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The Argoflex Model E, which was produced from 1940 through 1948 was Argus' first, and in my opinion, best entry in the inexpensive twin lens reflex (TLR) camera market. The E featured a really nice Durez molded plastic art deco body with a waist level viewfinder that had a focus magnifier lens and sports level finder. The lens is an adequate three-element f/4.5 75mm antistigmat lens. The self-cocking shutter was manufactured by Wollensack Rochester and features speeds of 1/200 - 1/10 sec plus Bulb and Time and has as standard cable release socket. This camera does not have flash synchronization so the photographer was pretty much limited to either photographing subjects outdoors or using an open flash method.

The Argus A is very similar in design to other low-end TLRs of that era including the Voightlander Brilliant and the Russian made Lubitel. Collectors might also be interested in knowing that the Argoflex was also sold as the Wardflex at Montgomery Ward department stores.

Many other lower end TLRs and medium format box cameras of this era (see : Kodak Brownie Hawkeye, Argoflex 75) only accept the narrower 620 film spool and not the larger 120 film spool. 620 film is identical in size to 120 film, except for the size of the spool upon which it is wound. Since 620 film is no longer widely available today, photographers wishing to use these old 620 medium format cameras must either respool their own film, trim down the ends of a plastic 120 spool, or pay premium prices from specialty dealers such as Film For Classics. One of the best features of the plastic bodied Argoflex E is that it is the only Argoflex camera that will accept either the 620 or 120 film spool.

My only criticism of the Argoflex E is the really dim ground glass focus screen. Even after a thorough cleaning it remains dim and difficult to focus with ease. Otherwise I have found that the Argoflex E is a really solid performer and works very well with modern films.

Following the Argoflex Model E, Argus manufactured a metal-bodied version of the called the EM in 1948 which was then followed by the EF which was produced from 1948 through 1951. The EF also had a metal body like the EM, but the EF featured flash synchronization by means of a hot shoe contact on the left side of the camera.

The Argoflex cameras that followed the EF progressively offered less true TLR features. The plastic bodied Argoflex 40 and nearly identical Argus 40 were manufactured from 1950 - 1954. The 40s had adjustable shutter speeds and irises and synchronized flash was possible with the accessory Argus 76 flashgun, which plugged into the left side of the camera. However, despite having an adjustable focus-taking lens, the 40 had a fixed focus viewing lens which meant that the photographer would have to guesstimate the distance to his or her subject. (Argus also employed a similar guesstimate system on it's Model A, A-4, and Model 21 35mm cameras.)

From 1949 through 1958 Argus also sold the plastic bodied Argoflex 75 and from 1959 through 1964, the similar Argus 75. The 75s were nearly identical in appearance to the 40s, however since the 75s had fixed focus taking lenses, fixed irises and a choice of either "Instant" or "Time" shutter speeds, they were essentially really fancy-ass box cameras.

Finally, from 1954 through 1958 Argus manufactured the Argoflex Super 75 which was basically a Argus 75 that had limited focus and aperture adjustments. I have found the Super 75 to be more similar to the Kodak Duaflex IV than the Argoflex 40.

If you are interested in going beyond 35mm and into medium format photography, an Argoflex E in good condition would be a nice camera to try. They can still be found for little more than the cost of a new Holga, and of course, the quality of the Argoflex is much higher. If, after buying and using the Argoflex E, you find you want to go further in medium format, I'd recommend a good second hand Yashica-Mat.

Quincy Market with an Argoflex EF.

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Email: jsurp@oso.com