Tag Archives: Argus

bravely optimistic

Posted on August 18, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. The summer of 1943 found America at war on two fronts: in Europe against the onslaught of Hitler and in the Pacific against Hirohito and the Japanese. At this time, native American industries swung over to war production with … Continue reading →

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flexing some muscle

Posted on July 9, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Argus was known for American made cameras, especially the ‘brick‘ – the Argus C3. However, the company also dabbled in TLR designs. This ad shown at left is for the Argoflex – Likely a model E given the date … Continue reading →

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first brick in the wall

Posted on March 8, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Talk about great timing! On the eve of WW2 Argus announced their new C3 camera. This ad from the March 1938 issue of International Photographer aims at the average America with these key points:  This miniature camera has features … Continue reading →

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when is a brick not a brick?

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Robert

Toronto. When its an Argus C-4! The Argus C-3 was an awkward rectangular weighty thing loved by all. In 1951, Argus took a shot at replacing it with a C-4 camera but the C-3 lived on. This ad on page … Continue reading →

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marks the spot

Posted on September 4, 2021 by Robert

Toronto. After the end of the war, all camera makers used marketing to try to increase market share. Even the most trivial difference between camera makers was touted as an amazing breakthrough. For example, Argus chose the viewfinder of their … Continue reading →

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idiot proofing film loading

Posted on June 12, 2020 by Robert

Toronto. The giant Kodak corporation of mid last century dictated film sizes and packaging. One of their extensive studies showed that amateurs had a difficult time changing film. To simplify this task, Kodak invented the instamatic film pack. This 126 … Continue reading →

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what’s in your wallet?

Posted on April 3, 2020 by Robert

Toronto. Not to be out done by Airequipt, Argus posted a two page spread (pp 10, 11) in the November 30, 1962 issue of LIFE magazine offering 10,ooo free prizes in the “ARGUS HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY”. The offer was limited to … Continue reading →

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we all scream for a free screen …

Posted on January 25, 2020 by Robert

Toronto. … to paraphrase a kid’s chant from over a half century ago. In the 1960s every manufacturer of photo gear wanted a slice of the amateur photography pie – the bigger the better. By 1960, every factory aped its … Continue reading →

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another Argus model. Another Ad.

Posted on December 26, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. Argus tried bravely to stay competitive in the amateur photography world in the face of both national and international competition. This particular model as advertised in the May 30, 1960 issue of LIFE was a less expensive version Autronic … Continue reading →

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Lights! Action! Camera!

Posted on December 1, 2019 by Robert

LIFE Ad for the Argus M3 8mm movie camera (November 1959) Toronto. Ahhh, amateur home movies. In the 1930s and 40s well heeled families could shoot 16mm movies of family life. Post war, 8mm  and Super 8mm became common allowing … Continue reading →

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