Argus C3 Analogue camera
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Description from the seller
Brief description: Argus C3 "Hollywood Confidential" – bespoke artistic edition of the project "Materia Analogica". Professional restoration inspired by 1940s film noir with handcrafted Florentine finish. Unique specimen, tested and perfectly functional.
Weight (in kg): about 0.770 kg (the camera body is famous for its sturdy build, nicknamed precisely "The Brick").
Dimensions (cm): 13 cm x 7.5 cm x 7 cm (width x height x depth including the lens).
Material: Body in reinforced Bakelite and metal; artistic coating in high-performance technical material (waterproof, oil- and abrasion-resistant). Optics in glass and metal.
Color (if applicable): Design "The Noir City" with a narrative grayscale pattern in shades of gray, black and metallic tones (inspired by mid-century cinematic aesthetics).
Shipping method: International insured and tracked shipping via premium courier (UPS, DHL, FedEx or Poste Italiane) with professional multi-layer packaging specifically for antique objects.
A Masterpiece of American Heritage: Argus C3 "Hollywood Confidential"
Own a unique piece of photographic and cinematic history. This is not just a camera, but a bespoke work of art: the artistic restoration of the iconic Argus C3 (USA, 1940s), reinterpreted through the dark, captivating aesthetics of mid-century Los Angeles noir.
The Vision: "The Noir City"
This restoration pays homage to Hollywood’s Golden Age and the mysteries of the 1940s. The design features a complex narrative pattern inspired by the era of the "Black Dahlia": the headlights that illuminate LA City Hall, vintage reels, and the raw elegance of a Raymond Chandler novel.
After studying several graphic solutions, I selected this layout to harmonize with the famous industrial silhouette "The Brick" (the brick) of the C3, transforming a utilitarian tool into an object of visual storytelling.
The "Florence Method": Exceptional Craftsmanship
Restored by a professional with 20 years of experience in restoring antiques and high-end furniture in Florence, this camera is part of the project "Materia Analogica".
Total Preparation: Complete removal of the old original skin. The chassis has been meticulously cleaned and prepared to ensure perfect and durable adhesion of the new coating.
Material Innovation: Unlike common vinyl adhesives, I used a specialized high-performance material. It offers sophisticated tactile grip and is treated to resist water, oils and abrasions (as shown in the technical test photos).
Surgical Precision: The Argus C3 is known for its segmented front plates. Each piece of the pattern was applied by hand with the precision of a master restorer to ensure design coherence across the entire camera body.
Mechanical Conditions
Tested and Working: This is a fully functional photographic instrument, not just a display piece.
Optics: The Argus Coated Cintar 50mm f/3.5 lens is clean and sharp. It is renowned for its unique vintage rendering and sharpness.
Mechanics: The legendary Rangefinder mechanism is coupled and functioning. Shutter speeds fire correctly and film transport is smooth.
Ready to use: Compatible with any standard 35mm roll.
Certification: Each camera includes a Condition Report and a Restoration Certificate signed by my Florence studio, detailing the aesthetic and mechanical work performed.
Shipping and Security
Professional Packaging: As a specialist in antique restoration, I understand the fragility of vintage mechanical instruments. The camera will be protected by multiple layers of cushioning materials.
Global Tracked Shipping: I ship worldwide via premium couriers (UPS, DHL, FedEx or Poste Italiane). The tracking code will be provided immediately.
Note for international buyers: Customs duties and import taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.
Return and Warranty Policy:
Security Marks: To prevent component swaps, the camera has been internally marked with invisible security ink.
Return Conditions: Returns are accepted only if the item is sent back in the same aesthetic and mechanical condition as sent. Any attempt to disassemble or tamper with the custom coating will void the return policy.
Why this Argus C3?
"The Brick" is an American icon, but this Materia Analogica edition turns it into a sculptural object. It is the perfect bridge between 1940s mechanical reliability and Florentine contemporary art.
