Argus A3

Before we begin, I would like to announce that my new Patreon exclusive camera series is now up, with my first post talking about the Chuzhoa M1 Retro Camera. It can be viewed by either joining my Patreon or buy just buying the post for a onetime fee. I hope you will check it out, not only will you be part of an exclusive club, but you will be helping this site out.

You can find the first post on my new series here:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/chuzhoa-retro-m1-151240549?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link 

Remember to also check out my displate:

https://displate.com/artist/bfennsw?art=66e809bf952d9

Anyway, back to the camera at hand:

Continuing with easy to use cameras, this post will be looking an older camera, and another Argus! This is the Argus A3.

I already went through the history of Argus in my Argus C2 post, so I will just jump into the camera of the hour.

The A3 was released in 1940-1942 and was short lived, due to the C series being used in WWII and the improvement of rangefinder camera technology, to which the A3 just couldn’t keep up with and thus fell to the wayside (Yarbrough 2026).

Although mostly sold as a civilian consumer camera (Yarbrough 2026), there were some sold and used during the war, as Sterritt (2023) shows a military black version that was made possibly in 1943-44 and appears to be even a more simplified variation than the consumer A3.

Military Black A3 front. Image Source:
https://argusinfo.net/Reference/Images/RaritiesProductionCameras/ArmyA3Front.jpg

Military Black A3 back. Image Source:
https://argusinfo.net/Reference/Images/RaritiesProductionCameras/ArmyA3Back.jpg

As with the last two post (AF-Big Finder and the 155X) there isn’t much information on this camera. Two reasons could be because the company records disappeared when the company went out of business and also the fact that it had a short run, couldn’t keep up with the increase in rangefinder cameras and also that it was overshadowed by the C3, which was dubbed as “America’s favourite 35mm Camera” (Sterritt 2023).

But I did manage to scrounge up some information on this camera’s humble beginnings as well as its impact on Argus’ future cameras.

The A3 was a brand new design, which had a streamline design (Halgand 2023), which was a style of industrial design that was brought in around the 1920s in America. Mostly used to improve performance on cars and planes to reduce wind resistance or the “…Cx, the coefficient of aerodynamic resistance, starting from the twenties, also thanks to the invention of the wind tunnel. The Streamline therefore owes its name to the search for aerodynamic shapes. For many years the word ‘aerodynamic’ is used in popular language as a synonym for ‘modern’…” (designindex).

It wasn’t until the 1930s that this went from practical design to an art or décor element, most notably used to make products look new, so that companies could carry on selling products during the collapse of Wall Street (designindex).

Although this camera wasn’t as popular, it did however inspire and become the typical go to for future Argus cameras’ designs (except for the C series of course) (Camera-wiki).

This can be seen in the Argus CC, which has the same body as the A3, but came with a selenium meter (Camera-wiki).

Argus CC. Image Source:
https://aadl.org/sites/default/files/photos/argus_cc.jpg

Other cameras inspired by the A3 are the Model 21, the model M, the Model C44 and many more.

Argus Model 21. Image Source:
https://collectiblend.com/Cameras/images/Argus-Argus-21-(Markfinder).jpg

Argus Model M. Image Source:
https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2445/3926047758_b6d326fff9.jpg

Argus C44. Image Source:
https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1073/1208702442_e5eee9ddbd.jpg

The camera was designed by Clinton H. Harris, who owned the patent and focused on the design to be as simple and easily assembled as possible and at a low cost. To achieve this: “…certain parts of the camera are pre-assembled. This includes the module containing the lens, shutter, and frame counter. The modular structure offers the advantage of allowing multiple assembly combinations. Clinton Harris specified that he preferred to use the focusing mechanism (patent No. 2,357,326) and the frame counter (patent No. 2,358,327), for which he had previously filed patents…” (Halgand 2023).

Argus A3 patent. Image Source:
https://collection-appareils.fr/argus/images/Argus_A3_eclate_1.png

Anyway… Let’s begin with the close examination.

The Argus A3 as mentioned was released between 1940-1942, but looking at the serial number (as we did with the C2), and the reference given by Sterritt (2025), this camera was possibly made or sold in 1941, seeing that it is under the number of 140980 (1942 start), but significantly higher than 100000 (1940 start).

The camera has an estimated weight of 907g (Pacific Rim Camera 2026) and a size of 5.5 x 3 x 2.5 inches. It has a metal body and as mentioned its most defining feature, the streamlined top plate.

Time to have a closer look, starting with the front.

First the lens-

It is an Anastigmat (please see my Billy Record and C2 post for information on this), with a max f/stop of 4 and focal length of 50mm (Argus Collectors Group).

It is also compatible with filters.

Screenshot from the Manual. 

Despite the lens protruding so much, it is very stable, similar to the Argus A and A2B, and unlike the Falcon F. The lens is also similar to the A and A2B. But there is something that sets it apart from the other A series lenses…

And that is the focus ring.

This ring is behind the lens. On this ring is the distance scale and settings, which is on the top, this ring can be manually set (unlike the other A cameras), by using the focusing lever to turn it.

