Object Record
Images
Additional Images [2]
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2012.24.16 |
Title |
Argoflex II |
Object Name |
Camera, Twin Lens Reflex |
Place of Origin |
Ann Arbor, MI |
Year Range from |
1947 |
Year Range to |
1948 |
Description |
The Argoflex II was the company's abortive attempt to produce an upgraded version of the Argoflex. It was designed by Harley Earl, of the automotive design frame. The body was made of metal and the nameplate was molded into the body instead of being on a metal plate riveted to the body. It features a bright-line trim that effectively outlines the lens assembly and the red window on the back. The taking lens was the same used on the Model E, a 75mm f:4.5 coated Varex anastigmat. The viewing lens was a 75mm f:3.5 and there was a fielded lens mounted under the ground glass in the viewing hood, so the image was brighter than on the Model E. The shutter was also the same as on an automatic film wind, although the red window on the back remained. The Argoflex II was announced in a mid-1947 press release and was pictured in a 1947 issue of the Montgomery Ward Photographic and Optical Good Catalog, alongside the Argoflex E. It carried a price tag of $87.54, including a case and tax. The camera went into production around the end of 1947 and was released in the beginning of 1948. The automatic film wind was a problem, however. It never worked properly and the 300 or so cameras that were produced were all recalled. The Argoflex II had a quick death and was discontinued in early 1948. There are some variations among the few known to exist. |
Classification |
Twin Lens Reflex |