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Argus C3 35mm Camera w/ Coated Cintar 50mm Lens &Original Leather Case - $54 (Council, ID)
Highway 95 near Golf Lane
condition:
excellent
make / manufacturer:
Argus
model name / number:
Argus C3
size / dimensions:
see notes & photos...
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Take a photo journey back to mid-century Americana with a 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 its' vintage; no 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 are functional 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
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DISCOUNT BUNDLES: Shop this catalog & SAVE with a 10% Discount on purchases of 3 items or more + $100 or more. Browse listings & build your collection of VINTAGE & COLLECTIBLE CAMERAS available NOW & watch this catalog for more to come…
This offer is for CASH sale only & all sales are final "as-is.”
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Please arrange to meet for review & transaction at location…
Open Parking next to...
Council Mountain Golf Course
Highway 95 & Golf Lane
Council, ID 83612
…located just off State Highway 95 just ½ mile South of Council.
New items listed often. Questions & offers are always welcome…