Object Record

Metadata

Catalog Number

2005.7.2

Title

Argus 21 Markfinder

Object Name

Camera, 35 mm

Year Range from

1947

Year Range to

1952

Description

The Argus 21 introduced the brightline viewfinder to the photographic market. This new development, based on gunsight technology that Argus conceived during the war, promised greater precision in composing and framing pictures. Framing lines and a center cross projected onto the viewfinder screen let the photographer easily and accurately place the subject. According to the company's advertising, with the Markfinder, "You can't miss."
Although the camera was built on the same die-cast aluminum body as the A3 and CC, the Model 21 represented a new approach to the 35mm camera design for Argus, an approach that would continue through the later C-4 and C-44 cameras.
There was no exposure calculator dial on the camera back, but the area where it had been placed on the earlier cameras was still quite evident. The back was removable, held in place by a butterfly-shaped clip that rotated to lock and unlock the back.
The lens was a 50mm f:3.5 Argus Coated Cintar marked in American style f-stops of f:3.5, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, and 16. It was not known whether or not Argus intended this to be an interchangeable lens camera. Neither Argus nor any third-party manufacturers made accessory lenses for the Model 21. It is most likely that Argus intended for the lens to be used on enlargers, although by 1947, the company had long been out of the dark room products business.
The shutter was a five-speed, behind-the-lens type that could be set at 1/10, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, and 1/200 second, plus B. Shutter speeds were set by a dial on the front of the camera body. This was the first Argus camera that featured automatic shutter cocking when the film was advanced, a feature that also prevented double exposures. The shutter release button was on the top of the camera.
Besides introducing the Markfinder system, the Model 21 also presaged the Argus Color-Matic system that would be featured on the later Argus C-3 and other cameras. The f:8 marking on the lens, the 1/100 second shutter speed, and the 15-foot point on the distance scale were indicated in red. When the camera was set at these three points, exposures taken on a sunny day would be correct and everything between 8 and 50 feet would be in focus.
There was no rangefinder. The film advance and rewind knob had a coarse knurling pattern that would be carried over to the early variants of the Argus C-4. Flash synchronization at all speeds was built-in. A switch set synchronization at either M, for medium delay bulbs, or F, for fast delay bulbs. A hot shoe on top of the camera activated the flash gun.
Like most Argus cameras that were on the market for more than a year or two, the Model 21 Markfinder was produced in a couple of variants. Except for one major external feature and one minor external feature, however, the variations were internal.
There were approximately 64,000 Model 21 cameras made. In the first 20,000 or so, the camera had to be loaded with film for the wind mechanism to work. The sprocket holes in the film rotated the sprocket mechanism, which was not connected to the film advance spool. The sprocket area was reinforced by a metal cover that held film in place. This sometimes made it difficult to wind the film, especially near the end of the roll. Unless the photographer was careful in advancing the film, the film could easily tear.
All later versions of the Model 21 had an internal connection between the sprocket holes and the film advance spool. Also, the metal cover was eliminated. These later versions can be operated without film.
The major external variation was in the placement of the flash synchronization switch. In the first 60,000 or so of cameras produced, the M/F switch was located on the top of the camera, near the hot shoe. In the last 5,000 or so cameras, the switch was moved to the back of the top plate, in about the same position it would appear in the Argus C-4 that would shortly be introduced.

Black leatherette and brushed chrome body with rounded edges. 35mm camera with unique viewing system.