TO SECOND SECTION

Argoflex represents a modern development of the twin-lens type of camera. It shows you the picture before you take it, and incorporates many refinements which make picture-taking easier, and good results more certain. It is a precision instrument and should receive the care accorded a fine watch, though it is rugged in construction and will give you years of picture-taking enjoyment. To obtain the utmost from your Argoflex read this instruction book carefully so you will thoroughly understand its operation.

1 Neck Strap Lug 2 Film Winding Knob  3 Shutter Release  4 Cable Release  5 Taking Lens  6 Viewing Lens 7 Locking Catch  8 Flash Contact  9 Film Window  10 Tripod Bushing 11 Film Window Cover Release

USE ONLY 620 SIZE FILM

Open the back of the camera by pressing down on the locking catch. The back is hinged for convenience. Hold camera so back does not drop or hinge may be sprung.

 

The empty film spool must be in the upper film compartment. Pull out the winding knob, giving it a quarter turn to secure it in the out position. Swing out film spool cradle and insert the empty spool.

 

Drop cradle with empty film spool back into compartment and turn winding knob to engage it with the slot in the end of the empty film spool.

 

Be sure to loan the camera in subdued light; not in bright sunlight. Swing out lower film spool cradle and insert new roll of film. Then drop cradle back in compartment. Be sure film is placed as shown with end of protective paper in position indicated.

Holding cradle in with the left hand, pull off about 8 inches of paper leader for threading.

 

Fold end of paper (about one inch) and insert into long slot of the empty film spool. To secure end of paper, give the winding knob about three turns.

 

Close camera back, making sure it is securely closed and locked.

Hold lever on back of camera, using left thumb, and wind until Figure 1 appears in the center of the red window. Do not wind beyond this point.

 

To adjust the shutter, turn the milled ring until index line is opposite speed desired. (See guide on opposite page.)

There are four steps to taking pictures with Argoflex

Shutter adjustment. according to the type of subject. 
Aperture, or lens adjustment, according to the light condition.
Focusing, according to the distance from camera to subject.
Exposure, or taking the picture.

Think of the word SAFE and you will get into the habit of making each step in the correct over.
APERTURE ...

Click here to see the Outdoor Exposure Guide

Aperture

To adjust the aperture (lens opening) move pointer until it is opposite correct f number. (See guide above.)

 

To focus the Argoflex, open the focusing hood, using the right thumb, as shown.

Hold the camera in the manner illustrated, and focus by turning the knurled lens mount until the ground glass image is sharp.

 

For critically sharp focusing, use the magnifier. Using the thumb, flip it into position as indicated by the illustration. In use, the eye must be close to the magnifier. Focus by turning the knurled lens mount until the ground glass image is sharp. You can also "guess focus" Argoflex by estimating the distance and setting this figure opposite index line on top of lens mount.

This illustration shows how the subject appears on the ground glass with the magnifier in use.

Depth of Field

An important feature of your Argoflex is the depth indicator which is a part of the lens mount and shows automatically the range of sharp focus. For example: if your camera is focused at 20 feet (the figure 20 opposite the center index line) the range of sharpness is indicated by the lines marked with lens markings. Using the example above, you will see that the f/4.5 lines show a range from 15 on one side of the center index line to 30 on the other. Thus, everything from 15 to 30 feet will be sharp. At f/16, everything from a little less than 10 feet to infinity (00) is sharp. This handy device can be very useful. If you find difficulty in understanding its use, see your Photo Dealer.

Click here for the Depth of Field Table

 

TAKING the PICTURE

To take the picture, hold the camera as shown, and compose the subject on the ground glass as you want it to appear in the finished picture. A lower or higher position may be desirable to get just the effect you want. Then, hold your breath for an instant and press the shutter release SMOOTHLY with the right thumb. Take care not to jar the camera or the picture may be blurred due to camera movement.

For use at eye-level, a frame finder is provided. To use, press the front of the focusing hood back until it catches. (To restore use of ground glass, press back slightly on rear hood panel.)

SPORTS FINDER

Hold the camera as indicated in the illustration, using the right middle or fore-finger to press the shutter release. This eye-level finder is useful in taking sport or action pictures where the subject is moving.

WINDING THE FILM

After each picture is taken, hold lever on back of camera and wind until next figure appears in the center of the red window.

UNLOADING

After all 12 pictures have been taken, wind about 6 turns to take up film and protective paper, but do not use force.

UNLOADING

Open the back of the camera by pressing down on the locking catch. Pull out film winding knob, giving it a quarter-turn to secure it in the out position. Swing out film spool cradle and remove the roll of exposed film.

Seal the end of the film protective paper, using the gummed tape attached to it, and develop or have the film developed as soon as possible. This will insure better negatives.
Keep the camera loaded with film so you will be ready for any picture opportunity.