Argus c3 lens removal

[lambertsz]

Hi,
I recently bought an Argus C3 (the 'Brick') for my collection.<http://home.earthlink.net/~jamesahall/argus/C3/index.html>
The Argus came with the Sandmar 35mm wide angle (one of the three lenses which were part of the complete set for the Argus).
Following the official instructions to replace a lens ,<http://jsurp.tripod.com/c3lens.htm>, I tried to remove the Sander Wide, but, it's impossible: I cannot move the lens one way or the other.
Of course the focussing gears don't work at all since the lens is stuck.
Is there someone out there, who could advise me what to do?
Of course I already started by spraying Asahiklin AK225 (a light duty degreaser) and some Ronson Lighter fluid around the base of the lens.
By the way: I also found out that turning the diaphragm-ring to rough did lead to turn too far either way, beyond the diaphragm-numbers. (I was so stupid in the beginning to try removing the lens by holding the diaphragm-ring!)

Willem
rabbel@home.nl

 

[bjorke]

All I remember from my C3 (I had one around 10 years of age) was that I had to remove the focus-gear cap (a?nd gear) before unscrewing the (one) lens. Maybe yours has oxidized shut

 

[lambertsz]

All I remember from my C3 (I had one around 10 years of age) was that I had to remove the focus-gear cap (a?nd gear) before unscrewing the (one) lens. Maybe yours has oxidized shut

Hi Bjorke,
I did remove the focus gearcap and gear but still unscrewing isn't possible.
It indeed may have been oxidized but I even fear that the previous owner might have used strong glue! ;-)

 

[gma]

I was not aware until now that the C3 ever had interchangeable lenses. I think a complete set is something rare. It sounds to me that the lenses are worth more than the plastic C3 camera body. You did not say at what distance the focus is frozen. Why not try out this setup and if it works buy another C3 to use with your other two lenses. C3's are very cheap and plentiful.

 

[JHannon]

Hi Bjorke,
I did remove the focus gearcap and gear but still unscrewing isn't possible.
It indeed may have been oxidized but I even fear that the previous owner might have used strong glue! ;-)

I have a C3 with a telephoto lens that I use now and then. Once the cap and gear are removed, the lens is turned Counter-clockwise to remove it. It may be cross threaded or glued in. If that is the case, it will be difficult to remove without doing damage. Sometimes just hot water will loosen glue.

A spray of WD-40 penetrating oil on a Q-tip, then wiped along the base of the lens may help loosen it.

I hope this helps.
John

 

[lambertsz]

I was not aware until now that the C3 ever had interchangeable lenses. I think a complete set is something rare. It sounds to me that the lenses are worth more than the plastic C3 camera body. You did not say at what distance the focus is frozen. Why not try out this setup and if it works buy another C3 to use with your other two lenses. C3's are very cheap and plentiful.

Hi GMA,
My C3 does have the possibility to use (at least to my knowledge) three interchangeable lenses. I don't think though that plastic was used for the body, GMA, according to what I have read they used bakelite and, from what I know -but I'm from the Netherlands, so just for what it's worth- the brick has been used by generations of Americans. That's probably why you can get your hands so easily on an old working C3.
I would agree with you using the Brick with this just on wide Sandmar lens, GMA, but, just picture this: if the lens is stuck how'd you ever use the focussing gear?

Kind regards and thanks,
Willem

 

[lambertsz]

I have a C3 with a telephoto lens that I use now and then. Once the cap and gear are removed, the lens is turned Counter-clockwise to remove it. It may be cross threaded or glued in. If that is the case, it will be difficult to remove without doing damage. Sometimes just hot water will loosen glue.

A spray of WD-40 penetrating oil on a Q-tip, then wiped along the base of the lens may help loosen it.

I hope this helps.
John

Hi John,
Well, by now I'm stoned like back in the Sixties.. using all these chemicals: ronson lighter fuel, Asahiklin, penetrating oil and -as you suggested WD-40.
But, I can proudly tell you that I did manage to loosen the Sandmar! (I did use a device we use here over in the Netherlands to forcebly unscrew fastened lids of f.i. jam-jars. I didn't damage the ring by using folded cardboard)
Now I just have to find out who -possibly with some WD 40 too- I will be able to loosen the focussing ring of the Sandmar: that's stuck too. Only the diaphragm ring works.

But, thanks for your advice to use WD-40 John, I did have it at home, in my barn to use for my bicycle. Just was too afraid to use it with my camera's!
Regards,

Willem

 

[JHannon]

I am glad it worked Willem! Here is a link to a web page that has tinkering information for the Argus C3 : C3 Information

It has an exploded view drawing of the lens that may be of some help.

The WD-40 is good stuff, as long as a small amount is used. I used to repair music synthesizers, keyboards and guitar amps. Sometimes I would get one in that was soaked with the stuff, shorting out the electronics.

Good Luck,
John

 

[lambertsz]

I am glad it worked Willem! Here is a link to a web page that has tinkering information for the Argus C3 : C3 Information

It has an exploded view drawing of the lens that may be of some help.

The WD-40 is good stuff, as long as a small amount is used. I used to repair music synthesizers, keyboards and guitar amps. Sometimes I would get one in that was soaked with the stuff, shorting out the electronics.

Good Luck,
John

Thanks John,
I will especially take your warning to heart not to use the stuff too much in the future! In case of the lens I did almost soak the C3 and lens in WD-40. My son who's a musician told me the same you said: he had ruined some electric-guitar device giving it a WD-40 bath.
Thanks also for the great C3-page. It's a great help togehter with the fact that it's an Argus C3: someone experienced (I think it was Ed Romney) told that the C3 is THE camera to learn a bit about camera-repair!

Wish you a merry christmas,

Willem

 

[gma]

You can open up the C3 without much concern about damaging the mechanism as long as you keep all the parts in order. It is a tough example of 1930's technology. And the Deco styling is a work of art in its own way. The website reference is very good. Good luck. I hope you will be able to get the lens to work correctly.