The Argus Model K was produced in Ann Arbor, Michigan, by Argus Camera Company
in 1939 and 1940. Approximately 1800 were reportedly made, so this is one of the rarest
of Argus cameras. It is also one of the choicest among collectors.
I recently acquired this Model K, Serial No. K2878 (Argus was in the habit of starting
their numbering system for editions with 1001, so this one must be near the end of
production).
The Model K uses a shutter and lens (uncoated optics) essentially the same as the Model
A, but there the similarity pretty much ends.
Body is metal, not bakelite. The lens and shutter are in a focusing mount with a range
from 3.5 feet to infinity. The viewfinder is near the bottom, not the top. The explanation
is that you use your forehead to steady the camera while aiming and shooting. And the
camera featured a COUPLED extinction type exposure meter… you peer toward the
subject through the meter tube, and while you turn the knob to find your exposure level,
the indicator points to a suggested shutter speed, to match with the aperture you have
selected.
My example is missing a few parts relating to the metering system, but all other functions
are working.
This morning, October 18, I loaded the K with a roll of Fujifilm 100 and headed up to the
nature preserve in High Ridge formerly known as Girl Scouts’ Camp Hi-Di-Ho. I
expected more Fall color than I found. Despite a lot of leaves down on the ground, green
still predominated in the trees. Exposure was by my own estimate, sometimes aided by a
Gossen Pilot hand held meter.
The 68 year old camera did quite well for its age and simplicity.

Please remember to click on thumbnail images to see them enlarged.
All images are ©2008 E.J.Kowalski.