Download this book for free at http://www.TheArgusA.com/
20
Post-War Argus A2B
Focus Type: 2 Position (6ft - 18ft and 18ft - Infinity)
Years Manufactured: ~1945 - 1950
Introductory Price: $29.00 (includes carrying case and excise tax)
Approximate Introductory Price In 2003 Dollars: $270.00
Serial Number Range: ~56215 - 244601
Shutter Type: Post-war
Lens Speed: f/4.5
Aperture Settings: f/4.5, 6.3, 9, 12.7, 18
Shutter Speeds: 1/150
th
sec, 1/100, 1/50, 1/25, B(ulb), T(ime)
Extinction Meter/Calculator: Yes
Flash Synch Tubes: No
Pressure Plate: Floating
Argus made several updates to the pre-war A2B to face the new consumer
landscape of post-World War II America. Taking advantage of the technical innovations
brought about by the war, Argus Industries simplified the Shutter mechanism and
fluoride-coated the lenses. The top speed of the redesigned Shutter dropped from 1/200
th
to 1/150
th
of a second. This Shutter had a completely new faceplate, returned to the
lever-styled Trigger, and lost all parts commonality with previous Shutters. The Lens
Assembly was slightly enlarged as well, making the early filters unusable with this
camera.
Despite these innovations, the post-war A2B was clearly the lowest in the
manufacturer’s line of cameras. It was advertised as an amateur or college student
camera.