Argus Model K

Photos by Jacques Bratières text by Sylvain Halgand. From the collection of Jacques Bratières. Last update 2023-10-17 par Sylvain Halgand.

Manufactured or assembled in USA from (Before) 1939 to (Circa) 1940.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 30056

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Chronology of cameras Argus

The model K is one of the rarest among Argus cameras. It was evidently produced in a very limited number, as it does not appear in the special issues of Popular Photography from 1939 and 1940 that list cameras sold in the USA. The website argusinfo.net indicates a probable number of around 2,000 units.

Its fairly classic appearance from a distance is contradicted by a closer look: viewfinder and extinction meter at the bottom of the facade, which is vertically grooved, and color-coded distance adjustment.
The advertisement explains that it commemorates the 100th anniversary of photography by Daguerre. It is also known to be very close to the never-really-commercialized D model, which had a spring motor. The K model would therefore be a way to sell off remaining D model stocks. Looking at advertisements from that time, it becomes apparent that some K model units still have this spring motor, while others do not, indicating the use of residual stocks.

It is an original camera, equipped with an extinction meter coupled to the shutter, just like the D model.

Interesting links or bibliography :

Les appareils Argus et leurs différences, suggested by Jacques Bratieres

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