Argus A2B Pre-War
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Argus |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1939 - 1942 |
| Classification | : | Miniature |
| Body Type | : | Extending Solid Body |
| Construction | : | Bakelite/Metal |
| Film Type | : | 135 |
| Film Width | : | 35mm |
| Image Size | : | 36mm x 24mm |
| No. of Images | : | 36 |
| Lens Type | : | Triplet |
| Focal Length | : | 50mm |
| Focus Type | : | 2 Position |
| Focal Range | : | 6ft - 18ft and 18ft - Inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | 8 leaf Iris |
| Apertures | : | f/4.5 - f/18 |
| Shutter Type | : | Ilex Precise |
| Shutter Speeds | : | B, T, I(1/25s, 1/50s, 1/100s, 1/150s) |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 130 x 75 x 66 mm |
| Size Closed (w x h x d) | : | 120 x 68 x 54 mm |
| Weight | : | 430g |
Art Deco Credentials
Iconic: Famous, well-known and celebrated
- Produced during the main Art Deco period.
- Bakelite body with triple bar design.
- Streamline Moderne curvilinear body design with horizontal stripes
- Symmetrical Art Deco geometric design on film door.
- Chrome lens pop-out, winder and frame counter.
- Chrome rewind knob, door latches and tripod connection.
- Circle design on face plate.
Description
The Argus A2B is one of a family of eight Argus A cameras built over fifteen years. It was based on the first Model A which established the use of the 35mm camera in the USA. It's curvilinear design, horizontal stripes and restrained decoration give it an Art Deco Streamline Moderne character.
The uncoated lens sits on a spring loaded cylinder which can be released from the body. It springs out to the 18ft - infinity focus position. By turning it back a little is springs out further to the 6-18ft position. Like the Argus A, it's a nice small package, especially with the lens collapsed.
As the film is wound on, a dial indicates which frame you are exposing. The film can be wound to the next frame by releasing the film using a small hexagonal plunger.
The Argus A2B version introduced an Extinction Meter. The Extinction Meter has a series of small windows with small pieces of celluloid with varying opacities. You look through these windows towards the scene and shift the bridge to the one where light is just visible. Then, by a complicated procedure, the Extinction Meter is able to automatically indicate lens aperture and shutter speeds.
How to Use
The pictures taken with the A2B can be quite good if you're careful to avoid flare with the uncoated lens. The exposure calculator isn't much use because the celluloid indicators are often faded or black and the calculator relates to old slow film.
Shutter speeds vary from 1/150s down to 1/25s. Aperture selection points are f/18, f/12.7, f/9, f/6.3, f/4.5
If you don't want to bother with an exposure meter, follow the guide shown. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Film is so forgiving and will produce acceptable results even when overexposed by 2 or 3 stops or underexposed by 1 stop. The table gives a modicum of overexposure.
Remember that the exposure guide in the camera user manual may not be helpful as it is based on the use of old film with a low ISO value.
The tables assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summer's day in the UK.
If you are not sure about the light level, err on the side of overexposure - i.e. assume the smaller f number.
Where there is a choice, a larger f number will give a larger depth of field.
For the slower speeds, you may need a tripod to stop blur through shake.
Using ISO 100/125 film
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Shutter Speed (s) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/25 | 1/50 | 1/100 | 1/150 | ||
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | - | - | f/18 | f/12.7 |
| Sunny | Distinct | - | f/18 | f/12.7 | f/9 |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/18 | f/12.7 | f/9 | f/6.3 |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/12.7 | f/9 | f/6.3 | f/4.5 |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/9 | f/6.3 | f/4.5 | - |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/6.3 | f/4.5 | - | - |