Argus Argoflex

This camera manual library is for reference
 and historical purposes, all rights reserved.
This page is copyright© by Butkus Camera Manual Site, M. Butkus, NJ.
This camera manual library is for reference
and historical purposes, all rights reserved. .
I have no connection with any camera company

On-line camera manual library

If you find this manual useful,
how about a donation of $3 to:


M. Butkus, 29 Lake Ave.,
High Bridge, NJ 08829-1701
and send your e-mail address
 so I can thank you.
Most other places would charge
you $7.50 for a electronic copy
or $18.00 for a hard to read Xerox copy.

This will help me to continue to host this site,
buy new manuals, and pay their shipping costs.

It'll make you feel better, won't it ?

If you use Pay Pal, use the link below.
Use the above address for a check, M.O. or cash.

https://www.PayPal.me/butkus

Venmo is @mike-butkus-camera   Ph  2083

<<< IF YOU WOULD LIKE THIS OR ANY PDF FILE
PRINTED, BOUND AND MAILED TO YOU,
SEE THIS OUTSIDE COMPANY'S OFFER >>>


Back to main camera manual page

Problems opening PDF files
or printing problems - click here



CLICK HERE FOR Argus Argoflex
PDF VERSION - BETTER PRINTING



Argoflex PDF MADE DIRECTLY
FROM HTML MANUAL

Argoflex cameras


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.

Argoflex cameras 1. Neck Strap Lug

2. Film Winding Knob 

3. Shutter Release

4. Cable Release

5. Taking Lens

6. Viewing Lens

 

Argoflex cameras

7. Locking Catch

8. Flash Contact

9. Film Window

10. Tripod Bushing

11. Film Window Cover Release

USE ONLY 620 SIZE FILM
( you can try using 120 film by cutting the 120 roll edge to fit,
need a 620 take up or make a second 120 fit - check Internet)

Argoflex cameras 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.
Argoflex cameras 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.

Argoflex cameras 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.

Argoflex cameras 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.

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

Argoflex cameras 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.

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

Argoflex cameras 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.

Argoflex cameras 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.
E
xposure, 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 ...

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Argoflex cameras


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

 

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

 

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

 

Argoflex cameras 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.

 

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

Depth of Field

 Argoflex cameras 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.

Depth of Field Table

Argoflex cameras

TAKING the PICTURE
Argoflex cameras 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.



Argoflex cameras 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.)
 

SPORTSFINDER

Argoflex cameras 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.
 


WINDINGTHE FILM

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

UNLOADING
Argoflex cameras 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.

ARGOFLEX USES ROLL FILM SIZE 620
(THERE ARE WAYS TO MAKE 120 ROLLS WORK IN 620 CAMERAS)

ARGOFLEX FLASH UNIT

picture picture The front part of the battery case is removable. Hold the unit in the left hand and pull off cover with right hand.


Replace battery case cover as indicated.

Batteries are inserted as shown above. Molded arrows show the proper placement of battery cells.

 

picture picture When using midget flash bulbs, use the adapter. It is a permanent part of the unit when attached.
The Flash Unit Reflector is readily removable ... should be adjusted so center of bulb is 1" from back of curved section. Lacquer coated. Clean only with a damp cloth.


Picture picture In use, the Flash Unit mounts in the clip on the camera. Bulb must not be in Unit when attaching to camera.

picture picture Hold the camera with flash as indicated. Push midget bulb in as far as it will go and give 1/4 turn.

When using standard base bulbs, remove adapter. Push bulb in as far as it will go.

Be sure flash gun is attached to camera when inserting bulb.

Argoflex cameras Picture To take the picture, follow the instructions on page 14. The carrying case is designed to permit using the Flash Unit without removing the camera.

After the picture is taken, the bulb may be ejected automatically.

 

 

picture picture
The Argus Flash Unit Extension (available as an accessory) permits using the Unit at one side of the camera for better modeling. It also permits the use of two Argus Flash Units for balanced lighting.

NOTE: When two bulbs are used the lens opening should he reduced or a higher shutter speed used.

 

picture Use of the Argoflex Carrying Case is recommended at all times. It protects your camera from hard knocks, from the weather, and provides a convenient means of carrying. The camera may be used without removing it from the case.

 

picture Argus Filters, Portrait Lenses, Copy Lenses and Lens Shade improve the quality of your pictures and increase your camera's versatility. Argoflex accommodates the 31 mm size Adapter Ring and 30 mm size Filters, etc.