Brief description: Argus C3 "Hollywood Confidential" – bespoke artistic edition of the project "Materia Analogica". Professional restoration inspired by 1940s film noir with handcrafted Florentine finish. Unique specimen, tested and perfectly functional.
Weight (in kg): about 0.770 kg (the camera body is famous for its sturdy build, nicknamed precisely "The Brick").
Dimensions (cm): 13 cm x 7.5 cm x 7 cm (width x height x depth including the lens).
Material: Body in reinforced Bakelite and metal; artistic coating in high-performance technical material (waterproof, oil- and abrasion-resistant). Optics in glass and metal.
Color (if applicable): Design "The Noir City" with a narrative grayscale pattern in shades of gray, black and metallic tones (inspired by mid-century cinematic aesthetics).
Shipping method: International insured and tracked shipping via premium courier (UPS, DHL, FedEx or Poste Italiane) with professional multi-layer packaging specifically for antique objects.
A Masterpiece of American Heritage: Argus C3 "Hollywood Confidential"
Own a unique piece of photographic and cinematic history. This is not just a camera, but a bespoke work of art: the artistic restoration of the iconic Argus C3 (USA, 1940s), reinterpreted through the dark, captivating aesthetics of mid-century Los Angeles noir.
The Vision: "The Noir City"
This restoration pays homage to Hollywood’s Golden Age and the mysteries of the 1940s. The design features a complex narrative pattern inspired by the era of the "Black Dahlia": the headlights that illuminate LA City Hall, vintage reels, and the raw elegance of a Raymond Chandler novel.
After studying several graphic solutions, I selected this layout to harmonize with the famous industrial silhouette "The Brick" (the brick) of the C3, transforming a utilitarian tool into an object of visual storytelling.
The "Florence Method": Exceptional Craftsmanship
Restored by a professional with 20 years of experience in restoring antiques and high-end furniture in Florence, this camera is part of the project "Materia Analogica".
Total Preparation: Complete removal of the old original skin. The chassis has been meticulously cleaned and prepared to ensure perfect and durable adhesion of the new coating.
Material Innovation: Unlike common vinyl adhesives, I used a specialized high-performance material. It offers sophisticated tactile grip and is treated to resist water, oils and abrasions (as shown in the technical test photos).
Surgical Precision: The Argus C3 is known for its segmented front plates. Each piece of the pattern was applied by hand with the precision of a master restorer to ensure design coherence across the entire camera body.
Mechanical Conditions
Tested and Working: This is a fully functional photographic instrument, not just a display piece.
Optics: The Argus Coated Cintar 50mm f/3.5 lens is clean and sharp. It is renowned for its unique vintage rendering and sharpness.
Mechanics: The legendary Rangefinder mechanism is coupled and functioning. Shutter speeds fire correctly and film transport is smooth.
Ready to use: Compatible with any standard 35mm roll.
Certification: Each camera includes a Condition Report and a Restoration Certificate signed by my Florence studio, detailing the aesthetic and mechanical work performed.
Shipping and Security
Professional Packaging: As a specialist in antique restoration, I understand the fragility of vintage mechanical instruments. The camera will be protected by multiple layers of cushioning materials.
Global Tracked Shipping: I ship worldwide via premium couriers (UPS, DHL, FedEx or Poste Italiane). The tracking code will be provided immediately.
Note for international buyers: Customs duties and import taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.
Return and Warranty Policy:
Security Marks: To prevent component swaps, the camera has been internally marked with invisible security ink.
Return Conditions: Returns are accepted only if the item is sent back in the same aesthetic and mechanical condition as sent. Any attempt to disassemble or tamper with the custom coating will void the return policy.
Why this Argus C3?
"The Brick" is an American icon, but this Materia Analogica edition turns it into a sculptural object. It is the perfect bridge between 1940s mechanical reliability and Florentine contemporary art.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Argus
Model/type nr
C3
Physical condition
Very good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Film type
35mm
Estimated period
1930-1940
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