Argus Model M (1938-1940)

Argus produced this "streamline moderne" style camera for a short while before WWII. The Model M was designed by Gustave Fassin, Argus, Inc. It uses 35 mm wide 828 roll film. It was the first Argus camera to take film other than 35 mm in daylight loading cassettes.

The camera has a plastic body with a few metal parts. The lens is a fixed focus, f/6.3-f/12.7, un-coated anastigmat triplet. The close focus distance was six feet. The instruction booklet says that a close-up lens attachment focused at 3-1/2 feet was available. The shutter is a single speed shutter that's about 1/50 second.


The Model M can be set for either "double frame" or "single frame" format. Double frame produces 36 mm wide by 24 mm high negatives. Single frame negatives are 19 mm by 24 mm. You set double frame format by opening a pair of flaps on the film gate and closing the cover over the left picture number window. You set single frame format by closing the flaps across the film gate and uncovering the left picture number window. Either frame size is smaller than the standard 40 mm by 28 mm 828 format negative. The under size negatives compared to the normal 828 format means that the Model M is happy with regular 35 mm film, provided that you can roll it with backing paper onto 828 spools. If you develop 120 film yourself you would have a plentiful supply of backing paper that you can trim to 35 mm wide.


The camera was loaded the same way as other roll film cameras. The empty spool went into the chamber under the winding knob and the fresh roll of film when into the chamber on the other side of the camera. The backing paper was pulled from the fresh roll to the take-up spool and threaded into the slot on the spool. A couple of turns on the winding knob got the film started and the back was replaced.

For full frame pictures the film was advanced until the number appeared in the right window and the picture would be taken. The film would be advanced until the next picture number appeared in the right window and the next picture would be taken.

For half frame pictures the film film was advanced until the number appeared in the left window and the first picture would be taken. Next the film would be advanced until the number appeared in the right window and the second picture would be taken. Each following number would appear first in the left window and second in the right window until the film was finished.

Argus had their own brand of 12/24 exposure Arguspan black and white film for this camera, and a fine grain developer (Argus AR-1). Argus loads of Dufaycolor were available for color slides.

Production of the Model M was interrupted by WWII. The post-WWII Model 19, a/k/a Minca 28, used the same style body with a simplified lens and without the half frame feature.

Life magazine ad July 24, 1939.