Film cameras
Argus C4 User manual
User manual for Argus C4. 25 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
25 pagesEnglish8.2 MB PDF
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Document details
- Brand
- Argus
- Model / document
- Argus C4
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 25
- File size
- 8.2 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 2 · Read text
1
have just purchased America's most distinguished
35mm camera - the Argus C4.
It is a precision instrument, and with the care it deserves
your C4 will provide you with a lifetime of service.
This little book is intended to help you to derive the fullest
enjoyment frorn its use. If you plan to take a trip, expose a practice
roll or two of film first. This will acquaint you with your new
C-4 ancl prevent spoiling an important picture through lack of familiarity.
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Mike Butkus DigitallyDN:email=mike@butkus.org,Date:cn=Mike2025.02.09signedButkus,by21:12:31Mikeo, ou=Butkus.org,Butkusc=US-05'00'
I/nlock the camera back by turning the Lock- Remove camera back lvith dorvnrvard movement. ing Device in the "open" direction. Turn the Wind Knob until it stops.View original page 4Page 5 · Read text
Venmo @mike-butkus-camera Ph. 2083 PayPal Name Lynn@butkus.org www.PayPal.me/lynnbutkusView original page 5
Page 6 · Read text
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Pull the Wind Knob completely up and rotate X
turn backwards to release take-up spool
tension. Rotate take-up spindle with thumb Place 35mm film cartridge in fflm compartment to position shown.
and thread 3 notches of fflm under
friction roller. Be sure fflm notches are
engaged with sprocket, as in illustration.View original page 6Page 8 · Read text
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#
Exposure Counter shows number of picfures
remaining on your ftlm. To set, push
down with thumb and turn clockrvise
trntil 20 is opposite stationary index
line, if using a 2O-picture roll; or 0
if using a 36-picture roll.
Turn Winding Knob until it stops, press
Shutter Release, :rnd again turn Winding Knob
until it stops.View original page 8Page 10 · Read text
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SHUTTER t$
ADJ USTM ENT
The C4 Shutter Speecl Dial controls the length held down, permitting time exposures when
of time the shutter will be open to admit light Iight is limited. When making exposures at
when you press the Shutter Release. The '3" or at I/10 second, the C4 should be on
numbers indicate fractions of a second. You a tripod or other steady suppdrt to avoid
may select any one of five accurately meas- movement. The C4 may be held in the hands
ured speeds. Just rotate the dial to bring that for all other shutter speeds.
number directly over the index dot above the
letter "G" in the Argus trade mark. ( In the
illtrstration, the dial is set at l/rcO second. )
When the dial is set at "8", the shutter will
remain open as long as the shutter release isView original page 10Page 11 · Read text
Aperture Ring settings control the amount of
light that will pass through the lens while
shutter is open. Your Argus C4 gives you a
choice of 7 settings. Make settings by rotating
the Aperture Ring until the desired opening
is opposite the index mark.
To re-adjust Aperture Ring setting without
changing focus, hold the Rangeftnder Dial
with thumb while making new setting.
Sma I f est opening-t:22.
Largest open i ng- t:2.8.
Each setting admits twice as much
light as the preceding one. Thus, f:2.8
admits twice as much light as f:4.
For proper settings, consult expo-
sure guides on pages 17 and 19.
3'gG www.butkus.usView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
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_- FOCUSING
q
Out of focus tn focus
The above illustrations show the view as it appears through
the View and Rangefinder. lllustration at left shows the
subject as it appears when the camera is "orlt of focus";
illustration at right shows the subject as it appears when
the camera is "in focr.ls". lt is also possible to pre-set the
distance by means of the Rangefinder Dial and to approach
the subject until the two images are superimposed.
' -^lrrnt
To focus, look through Rangeffnder-Viervffnder For pictures that are longer than they are wide,
Eyepiece and ttrrn the Rangefinder Dial until the hrrn yorrr camera into a vertical position and do
clouble image becomes a single image. Throtrgh the same us above.
the Eyepiece, you rvill see your subject just as it
rvill appear in the finished picture. CAUTION: When sighting through the Range-
The Rangefinder Dial is coupled to the focus- finder-Viewfinder Eyepiece, be suie yo.tr eyJ is
ing lens mount, so that rvhen you have super- centered to insure accurute picture composition.
imposed the double image into a single image, Keep sight of all four sides ofYiewfinder Window
y-our Argus C4 is in focus and will assure you a for correct framing.
sharp, clear picture.View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
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Hold the camera in either of the two posi-
tions shown at left, depending on whether
you are taking a tall or a wide subject.
