We built this city...

With bricks by Argus.

Argus is an American company that has been making cameras since the 1930s. The C3 was their most popular camera, and it was one of the top selling 35mm cameras in history.

And these things still sell like crazy! Every one I get in flies right back out the door.

Looking at it, you wouldn't think it would be so popular. It's a particularly ungraceful camera - pretty much just a big rectangle with a lens attached to it, and it is incredibly heavy. Most people call it "The Brick", which I can vouch for, since I accidentally dropped one on my foot last week. Ouch!

All kidding aside though, it's a great beginner's camera, vintage or not. It's not too complicated, it is durable and solid, and usually reasonably priced ($39-69) in good working condition.

The first time I laid eyes on one about 20 years ago, I immediately liked it. The silky feel of the Bakelite housing, all the complicated looking silver gears and knobs, and the heavy, bulky feel of it thrilled me. Even the custom-fit leather case with the padded sides and blue velvet lining appealed to me.

Thankfully, I am not alone in my fascination with the C3 and its fellows. There are Argus collector clubs all over the world devoted to this monster, and the other vintage Argus models.

Have I made you want one yet? Go For It!

Is this thing on?

Hello World. So. I used to be a programmer, can ya tell? Then I realized that I could use my evil computer powers for good instead of making zillions for giant conglomerate banks.

Good as in, spreading the love(obsession) of vintage cameras. I think that qualifies for good, yah?

So I joined my husband's vintage collectible business and now I get to buy & sell vintage cameras all day long! How cool is that! (Check me out - The Collector Detector)

Going to auctions is one of the best perks of this job - you never know what kind of goodies you'll find. And it still amazes me every time I find a Polaroid kit or an adorable 50s snapshot camera in the most incongruous of locations.

My newest baby is a teensy little Bilora Box Camera. He's currently sitting on my shelf between a Polaroid Spirit and a Brownie 8mm Movie Camera. He looks a bit forlorn, like "Who are these freaks?".

Somebody soldered a metal handle on his head. What a tragedy. I think I'll move him to the shelf with the wooden horses and that weird alien cat statue.

I got an Argus A2B delivered yesterday - it's in pretty nice shape except for a little speckling on the lensplate. For some reason I love the look and feel of these cameras and the Dasco/Pickwik/Detrola style cameras. They just scream Art Deco. Although I suppose they're a little more Art Nouveau in reality.

Ok kids, back to work for me. I've got about 100 new cameras in to clean up and get out into somebody's lucky little mitts.

Toodles!

http://TheCollectorDetector.net