LINKS
The information contained on this page has been transcribed from the original Argus C-33 owner's manual, Part No. 33231-591. The accompanying diagrams and photographs shown here are not original and are copyrighted by James M. Surprenant. My personal comments appear in an italic blue font.
Your Argus C33 is a fine, precision instrument - easy to set and use for quick picture-taking - yet it has all of the features necessary for even the most unusual subject and lighting.
You will want to read this instruction book over carefully before you load the first roll of film so you will not miss an important picture because you are not familiar with the operation of the camera. If you're planning a trip or pictures of a special event, it is wise to expose a practice roll first.
The illustrations in this book may not show the latest minor changes in product appearance.
Functional Parts
These are the important functional parts of your C33. Familiarize yourself with them, as they are referred to throughout this book.
What makes a picture?
If this is your first adjustable camera, it may help you to first understand the camera's three simple adjustments which assure good pictures.
First there is the lens focusing which gives a clear, sharp image on the film. Line up the rangefinder images by turning the rangefinder dial, and the lens is automatically focused for you.
The next adjustment is the size of the lens opening which controls the amount of light passing through the lens. The largest opening has the smallest number.
Last is the shutter speed adjustment which controls the length of time that light can pass through the lens. You will use fast speeds (like 300) for action, slow speeds (like 30) when light is dim.
Color-Matic Settings
Your C33 has a complete range of adjustments for all types of pictures, but if you like, it can be pre-set and used as easily as a box camera. The Color-matic settings on lens opening, shutter, and distance scales will give you correct outdoor exposures for average subjects in bright sunlight.
YELLOW MARKINGS
are used with Kodachrome.RED MARKINGS
are used with Anscochrome or Ektachrome Daylight Color Films, Kodacolor, or Panatomic-X, Supreme, or similar black-and-white films (ASA 25-50).The Color-matic lens setting is at 15 ft., but subjects between 9 and 50 ft. will be in focuse. For subjects outside this range focus with the rangefinder (see
Using the Rangfinder)Sample Photographs
Setting the shutter
Turn the shutter speed dial until the desired number is exactly opposite the index ark, not in-between. The illustration shows a setting of 60 (1/60). The numbers are fractions of a second.
For action pictures, use 1/125 or 1/300 second.
For average pictures, use 1/60 or 1/125 second.
For low-light scenes, use 1/30 second or lower.
B is used for exposures longer than 1 second. When the shutter is on B, it will remain open as long as the release is held down. Use a cable release and a tripod with shutter speeds lower than 1/30 and when taking time exposures.
Setting the lens
You set the lens opening by turning the front of the lens to the right or left until the desired number is opposite the index mark. Lens openings may be set on or between the numbers.
The correct lens opening to use may be obtained by (1) using the Color-matic setting, (2) using the Outdoor Exposure Guide on the next page or the flash information on pages 13-15, (3) using the data packed with your film or flashbulbs, or (4), the simplest for all outdoor pictures, use the Argus Coupled Exposure Meter.
Bright lighting calls for small lens openings, while dim lighting usually needs large lens openings.