Film cameras
Argus Argoflex User manual
User manual for Argus Argoflex. 15 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
15 pagesEnglish2.6 MB PDF
Loading your manual…Open PDF directly
Document details
- Brand
- Argus
- Model / document
- Argus Argoflex
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 15
- File size
- 2.6 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
Search available document text
Find a term, then jump to its page in the original PDF. Image-only pages may not be searchable; check the PDF for exact wording and diagrams.
Page 2 · Read text
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 LensView original page 2Page 3 · Read text
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)
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.View original page 3Page 4 · Read text
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.View original page 4
Page 5 · Read text
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.View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
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 ...
Outdoor Exposure GuideView original page 6Page 7 · Read text
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.View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
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.View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
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.View original page 9Page 10 · Read text
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
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
After each picture is taken, hold lever on back of
camera and wind until next figure appears in the center
of the red window.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
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.
ARGOFLEX USES ROLL FILM SIZE 620
(THERE ARE WAYS TO MAKE 120 ROLLS WORK IN 620 CAMERAS)View original page 11Page 13 · Read text
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. 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.View original page 13
Page 14 · Read text
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.
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.View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
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.View original page 15
From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.