Argus 35MM Film Camera
1958
Metal castings, Bakelite Plastic, Leather Case
Media Archeology Lab
Label written by Audrey Smyczek
The Argus 35mm, affectionately known as ‘The Brick’, is the camera built to last a lifetime. From the cold metal framing to the black, sturdy, Bakelite plastic body, the Argus 35mm is a portable film camera widely available to the public and beloved by many. ‘The Brick’ can be stored away in a smooth, brown leather case which houses the camera body and the lens together. Over 2 million were sold and it was more likely to see an Argus 35mm on the street than a Kodak camera.
While film cameras have become obsolete in this digital age, the Argus 35mm remains in the hands of many users due to its easily repairable parts and body. Unlike other competitor cameras, the Argus 35mm allows the user to change lenses easily due to the design which places the vital lens shutter on the body of the camera and not on the lens itself.
Image Citation:
- Media Archeology Lab, Argus 35MM Film Camera, Creative Commons: Attribution, Non-Commercial
Resources:
- Lahue, Kalton C.; Bailey, Joseph A. (1972). Glass, Brass, and Chrome: The American 35mm Miniature Camera. Norman, Okla.: University of Oklahoma Press. pp. 140–146. ISBN 978-0806134345.
- Sterritt, Phillip G. 2024. “Argus C Series Camera Survey Results.” Argus Camera Information Reference Site. https://argusinfo.net/survey/CSurveyResults.htm#estprod.