Marcy’s Argus 21 Camera Review:
It’s been said that many professional photographers cut their photographic teeth using an Argus camera. Well, I broke a nail once. This particular Argus 21 came to me via eF**. From the moment I laid eyes on him, I knew he wanted to party! He was busting out of his conservative black leatherette. He’d been in the closet (literally) for way too long and was ready to stand up and be noticed! I’d found this fabulous fluorescent pink vinyl at JoAnn Fabrics.[ Why is it that, while they’re cutting your fabric, they always ask, “Whatcha makin’?” I simply answered, “Pants.”]
He no longer wants to be called Mark Finder. She wants you to call her Michelle.
The lens is removable. With a “b” setting and shutter speeds from 10 – 200, I found the Model 21 … I mean, Michelle… easy to use. EXCEPT for the fact that you gotta wind that little film advance knob. You wind and wind and wind … and it’s kinda small and hard to grasp. Then, when the roll is finished, you gotta wind and wind and wind the rewind knob.
Mine came with a leather case, about which the instruction manual states, “The Argus Model 21 carrying case is made of the finest quality saddle leather, beautifully stitched and tailored to the camera for a perfect fit. You’ll be proud to carry your Model 21 in it. An Argus carrying case protects your camera from hard knocks …”
4 Responses
Hi Marcy, I do not think we ever met, I am an “Argus” ACG member and have always admired the decorated cameras you made for Ron Norwood and Doug Wilcox. Recently I started following the FPP and while listening to older Podcasts I found Mark O’Brien’s interview with you. That started the memory going and I thought I’d check and wander around your website. I’m in the process of a move to Phoenix AZ so life is pretty hectic. FYI on this particular page,
https://junkstorecameras.com/project/argus-21-mark-finder/
there are a few broken links. You may want to check for more.
I Just wanted to introduce myself and wish you well.
Hi Tom! Thanks for the intro and the kind comments about the Gala Edition Argii. I’ll definitely check for broken links. The site is a labor of love, so it only get updated when there’s time. Ha! I hope you aren’t getting rid of any cameras during your move. Enjoy sunny Arizona!
1st 35mm camera I ever used. Someone gave one to my father and we bought some Kodacrome and loaded it up. There used to be exposure info in the film box. I went to a camera shop and bought a basic exposure meter. I tried to find the camera after my father passed away but no luck. Purchased a 21 on ebay last year. Would like to find an adapter to use the lens on my EOS M. Glenn
Glenn: Thanks for the walk down memory lane. I wonder if Fotasy makes a mount that would work? I’ve gotten some crazy adapters from them. -Marcy