be blurry, then I will
sharpen it and I will see it sharpen, and after I take the picture, how
will it look?
No, not exactly. Here's a video I made explaining how rangefinder cameras' focusing systems work. czcams.com/video/JwQ-luuYcyM/video.html
I just purchased a C3 Matchmatic through a charity auction. Honestly had no clue what I was buying - wanted to support the cause and the group of 4 cameras looked fabulous. (Being 50 I am suddenly into all things vintage and I recently started shooting my modern Canon DSLR in manual. Dangerous combination. I therefore think I know what I'm doing. HA! Not so much) Now I'm thrilled to give shooting this Argus a try! Your video has been EXTREMELY helpful. I see below you said the demo camera didn't produce good images - any tips on why? No clue if mine "works" - what might I check before I go hog wild with actual film and expensive processing? Also - any good sources on how the meter works? Thanks for the video!
+ccarpentermacko also... this WILL indicate my ignorance - but how do you set the ISO/ASA? Through the meter and other settings only? I notice some of the oldest models have an additional dial for this.... (I'll go ahead and say DUH to myself in advance so no one else has to!)
+ccarpentermacko Thank you. As for the reason it didn't produce good images, I only took one roll with it. I found that I didn't really care for using it. The interface and shape weren't comfortable for me. The roll it took was okay-ish. My rangefinder window was filthy, so focusing was terribly hard and most of the images were only so-so.
+ccarpentermacko On this camera, the ISO setting is only a reminder (I forget if it even has an ISO dial.) There should be an ISO setting on the light meter, but I didn't have one of those so I'm not certain how they work.
Wow never knew...
So bought one of these today for 21 bucks and then also their was another one for cheaper so I was assuming that it was in worse condition and the focus window wasn't very well so, but tryna learn how to use this one haha, should be fun
Nice! These are fund cameras and good for expanding your photography because they handle differently than many cameras.
This camera is very easy to take apart and clean. Lots of guilds out there. It seams kind of silly to own a rang finder and not use the *rang finder. lol
Sorry if this info is included somewhere. On the usability of this system. I don't think you need the original lightmeter. Looks to me that it outputs a simple EV reading. So set your lightmeter to the ASA, take the EV reading, then set them sum of the aperture & Shutter speed to that EV reading. It is quite ingenious! My EV today is 15. Set my Speed setting to 7, and my aperture to 8, my exposure will be right. 8+7=15. Nothing to memorize. That translates to ASA 100, Shutter speed 1/100, Aperture ƒ16. This system frustrated me at first. No Longer.
Thank you! That helps a lot. I didn't know it was that simple.
my aperture setting can’t move independently from the lens
It's been years since I sold this camera so I don't remember all the operating details perfectly, but that might not be abnormal.
I have the light meter but I don’t use it. I trust the one on my phone. I use the ev from the phone then simply add the numbers from the shutter speed and aperture. Example it reads 9.5 I can set aperture at 3.5 and speed at 6. Or any combination. I find it very enjoyable. Maybe because it’s so different.
I enjoy using EV as well. It shows how different settings are connected.
yeah, at first I was thinking 'those crazy american's solving a non existent problem with this crazy camera.' but it really makes sense when you realize you only have to add the two numbers together to match your light meter's EV reading. Makes program shift easy. I think i only used the EV number once when i had to calculate my bellows factor. IDK. not shooting large format anymore. Hey, great video btw! thanks for the reply.
I can get one of these with an '8' at the forth digit sn...so I guess it was made in 58, for 16$, and I have alot of 35mm film...
These are good cameras and fun to use. That's a good price.
Interesting that you mention that these cameras where rare overseas
The character Colin Creevey in Harry Potter had one of these cameras
I did not know that. Thank you!
Wow the more I watch this video, the more I'm shacking my fist and saying you damn kids lol. "its unenjoyable to use this camera if you don't have the meter" most cameras made before the 50's didn't have light meters, they came with a chart to show you how to use the camera without a light meter. I own an early version of the c3 that never came with a light meter. My advise to anyone who is getting into old cameras; take a roll without a meter, get it developed, learn from your mistakes, rinse and repeat. You will be amazed at how good you can get without a meter. Last but not least, black and white is much more forgiving that color. Keep Calm and Carry On
In the last year or so I've been shooting less and less film with a light meter. Recently, I've been shooting Velvia 50 meterless (a lot, actually, including on 4X5.) It is definitely easier than people think, but not until people have a really good sense of how the light in a scene translates into the light needed for an image.
Anyone into cameras should shave the silicate packaging containers. If you store your camera in a box or camera bag, drop one in with it. If you not going to use your camera for a while, gently place a silicate package in the film bay when you store it.
I agree, and I think it's wroth buying the good, rechargeable ones.
*in response to the camera's speech bubble thumbnail: "...But CLEARLY I'm wearing black and blue, otherwise we'd never match! What do you mean I'm wearing white and gold?!"* #dedmemez #thisvideopredatesmeme #hashtag
Oh, that was a play on the camera's name, Matchmatic. This video pre-dates the dress meme by a number of years.
It's like the 737 of cameras 😭. At least Airbus will be in 10-15 there with the 1987 A320.
Why Is my Zeiss 521 Easier to shoot
Well, it was a much more expensive camera.
@@DavidHancock if it's more expensive it was made on a Monday or Friday 🤣
Informative, but for the love of God quit swallowing it sounds DISGUSTING
I'm better about editing those out now.
Video is great but the constant swallowing noises are nauseating, good god
I hope that my newer videos, which I made after being able to afford and learn video editing software, are better in that regard.