Hold camera firmly and compose the
picture to your own liking.
Press the Shutter Release, with ftrm,
smooth motion of foreftnger. It's a good
idea to hold your breath as you press the
Shutter Release - this will help to hold the camera still while you're taking the picture.
FOR COMPLETE EXPOSURE GUIDES, SEE PAGES 17 AND 19View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
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Wind: Most C4 owners make it a Rewind: When all pictures have Unload & Reload: Open back of
practice not to wind the film until been taken, pull winding knob com- the camern, u, in loading, and re-
just before taking the next pic- pletely up and rotate }i turn back- move the fflm cartridge. Have the
ture. This prevents tripping the wards to release take-up spool ten- film developed as soon as possible
shutter accidentally. When ready sion, and rewind film (using knob for best results. Keep your Argus
for a picture, turn the winding marked "Rewind") until counter C4 loaded with film so you will be
knob until it stops. Do not touch dial has stopped rotating. Continue ready for any picture opportunity.
exposure counter or shutter re- to turn knob three to four extra revo- Argus C4 uses standard 35mm film
lease when winding. lutions to be sure film is entirely in cartridges, black-and-white or color.
the cartridge.
l1View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
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www.butkus.usFOR SNAPSHOT SI M PLICITY
While your C4 is completely adjustable for YELLOW MARKINGS are used with
precise variations when you need them, it Kodachrome Daylight (ASA 10).
can also be used like the simplest camera. RED MAIIKINGS are used with Ekta- "set it on Color-matic", then wind the Just chrome or Anscochrome Davlight color film and snap the shutter for each picture. films and with Plus-X, Supreme uid si*ilar
Color-matic markings on Aperture Ring, black-and-white films (ASA 32-80).
Rangefinder Dial, and Shutter Speed Dial Individual adjustments are necessary for
provide universal settings for arseraga sub- ( I ) other than "average" subjects, (2) when
jects in bright sunlight, with sharp focus subject is not in sunlight, (3) when using
from 9 to 50 feet. films with higher exposure indexes,
12View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
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The C4 Flash Unit Iocks on the top of your camera in the Flash
Mounting.Bracket,.permitting you to take picttrres anywhere with-
otrt re.grud to exislilg light Conditions. A Flash Expoiure Guide is
provicled on page 17.
The side-to-sicle movement of the Flash Lamp Aditrstment on vour
C4 automatically synchronize-s the shutter at^either "M" (20 ;ilh-
second delay) or^"I"-(no delay). The acljustment permitr ir,"of several types of fllsh eqtripment at a choice of shulter speeds. "r"
FLASH LAMP ADJUSTMENT
Use the."M" setting for Medium peak flash lamps
(wire filled, No. 5, Press 25, Bantam 8, etc.l-at
any shutter speed.
Use tle "X" setting for Fast peak flash lamps
(gas filled, SM-SFI-but only at shutter speeds
up to l/100 second to allow for 5 millisecond
delay in these lamps.
Use the "K' setting tol "zeto" ol "X-delay"
electronic equipment at any shutter sperid.
Refer to the chart on page 17 for shutter and
aperture settings.View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
The C4 Flash Unit is designed to accommodate two size "C" photoflash batteries. (B-C power units which will ftt the C4 battery case are also available. ) When inserting size "C" batteries, To install batteries, ffrst remove the back of the battery case be sure to position the left-htrnd cell by grasping it at the sides and pulling directly outward as top-up and the right-hand cell top- shown in the illustration below. Inside the battery case, you as indicated inside the battery will ffnd diagrams inclicating correct battery positions. :,U:r Fresh batteries are necessary for positive flash synchroniza- tion. Size "C" batteries should be replaced after about four months'use or after 50 to 60 flash exposures.View original page 17
Page 18 · Read text
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15View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
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A bayonet terminal is provided for Eject hot lamps without touch-
multiple flash extensions. Several www.butkus.us ing them by pressing down the
extension lights may be fired when red button at top of battery case.
using a B-C unit. (Ordinary flash Hold camera as shown above. Posi-
batteries, horvever, are not power- tion of the flash unit provides max-
ful enough for this "in-series" con- imum illumination on subject. Such
nection.) strong front lighting is perfect for
color photography.
