The Argus C3 50mm F3.5 Original "Brick" Rangefinder

The Argus C3 was a low-priced rangefinder camera mass-produced from 1939 to 1966 by Argus in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. The camera was the best-selling 35mm camera in the world for nearly three decades, and helped popularize the 35mm format. Due to its shape, size, and weight, it is commonly referred to as "The Brick" (in Japan its nickname translates as "The Lunchbox"). The brick has sometimes been described as the American Leica; it does share some of the early Leica's characteristics; separate viewfinder and rangefinder windows, interchangeable lenses, cocking the shutter being a separate action from winding on film, quiet leaf shutter, and 35mm format. The most famous 20th century photographer who used it was Tony Vaccaro, who employed this model during World War II. The camera case has definite wear around the top stitching of the front cover, and the hinge that allows the cover to swing down for use has separated. The leather itself is in remarkably good condition, however the strap has broken. This camera seems to be in great shape, however, no film has been through the camera in some time and so it is sold as is. The original 'patent' sticker is still inside, and the number of this camera is 169257. Camera with case is 3 3/4" (9.5cm) tall, 6 7/8" (17.4cm) wide, and 3" (7.6cm) thick with lens and weighs 35.4oz (1,003.0g) with case.