argus FA Classic Camera Instruction Manual

: June 4, 2024
: ARGUS

Table of Contents

LEGEND
LOADING
THREE SIMPLE ADJUSTMENTS
MAKE PICTURE TAKING EASY
TAKING FLASH PICTURES
INDOOR FLASH EXPOSURE TABLES
Documents / Resources
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)

argus FA Classic Camera

Argus FA is the low-cost 35mm. camera for color slides. It· also makes excellent black-and-white negatives which are readily enlarged to almost any desired size. The colorcorrected, hard-coated f :4.5 lens makes it an all- weather, year ’round camera and built-in flash simplifies picturetaking indoors.
It is a precision instrument and should receive the care accorded a fine watch, though it is rugged in construction and will give you years of picture- making enjoyment. To obtain the utmost in results from your Argus FA read this instruction book carefully so you will thoroughly understand its operation.

LEGEND

Winding Knob
Viewfinder
Film Counter
Flash Contacts
Rewind Knob
Tripod Bushing
Shutter Release
Film Release
Lens
Shutter Adjustment Lever
Aperture Adjustment Lever
Focus Markings

LOADING

Open the camera by depressing catch at one end of the camera.
Pull out rewind knob on the bottom of the camera and in ~ ert the 35mm. film cartridge.
Push rewind knob in (it may be necessary to turn it slighcly) .
Thread end of film in the slot on the take-up spindle.

Use Standard 35mm. Film Blackand-White or Color
Give the winding knob a couple of turns co make sure film is secure on take-up spindle.
Replace back of camera, making sure the locking catch is securely fastened.
Turn winding knob as far as it will go without forcing. Hold down film catch, and turn winding knob slighcly. ‘Release film catch and wind as far as knob will turn. Repeat this operation twice to take up film leader.
Set exposure counter dial by turning it counter-clockwise (co the left) until “0” is opposite index line. The camera is now ready for the first picture.

THREE SIMPLE ADJUSTMENTS

| SELECT SHUTTER SPEED
To adjust the shutter, set pointer opposite selected speed. Refer to exposure guide below.
SELECt LENS OPENING
To adjust the aperture (lens opening) set pointer opposite the correct f number. Refer to exposure guide below.
---|---

To adjust the aperture (lens opening) set pointer opposite the correct f number. Refer to exposure guide below.

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

For Average Fast Film Like Kodak Plus X, ANSCO Supreme, etc.

SubJeot| Brilliant| Bright| CloullY-Brighl
Beach, Water and Snow Scenes; Distant Land- scapes.| Shutter 1/100

Lens f/16

| 1/100
f/11| 1/100
f/8
Close-ups in Beach, Water and Snow Scenes; Landscapes with Fore- ground.| 1/100
f/11| 1/100
f/8| 1/100
f/5.6
P ict ur t:s of People, Children at Play, Gar· dens, Houses, Screec Scenes.| 1/100
f/8| 1/100

f/5.6

| 1/100
f/4.5
All Subjeccs in Open Shade; Noc Under Trees or Porches.| 1/100
f/5.6| 1/ 100
f/4.5| 1/50

f/4.5

For color- see instruction supplied with film
For indoor pictures-se e inscruccionssupplied with flood and flash bulbs

MAKE PICTURE TAKING EASY

UNIVERSAL -SETTINGS

Shutter speed 100 and aperture f:8 are marked in red. When these markings are used, Argus FA is correctly set for all average outdoor pictures in sunlight, using an average speed film like Kodak Plus X or Ansco Supreme

FOCUS THE CAMERA

Argus FA has a simple zonefocusing arrangement requiring a minimum of adjustment.
Three lens positions are provided:
With lens completely telescoped, Argus FA is compact, easy-to-carry.
Pictures cannot be taken with lens in this position. A quarter turn, and lens mount automatically adjusts to normal picture-taking position for pictures 15 feet and beyond.
Another turn, and lens is adjusted for close-ups at 6 to 15 feet.
Be sure index arrow is opposite desired position.

TAKING THE PICTURE

Hold the Argus FA as shown at lefr, taking care to avoid movement at the moment the picture is taken.
Press the shutter -release smoothly.
Close-Ups
For close-ups, Argus portrait or copy lenses are necessary, and provide reasonably sharp focus at the distances indicated below

WINDING THE FILM

After each picture is taken, make it a practice to wind the film immediately so the camera will be ready for the next picture. Hold down film catch, and turn winding knob slightly. Release film catch and continue to wind as far as knob will turn without forcing .

UNLOADING

When all pictures have been taken, rewind the film (using knob marked “rewind”) back into the film cartridge. Open back of camera as in loading, and remove film carrridge.
To use a tripod wirh Argus FA, attach it to rhe rhreaded bushing on the base of the camera.

CABLE RELEASE

Provision is made for using a cable rdease, if desired. Your Argus
Dealer can supply one. The cable release screws into a bushing on cop of the camera. It is useful for taking pictures when the “bulb” setting is used.

CARRYING CASE

For added protection against accidental hard knocks, keep your Argus FA in the genuine leather evereadytype case. Camera need not be removed for use, even for Hash pictures.

FILTERS AND CLOSE-UP LENSES

Argus filters bring out clouds, make your pictures more interesting. Argus portrait and copy lenses permit “close-up” pictures at 1172 to 28 inches. Argus FA takes 24 mm. adapter ring and 30mm. filters, etc.

PROJECT YOUR COLOR SLIDES

Your color slides will look their best when projected with an Argus projector. There’s a model for every purse and purpose. Ask your Argus Dealer to show chern to you.

TAKING FLASH PICTURES

Taking flash pictures with Argus FA is as simple as taking outdoor pictures. The detachable flash unit plugs into the side of -the camera . No flash adjustment is necessary.
Caution: Do not place flash bulb in flash unit, until the latter is attached to the camera.

Best results will be obtained if General Electric “SM” orSylvania (Wabash) “SF” flash bulbs are used. Any ‘ shutter speed may be used with either of these flash bulbs. When more light is necessary, midget base wire-filled flash bulbs may be used with the shutter at 25 (1/25) only. As a reminder, the figure 25 is colored green. After taking flash picture, press ejector to discard used bulb and avoid -burned fingers.

INDOOR FLASH EXPOSURE TABLES

The tables below have proved satisfactory for average subjects in average rooms . . . medi!,1m light colored walls. With light-colored subjects, set the lens at the next smaller opening; with dark-colored subjects, set the lens at the next larger opening. For example: If average setting is f :8, use f :11 for light-colored subject, f:5 .6 for dark-colored subject. A portrait lens is necessary for close ups (see page 7).

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**Guarantee**

Your Argus Model FA camera was thoroughly inspected and tested before it was shipped from our factory, and when purchased from an Authorized Argus Dealer, it is fully guaranteed for 90 days from the date of purchase against defects in workmanship or material.
If this camera develops defects in material or workmanship during this period, it will be repaired or replaced (our option) without charge.
This guarantee is void in the event the camera has been damaged through accident, misuse, mishandling or for reasons beyond our control.

IMPORTANT

Authorized Argus Dealers sell new Argus equipment at full list price; used or rebuilt equipment sold at less than list price is not guaranteed by the factory.