16View original page 19Page 20 · Read text
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Guide numbers are given in the chart below for combinations of popular films and flash lamps. By
dividing the appropriate guide number by the number of feet between your camera and subject, you
obtain the correct aperture setting (f:stop).
EXAMPLE: For Kodachrome Daylight and No.58 flashlamp atl/50 shutter speed, the chart shows
45 as the guide number. With a subject l0 ft. from the camera, divide 45 by 10, which equals 4.5.
Set aperture between f :4 and f :5.6.
ELECTRONIc FLAsH UNITs require exposure adjuStmentS aCCording tO manufaCturer'S re6qm.
mendations. Consult instructions supplied with your electronic unit.
SM.SF BANTAM 8 50r25
FLASHBULB (Use X setting) (Use lUl setting) (Use M settingl
SHUTTER SPEED > Up to l/50
Ektachrome Daylight Blue lamps (No. 58 or 258)required for Daylight Color Film used indoors.
Anscochrome Daylight
Ektachrome Type F
Anscochrome Flash Type
Blue lamps (No. 58 or 258) required for Daylight Color Film used indoors.
Kodachrome Daylight
Kodak Tri-X 190 180
'828-type fi lter required.
'The five millisecond delay, characteristic of gas-ftlled bulbs, prevents propor
orposuro al shutter speeds faster thrn l/100 second.
L7View original page 20Page 23 · Read text
FLASH: Lock-on type, fits standard mounting bracket on camera;
automatically fired through mounting contacts; auxiliary bayonet ter-
minal provideC for firing secondary flash untt when using B-C power
unit; may be fired through bayonet terminal when mounted on other
cameras with external firing cables, provided normally open circuit
PICTURE SIZE: l" x llteo transparencies in 2" x 2" mounts; 0r at mounting connection is closed; 5" polished reflector with bayonet3Y+" x4Yz" standard photo-finishers' prints.
type socket for all midget base lamps; pushbutton lamp ejection.
FltM SIZEI 35mm, roll cartridge
LENS: 50mm (2") Argus Cintar f :2.8 color corrected, coated anastig- LENS ACCESSORIES: 1.300" outside diameter of lens mount
mat; diaphragm openings trom t:22; rangefinder-coupled automatic takes 33mm slip-on adapter ring and 41mm or Series Vl filters and
focusing, 3 ft. to infinity; hyperfocal distance'.57'8" at f :2.8; field supplementary lenses; threaded inside diameter will take E.K. No. 26
covered;27" x 40' angular at infinity; resolving power: 120 lines per Series Vl screw-in adapter ring.
millimeter at center of field.
SHUTTER: Behind lens type; gear-controlled speeds at l/10,1125, OTHER FEATURES: Die-cast metal body with leather-grain and
l/50,1/I00, l/300 and bulb (B); body release threaded for ASA cable; satin metal trim,SYz" x3Y8" x3%"; weight 25 oz.; automatic exposure
automatically cocked with film wind action;synchronized at M for 20 counter; Color-matic settings for aperture, shutter speed and distance
millisecond delay wire-filled flashbulbs, at X (zero delay) for electronic for average subjects in bright sunlight; double exposure prevention;
flash at all shutter speeds, and at X for gas-filled.bulbs at speeds up tripod socket; genuine saddle leather, eveready-type carrying case
to l/100 second. with shoulder strap.
20
,iiri-;:!-:ur..-.- .. L1.- " * ! "tu .. ....'^*r!Cm![r!iiara;'"b,View original page 23Page 25 · Read text
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Your Argus C4 canzerd u)as nzanufac- materials or utorkmatosbip, your carnera
tured', inspected, and, tested, by skilled' utill be factory seraiced, uitbout cbarge. rlIcarnera craftsmen. It is automatically Argas equipment u.,bich bas been
gilaranteed, utben purcbased, to be free d,atrzaged,, misband,led, or utorn front, ex-
of d'efects in utorkmanship or naaterial tend,ed, use utill be factory seraiced, at
d,uring its lifetime, lf any seruicing is establisbed, rates, Used. or rebuilt equip-
necessary because of imperlections in ment is not couered, by tbis guarAntee.
ARGUS CAMERAS tNC., ANN ARBOR, M|CHIGAN
ARGUS CAMERAS OF CANADA, LTD., TORONTO, ONTARIO
PART NO. 23287-566 PRTNTED IN U.S.A.View original page 25From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.