The Argus CR-2 is an SLR camera from the American brand Argus. This company produced various cameras. This model, however, is an externally produced specimen. The 35 mm camera was built by Chinon in Japan. Its functions are based on the Chinon CX.
The lenses of the camera are interchangeable. For this purpose, an M42 thread was built into the camera. The M42 thread was very common in the past, so there are many lenses for this thread. The M42 thread was developed as a successor to the M39 thread. Large manufacturers of M42 interchangeable lenses included Pentax, Pentacon, Zenit/KMZ and Zeiss. The 35mm camera has no autofocus. Therefore you have to focus by hand.
The camera also has an exposure meter. It is designed for films from ISO 25 to ISO 3200. Exposure is measured through the lens. The shutter speed and aperture can be selected by the photographer. There is no automatic exposure control.
The Argus CR-2 has a Bulb mode for long exposures. In this mode, light can fall on the film for a variable duration. The other shutter speeds range from 1/1000 second to 1 second.
An external flash can be used on the PC flash port or Hot Shoe for pictures. The 35 mm camera has a built-in self-timer and a connection for a cable release. In addition, there is a thread for a tripod.
With a size of 14.8 x 9.5 x 5.3 cm, the Argus CR-2 weighs 770 grams. Power is supplied by a PX625 battery (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Argus CR-2
The Argus CR-2 is a 35mm camera and requires 35mm film. This type of film is still produced and can be processed by most photo labs without any problems. Possible films for the Argus CR-2 are the Kodak Ultramax 400* and the Ilford FP4 Plus*.
The colour film is a negative film and is processed in the C-41 development process. This is offered by almost every photo lab. B/W film can also be developed at home, as the development process is less complicated.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | M42 lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 3200 |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x PX625 battery |
| Size | 14,8 x 9,5 x 5,3 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.83 x 3.74 x 2.09 inches |
| Weight | 770 Grams |
| Manufacturer | Chinon |
| Country of production | Japan |
FAQ about the Argus CR-2
What type of lens mount does the Argus CR-2 utilize, and what are its advantages?
The Argus CR-2 uses an M42 screw mount, a widely used standard in the past. This offers a vast selection of compatible lenses from various manufacturers like Pentax and Zeiss.
How does the camera handle focusing, and what ISO range does its light meter cover?
Focusing is manual, requiring the user to adjust the lens manually. The built-in light meter supports film ISO speeds from 25 to 3200.
Does this 35mm camera offer any automatic exposure settings?
No, the Argus CR-2 lacks automatic exposure; the photographer must manually set both aperture and shutter speed. However, it does include a bulb mode for long exposures.
What kind of film does the Argus CR-2 require, and what are some examples?
The Argus CR-2 uses standard 35mm film. Popular choices include Kodak Ultramax 400 and Ilford FP4 Plus, readily available and processed by most labs.
What are some external accessories compatible with the Argus CR-2?
The camera features a hot shoe and PC sync socket for external flash units, a self-timer, and a tripod mount for added stability and functionality.