P3D Re: Argus C3

[Watters <mdwatters@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> From: Rob <lilindn@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> > It does have a flash unit, but I have no idea if the adapter is standard
> >
>      What one should also know is that earlier C3s (S/N lower than
> 964482) have "M" sync and can't use electronic flash even with a jack

It's really simple to retime the sync on the Argus shutters.  Just a matter of 
loosening a set screw, retiming and tightening the screw again.  Since the shutter 
action can be manually slowed, getting the timing right is a breeze.

> flashes have high voltage across the flash connector and the C3 has
> metal body parts, shock is possible.

Not only that, but a stock C3 uses the metal lensboard as a physical part of the 
flash circuit.  If you're using a real powerhouse flash unit you're going to be in 
for a suprise.  :)  I've got the flash contact on mine rewired up to a PC plug on 
the top of the camera.  Haven't encountered any problems with the flash unit biting 
me though.

There's a number of reasons the C3 is an appealing camera for a twinning project:
1) They are VERY cheap (I've paid as low as $1 and as much as $10)
2) They are boxy (which makes the siamese job physically simple)
3) Their shutters are very simplistic which simplifies the siamesing.
4) Shutter cocking isn't at all connected to frame advance which means you don't 
have to hack up some sort of auto 1-3-1 advance system
5) The cameras have fully manual focus and exposure
6) The lenses are interchangable with 35mm and 100mm lenses available.

Downsides:

1) Relatively low top-end speed (max speed of 100th regardless of what's marked, 
part of this is due to the siamesing of course)
2) Lenses not as good as those on modern SLRs (but just as good as a normal Realist 
or Kodak).
3) They're kinda ugly.  :)

The lens problem COULD be addressed by mounting different lenses on the front of 
the camera of course.  The main problem with this is that the Argus bodies are 
thicker than many SLR bodies which makes mounting SLR lenses difficult.  The other 
problem is that the behind-the-lens shutter arrangement has a tendency to vignette 
unless the lens is right up against the shutter (as the stock 35/50/100mm lenses 
are).  This is something I haven't fully explored since I was satisfied with the 
Argus' stock lenses, especially the 35 and 100mm lenses which were made by 
Steinheil.

mike
watters



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