Monday, December 18, 2023

Tiffen Quick Reading Diaphragm Control for Argus C, C2, C3

This is one of the many gadgets made for popular Argus cameras.  The Tiffen Quick Reading Diaphragm Control was intended to make setting the aperture on an Argus Cintar 50mm f/3.5 lens a little easier.  The Argus Cintar lens made from 1938 to 1958 has a small ring with a couple of tiny pins to set the iris diaphragm.  The Tiffen control ring fit over the ring and pins and made it easier to read the f/stop and set the lens, especially when a filter or lens hood was installed.  In 1958 Argus redesigned the Cintar lens to have a more conventional aperture ring, and the new lenses no longer needed the aftermarket control ring.  As a safeguard against losing the Tiffen control ring, it is a good idea to screw in a Series V filter adapter ring such as a Tiffen #502 or a Kodak No. 18 to keep the control ring from falling off if it came loose.  The control ring came in black with white markings or silver with black markings.  I think the silver version is a little better looking.

Black with white lettering

Silver with black lettering

Instructions for the Tiffen control ring.


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