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Argus C3 35mm Camera w/ Coated Cintar 50mm Lens &Original Leather Case - $50 (Council, ID)
Highway 95 near Golf Lane
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This vintage collectible camera is ELIGIBLE for 10% DISCOUNT BUNDLE on orders of 3 items or more & $100 or more…
Take a photographic journey back into mid-century Americana with this classic Argus C3—affectionately nicknamed “The Brick” for its rugged, boxy design. This camera features the original Argus Coated Cintar 50mm f/3.5 lens, and comes housed in its original leather case with a royal blue velvet interior.
Estimated Year of Manufacture:
Based on the lens inscription: COATED CINTAR ARGUS CO. F:3.5 50MM MADE IN U.S.A. 5694116 and the overall body design (rangefinder dial, shutter speed dial, swing-open back), this camera likely dates to the early to mid-1950s, most likely between 1953 and 1956.
· Coated Cintar lenses began appearing post-WWII, around 1947, and were standard by the early '50s.
· The serial number 5694116 falls in the range of mid-1950s production based on collector databases and teardown records.
· The rangefinder dial marked 3–25 and shutter speed dial up to 300 are consistent with standard C3 configurations from that era.
· The swing-open back panel was introduced in later production runs for easier film loading—earlier models had slide-off backs.
Condition: Camera body is in excellent vintage condition with clean lens glass and responsive dials. Leather case shows minor wear consistent with age; not major scuffs or damage. Stitching is intact. Straps & buckles are intact & in good condition. Interior Royal Blue velvet lining is intact and vibrant. The "swing pen" back panel is a little glitchy as it closes flush but does not always latch. It is best to doublecheck that the back panel has properly latched after opening. See photos...
Functionality: It is untested but appears complete. Dials function to operate internal mechanisms. Shutter did not fire when tested, but may need to be loaded with film for shutter function to operate.
Authenticity: Inside the film compartment is a factory sticker referencing US Patents 2,298,107 and 2,298,787, both filed in 1939 and tied to Argus’s innovative camera engineering. See authenticity notes below...
Extras: Includes original leather case with carry strap and fitted velvet interior—rare to find in such preserved condition. Leather case has a "screw lock" on the bottom which dials a threaded bolt through the exterior of the case into the camera lock to secure it in place when inside the leather case.
Collector Appeal: A true piece of photographic history. A beautiful, vintage camera suitable for visual display. Likely manufactured in the 1950s, such an historical piece may be the perfect gift for collectors of early 20th-century photographic technologies.
Model Overview: Argus C3
· Production Years: 1939–1966
· Lens: Coated Cintar 50mm f/3.5 was standard; some later models had interchangeable lenses
· Notable Features: Coupled rangefinder, manual shutter speed dial (up to 1/300), and robust construction
· Historical Appeal: Widely used by amateur photographers and even some professionals; known for reliability and affordability.
Inside the film compartment is a label reading US Pat. 2298107 and US Pat. 2298787 both associated with Argus camera designs filed in the late 1930s. Specifically:
· US Patent 2,298,107: Filed in 1939, this patent covers mechanical innovations in camera construction, likely related to the shutter or film advance mechanisms.
· US Patent 2,298,787: Also attributed to Argus, this one pertains to design elements that improved usability and manufacturing efficiency.
Dimensions with leather case: 7" x 3.75" x 3.8"
Weighs 2 lbs - 3 oz with case
Please “REPLY” to this posting for messages & to arrange purchase.
This offer is for CASH transaction only.
Seller is open to reasonable BEST OFFERS & discount bundles…
This item is ELIGIBLE for 10% DISCOUNT BUNDLE on orders of 3 items or more & $100 or more…
Please arrange to meet for time TBD transaction at:
Highway 95 & Golf Lane
next to Council Mountain Golf Course
Council, ID 83612
Questions? Please ask & receive a prompt response… …& Thank you.