History of Photography: Assignment #4

The Argus C3(also referred to as the "brick" due to its shape, size and weight) was mass produced from 1939 to 1966 in the States. This camera was very affordable and durable. It managed to outlast most of its American competition and holds the record for units sold of a 35 mm rangefinder camera. It has been argued that the Argus C3 is responsible for popularising the use of 35mm film.
The design featured a diaphragm shutter built into the camera body, so the camera could make use of interchangeable lenses without the need for a complex focal plane shutter. An interesting feature is that the knobs, gears, buttons, levers and dials are on the outside of the camera body. This gave it a "scientific" look. But eventually the design simply became too outdated, so production ended in 1966 after sales declined.
The thing that attracted me to this camera was that the gears are on the outside of the body. Its always interesting to see how things work. It is a very unique camera.