Camera, Rangefinder

Object/Artifact

Whittier Museum

Picture of an Argus C3 rangefinder with 50mm f/3.5 Cintar lens.

Name/Title

Camera, Rangefinder

Entry/Object ID

8173.14PE

Description

Argus C3 rangefinder with 50mm f/3.5 Cintar lens, includes box (cover taped around top and bottom where corners have split) also the papers and booklets which came with the camera including 'How to Use Your Argus C3', and flash attachment and case, flash consists of the battery compartment which connects to the camera and a detachable reflector.

Use

Used for 35mm film photography with rangefinder focusing, suitable for amateur and enthusiast photographers.

Context

The Argus C3, produced from 1939 to 1966, became one of the most popular and affordable 35mm cameras in the United States, earning the nickname “The Brick” for its boxy shape and durable construction. This example retains its instructional materials, box, and flash attachment, providing a complete set representative of mid-20th-century consumer photography equipment.

Cataloged By

Dennis Harris

Acquisition

Accession

7983.13

Source (if not Accessioned)

Ralph & Nancy Allen Estate

Notes

Gift

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Secondary Object Term

Camera, Rangefinder

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Camera

Nomenclature Sub-Class

Camera Equipment

Nomenclature Class

Photographic T&E

Nomenclature Category

Category 06: Tools & Equipment for Communication

Dimensions

Height

9-1/2 in

Width

6-1/2 in

Depth

6 in

Location

* Untyped Location

Downstairs

Date

August 3, 2025

Condition

Overall Condition

Good

Date Examined

Aug 3, 2025

Maintenance

Start Date

Nov 16, 2013

General Notes

Note Type

Re-cataloged from old PastPerfect files by Megan Cooper, University of Maine, Augusta Senior Student in the ILS Program.

Note

Original catalog date: 04/19/2014

Created By

Whittier Museum Volunteer

Create Date

August 3, 2025

Updated By

Whittier Museum Volunteer

Update Date

August 8, 2026