More Thoughts About the Argus C3. Photographs taking for the ‘Frugal Film Project ‘23’.

Photograph what grabs you.
Admittingly, the Argus C3 is a bit of a challenge for me. If you can believe that. And in this presentation, I talk a little about the quirks that I need to remind myself about when photographing with it.
And please, don’t forget to subscribe to my channel if you like it.

[@4351steve]

Charles, as usual some remarkable images. I wish I could have found a rangefinder within the price restrictions of the group. There were some C3’s in a thrift shop in Flagstaff, but I didn’t trust there condition. I was able to stay in my comfort zone with a Canon T-80 that met the project requirements. I wish I could use my Leica IIIf, but that wouldn’t be in the spirit of the project. I will keep looking for a Brick that works and find out for myself what the Argus mystique is all about. Next year I plan to go back to my own roots. I have a Yashica D that met the requirements. My first personal camera was a Yashica A that I bought in 1970. I learned the rudiments of exposure on that camera. In 2024, I plan to shoot square images. I look forward to seeing what you produce monthly.

[@ChuckAbles]

Thank you. I do consider myself lucky having found this C3 at such a great price. I know this, I can't quite put a finger on the mystique quality of 'The Brick' other than it was American made, a rangefinder, and affordable when we were coming out of the depression right before WWII. There is history I can appreciate. 6X6 medium format for 2024. I like that. Never had an opportunity to fire off a Yashica TLR, though I do have a Mamiya 220 and dabbled in the format. I do believe that medium format film makes for better quality photographs.

[@mikeswaim2670]

Just finished the 1st roll of Ilford HP5 in my 1943 brick. Cost $5.00 plus shipping. I did take the front off to clean and lube it. Very easy to work on, lots of good videos to show how to do so. Going to buy one or two more for spares. Taking the film to the lab Monday. Hope to have some pictures for the September Frugal Film Project 23. This camera is growing on fast.

[@ChuckAbles]

For sure. The camera is a great little camera. I'll be looking for you on Frugal Film Project 23.

[@crononews-hu1rt]

Great Master...🤩

[@ChuckAbles]

Thanks.

[@kyotodream7135]

Love the Argus, did you know that it was an interchangable lens system? There was some 35mm, 100 mm, and 135mm lenses made that can be found for pretty cheap. There were even finders made for it! I have tracked down the 35mm and been happy with it

[@ChuckAbles]

Thank you. For sure. Every once in a while, when the thought occurs to me, I will look around online and look at the 35mm lens. Do a bit of window shopping as it were.

[@ejdrad]

Thanks

[@ChuckAbles]

You bet.

[@thegreatvanziniphotos5976]

Yes, indeed. I rem I made a rule to "ARA." I taped it on the back. ,,,, Advance Right Away! & that was back in my 20's.

[@ChuckAbles]

Thank you and thanks for sharing. Might have to do that.

[@billkaroly]

My dad shot with an Argus C3 and a Contax Zeiss IKON. Now I'm pinning for a C3.

[@ChuckAbles]

Excellent.

[@Sennmut]

Vive le brick!!!!

[@ChuckAbles]

Thank you.

[@Sennmut]

@@ChuckAbles YW

[@greatoutdoorsgear7538]

if the film counter is set and working right you should always know where your at? or is it a bad indicator?

[@ChuckAbles]

greatoutdoorsgear7538, great question. If film has been loaded and you advance it and released the shutter a couple of exposure to fully seat the film, once you set the '0' on the counter it should turn each time to the appropriate exposure you are at. Mechanically, the film release button, film counter, film sprocket, and film advance knob is all tied together to make it work in sync once you push the film release button and advance the film. The only issue I can think of, maybe, is you keep the film release button down longer than the quarter turn recommended while advancing the film. This may throw the counter off a bit. I hope this helps you out.

[@womansworkproductionco]

Can you develop color film in caffenol? I heard it comes out in a sort of sepia tone. Is that true? Unfortunately, I have a lot of old color film that i don't want to pay to have developed.

[@ChuckAbles]

Thank you for the question. You can and I tried, but there is no color and for me it's just not worth it. Caffenol was developed to process black and white film. Having said that I generally send my color film (on rare occasions) to 'The Darkroom'. P.S. I was born in Phoenix.

[@greatoutdoorsgear7538]

cinestill has a very reasonable 2 part chemical kit its cheap and you can easily develop 25+ rolls yourself with it