In 1959 Argus (now owned by Sylvania) introduced a closed-circuit television system, the AV-800. It was a monster by today's standards, about the size and weight of a small oscilloscope, with a turret with 12.5mm, 25mm, and 75mm lenses (this information and the photo above courtesy Phil Sterritt and Bob Kelly, from the newly published book Argus: Fine American Cameras).

I took a number of pictures with this lens mounted on an Olympus micro-4/3 digital camera (see above, uploaded without sharpening). The micro-4/3 sensor is 13mm x 17mm, while the Videotar was made for something closer to the 16mm movie frame (8mm x 10mm). The images reflect this—nicely sharp in the center of the m4/3 frame, soft toward the edges, and cutting off completely in the corners.

This example is in nice condition except for a shallow rim dent and some scratching on the barrel nearby (see the arrow in photo 2). The glass and coating are free of cleaning marks, there is no haze, fungus or mold, and there is relatively little internal dust and debris. The front lens cap has a tendency to cross-thread due to the rim dent, but can be properly attached if carefully done.

This lens is not part of the Argus Museum collection.

Note: The argus_museum eBay staff will be attending the Argus Collectors Group Gathering in Eden, NC starting Monday, May 13. Shipments will be delayed until Tuesday, May 21.

Guarantee: 30-day return for any reason. Return shipping paid by the seller.  

Other charges:  In the USA, the eBay invoice will include local sales tax. Outside the USA, import taxes may be applied. In EU countries, VAT will appear on the eBay invoice.