(Please remember when comparing listings that my price includes all packing and shipping. Also, consider that when you buy from me, you know what you will receive. See the detailed descriptions below and my feedback. Thanks!)

I have owned and used many C44R camera outfits. I have no idea how many, but I do know that this is my favorite package in terms of camera type (see below) and accessories. It is a true pleasure to have quality items (lenses, etc.) come together, making it possible to offer for sale such a nice outfit. 

This 1958 C44R represents the top of the line and the near end of the line for the C44 series cameras. Another type of the C44 preceded this one and was similar to the C4 in terms of knob winding and rewinding of the film, the available shutter speeds, and the internal mechanical design. When the rapid wind and rewind series replaced the “knobbies” (both the C4 and C44) in 1958, several mechanical changes were incorporated. Other changes took place when Argus replaced the C44R Type 1 (this camera) with the Type 2. The most obvious change was the introduction of the “flat top” which became the final C44 design. Although the flat top is very popular with collectors (no collection should be without one), many of us Argus shooters still favor the C44R Type 1with its traditional form that evolved from the days of the Model A3 and Model A21 Markfinder.

The offering you see here is representative of the core of a well-equipped Argus C44R outfit around 1960, including a great camera, a light meter to set it by, three lenses (wide angle 35mm, standard 50mm, and telephoto 100mm), an all-important variable field-of-view finder, and cases for all.

 All items shown here have been cleaned, inspected, adjusted, and tested, and are fully functional with the exception of the C44 light meter, which are difficult to find in good operational condition. Put it proudly on display or add film and see if you agree with my assessment of this as a truly great outfit.

Camera: The camera ranks Mint- (95% of original) in mechanics and in cosmetics. All of the viewfinder and rangefinder optics have been cleaned and aligned. They are clear and bright, and the RF is spot-on in both horizontal and vertical alignment. (I have found that transportation through the USPS system is not necessarily a gentle ride. I cannot guarantee that the RF will be as accurate on delivery as on Mailing. However, any displacements should always be small. If the RF is off by a large amount, the camera should be returned for me to determine why and fix it.) Focusing with the rangefinder wheel is smooth and easy with the 35mm and 50mm lenses. A little more "finger force" is required by the 100mm. Film loads and advances just as it should, as does the rewind. There is no problem with the lens mounting system, and it operates smoothly. The rewind release (pushing the wind lever forward slightly) now works after my repair. (That is a C4R/C44R failure mode not recognized by many people. That is, until they have a roll of film stuck in one and have to find a blanket to get under to unload the camera!)  I found no mechanical issues other than the rewind fix. My technique for approximating shutter speed is not accurate enough to say conclusively that these are correct, but they are close, even the 1/8 speed. I do not guarantee shutter speeds to be accurate, but I do guarantee that they all work and, in this case, that they are all within one-half f-stop of correct. It is always important to shoot a test roll of film and bracket up and down from what the light meter recommends. I have found that good results are usually obtained either at the recommended aperture setting, 1/2 f-stop slower, or one full stop slower. The Mint- rating for cosmetics takes into account the lack of dents, scratches, and scuffs, and the very nice leatherette. I would rate cosmetics as Mint except that there is one tiny scuff mark on the cap and one on the lens mount ring. Also accounted for are a few very small use marks. As you can see in the photos, these items do not detract from the overall great appearance of the camera. A very nice case is included. It is Excellent++ or better (very near Mint-) throughout; quite obviously extremely well cared for.

Lenses: The three lenses have great glass. There is minor dust and very light haze on the 35mm lenses, but I did not see any effect on contrast, color, or sharpness during image testing. It is a superb performer. The optics in the 100mm lens are phenomenal, with very little dust and no haze, and, as I would expect, focus and image quality test results were outstanding. Apertures turn freely and click appropriately for the 100mm and the 35mm, and the blades look great, with a little slickness on the telephoto iris. This is of no consequence in terms of the lens’ performance or display. The f2.8 50mm also adjusts easily with some typical color on the blades, probably due to an old, very thin layer of dried lubricant; a few blades appear a little slick, but again, that is of no consequence. Unlike shutter blades, staining of this nature has no effect on aperture performance since near instantaneous opening and closing is not required for these cameras. The 50mm optics are very clear with light to moderate dust, but the testing results were as good or better than any other Cintagon that I have tested. I rate all three lenses as Mint- overall. Original hard cases for the 35mm and 100mm lenses are included. Both still have an intact original lining, and both are in Excellent++ or better overall condition.

Argus Turret Viewfinder: This viewfinder adjusts to 35mm, 50mm, and 100mm by rotating the ring on the front until the dot is opposite the desired lens focal length. Rotating the ring on the other end allows for parallax compensation. Both work very well. After cleaning, all three views are good, showing only light haze, much less than often plagues these finders. All views for this finder are quite usable, even in dim light. The flash circuit through the finder (see two holes on the side of the base) allows a hot shoe flash to be used when mounted on a C44 Flash Extension Bracket, and it tested fully functional. Overall, this turret viewfinder is an easy Excellent++, verging on Mint-. 

C44 Light Meter: I am not a fan of the CM2 coupled light meter that is often seen mounted on C44R cameras. Properly gripping the camera while smoothly working back and forth between focusing, shooting, and winding seems to be impossible (for me) with that big chunk of plastic completely in the way. In fact, I have always used accessory shoe clip-on meters either attached to the camera or as a hand held. Well, enough on my assessment of the CM2. This C44 meter does not function, but it is in Excellent+ cosmetic condition. An original small case, complete with the incident light clip-on, is provided. The case looks nice, but I can only grade it as Excellent due to aging and minor staining (which does not show in the photos).

Finding C44R cameras, accessories, and cases that are so nicely matched both in performance and beauty is getting more difficult and expensive. This is an exceptional outfit at a great price, and your satisfaction is guaranteed. Don't miss out.

Please e-mail any questions to me and I will respond. Note that shipping expense is included for all states except Hawaii and Alaska, but I am sure we can work something out if necessary to get a package to our 49th and 50th states. Also, I do not do foreign sales unless they are conducted through the Ebay Global Shipping Program. All financial transactions will be through PayPal and completed within three days or the deal is void and this bundle will go back on sale. As far as guarantee or warranty, I will repair anything that does not conform to this ad. I will accept the bundle back if you contact me via e-mail within 14 days of receipt with a clear discussion of the problem, but I reserve the right to decide repair vs. return. Buyer pays immediate return postage. There will be no partial refunds and I must receive the entire bundle and thoroughly inspect it as well as verify the flaw (I keep very meticulous records and copious photos) before processing a refund of purchase price and return shipping. Charges by Ebay Global Shipping are not refundable. However, I will work with international customers to correct any errors or oversights.

It is my desire to trade and communicate as civil human beings, and I always appreciate dealing with buyers who feel the same.

I would like for this outfit to be around for hundreds of years, and I am looking for a buyer with similar objectives. This is an opportunity to add true collectibles to your Argus ensemble for a bargain price, and please do remember that shipping is included. Thank you for reading this and considering my offering. Best of luck in all things!