Argus C4 repair and CLA

[durandal22]

Hello,

I recently came into possession of an immaculate Argus C4. Original box, manual, flash, it even had the original batteries in the flash in well preserved shape. It had a roll of film in it too! Anyway, it worked for a few shots, then pop, no more shutter operation. I know it's a cheap camera, but it's in such nice shape I think it deserves a chance. Are there any people left that service these?

Thank you!

 

[Kino]

Just about any camera repair shop worth their salt should be able to clean, lube and adjust the C4, as it is a fairly simple, robust and highly underrated camera.

Check the advertising boxes at the top of the page as you view Photrio; a few companies advertise here that will gladly fix it for you.

I have restored 2 myself; they are not hugely complex cameras and DIY articles are available online...

 

[Willy T]

Mike Eckman makes the point that the Argus series doesn't need any specialized tools, gear, or knowledge to clean up and get running straight. He has a series of blog posts beginning here ( https://www.mikeeckman.com/2019/08/argus-c-series-1938-1966/ ) and includes info on cleaning viewfinder/rangefinder glass, un-gumming shutters, etc., with very clear photos of the processes. He includes links to other folks' info as well. I read through all this with the morning coffee today; seems so easy that I'm tempted to go out and find a "brick" to clean up myself.

 

[Bill Burk]

I had one where the shutter actuator broke. A tiny finger. Without that jutting tip of metal I could not fix it.

 

[Kino]

I had one where the shutter actuator broke. A tiny finger. Without that jutting tip of metal I could not fix it.

A donor body on Ebay can be had for about $10. If the camera is important enough to repair, it would be a cheap fix...

 

[GRHazelton]

IIRC the Cintar lens is a triplet and the Cintagon is far better. And the lenses are interchangeable! although not easily. A handsome box, worth fixing if in good shape. Now if you want a camera which repair people fear, try the Bronica S2a.