Argus 40 Twin Lens Reflex Camera
Photo thanks to Allen Stover
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This Argus twin lens reflex camera is an interesting example of an
inexpensive TLR design with some extra features for an economy design.
The camera was made in the early and middle 1950s. The camera takes 6x6cm
images on 620 film. Be forewarned that 620 film is harder to find and on
its way out (along with 127 rollfilm). You can respool 120 film onto 620
film spools (see 620 film respooling by Al
Thompson).
This is an economy TLR. As one cost saving feature, the upper viewing
lens no longer focuses. That means you have to focus by guesstimate on
the lower lens. The lack of gearing externally from the lower to the
upper lens is one feature of lower end economy TLRs. All of these
argoflex series cameras are economy models which rarely fetch much over
$25 US. They filled the same niche that today's under $25 US point and
shoot cameras fill.
In other words, I wouldn't recommend this camera as
one for someone who wants to give medium format or twin lens reflex
cameras a serious trial. Try a rolleicord, ricohflex, minoltaflex, or
yashicamat or similar higher end TLR instead to give these cameras a fair
trial. Still, if you have inherited one or found one at a garage sale, it
might be worth respooling a roll of 120 rollfilm just to try it out. For
those who say you can't get into medium format for less than $1,000 US,
here is a camera that will take medium format images for less than a
Holga (circa $15 US new), but with fewer problems (dollars went farther
in the old days than today's dollarettes ;-).
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