The focus setting can be set between 1 ¼ - 25 feet and infinity.

 

Now there is an extra setting on this ring, Closed. 

This isn’t a setting, for you see just like the other A cameras in the series, the A3 also has a collapsible lens. The closed setting is an indication of where the ring should be turned in order to lock the lens in place, instead of having to twist it back in place, one must just push it in and set the focus ring to closed.

 

But the focus lever isn’t just there to help the user move the focus ring, but it also doubles as a stand when the lens is set on the closes setting and when it is the most extended.

 

The focus lever helps keep it stable and prevents it from toppling forward!

There are also other rings around the lens that sets the f/stop and the shutter speed.

The f/stop settings are set with a diaphragm lever found at the bottom of the lens. And the f/stop settings that it can be set to are 4, 5.6, 8, 11 and 16. These numbers can be seen either underneath the lens or on top behind the shutter speed numerical values.

The aperture petals like the other Argus A’s are found behind the shutter.

The shutter speed setting or dial is the ring behind the diaphragm lever. The numerical values of the different speed settings are 1/25, 1/50, 1/100 and 1/150 second. There are also two extra settings, the B (bulb, open for as long as the shutter button is pressed down) and T (time, keeps the shutter open when pressed and only closes when the button is pressed again).

The numbers can also be seen on top of the lens barrel, alongside the f/stop values. Probably to make it easier for the user, when changing the setting, so that the user doesn’t have to turn the camera around. If only they did something similar for the frame counter. 

Speaking of the devil…

Next to the lens is the film counter. Now the fans of this blog will most likely have noticed that this camera shares a striking resemblance to the Vokar I and you are right.

Both are the same colour and design (and since the Vokar came after the A3, it might have been inspired by the Argus cameras), but I would say that the A3 did it better. But the Vokar I is a better camera, due to its bigger size and rangefinder…

But I am going off topic. The film counter is connected to a single film frame sprocket, located in the film compartment.

And just like the Vokar, the film counter is in an inconvenient place, because the user would have to stop taking pictures and turn the whole camera around to see what number of frame they are on. Thus ruining the momentum of the photographer and disturbing the flow.

On the side of the lens is the shutter lever/button. The shutter is leaf shutter.

Under the shutter button is the remote shutter release cable socket.

Above the lens-

Here is the viewfinder, small and annoying.

And next to that is the exposure meter. It works similar to the A2B camera’s, but the A3 didn’t come with a slider.

 The exposure meter (according to the manual):

Screenshot from the manual.

The exposure meter is used in tandem with the exposure calculator dial (mentioned a little later).

On top-

Here is the film rewind knob.

Next is the cold shoe plate or accessory clip.

Then there is the film release button, which is pressed down when rewinding the film and also advancing the film.

Then we have the film advance knob.

This layout is different from the other Argus cameras, because it winds film traditionally, from left to right.

Underneath-

Here is the tripod socket and then the film compartment cover release.

This release keeps the cover locked and attached to the main body.

Finally, the back-

Here is the film compartment cover.

On this cover is the exposure calculator dial, which is a complicated process, so I will just share what the manual instructs:

Screenshot from the manual.

 Above the cover is the viewfinder and the other side of the exposure meter.

Now for the film compartment.

The cover (like the Colormatic, the Agfa Clack, the Halina Roy, the , the Kodak 35 RF) completely detaches from the main body.

The film compartment is a standard 35mm film compartment and shoots negative frames of 36 x24 mm. To learn how film works please see my 200 Color Plus post.

I should note that this camera had an option to add a leather carrying case.

Screenshot from the manual.

And honestly, I wish this camera came with one because they are a “…modular leather case…” that “…is lined with purple velveteen and is secured with two metal press studs…” (The Australian War Memorial 2026).

And that is all. As Brugeson (2010) points out, this camera isn’t a widely collected piece, but it does have its own cult following and I can see why. This camera is absolutely beautiful, every time I look at it I think of old cars, specifically James Bond’s DB5. The streamline look is very unique and eye catching.

But what are your thoughts? Do you like the Vokar I better? Would you like one in your collection? What does the A3’s design remind you of? Let me know in the comments.

And as always, thank you for making it to the end and I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did.

Please remember to check out my Patreon at: patreon.com/OnlineCurator  where you can find my first post of my new series, as well as pictures and links to my other Fantasy Blog series.

Please see the Please help this site post on this blog, for more information.

Or if you want to help in another way, please visit my Displate Store. Thank you for the support.

List of sources:

Argus Collectors Group. Argus Unique Bodied Cameras. https://www.arguscg.org/reference/unique.shtml

Burgeson, J. 2010. Guide to the Argus A3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJTlFryWmZA

Camera-wiki. Argus A3. https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Argus_A3

Camera-wiki. Argus CC. https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Argus_CC

Designindex. Streamline. https://www.designindex.org/definitions/design/streamline.html#0

Halgand, S. 2023. Argus A3. https://collection-appareils.fr/x/html/camera-2740-Argus_A3.html#:~:text=A%20random%20camera%20:,Instruction%20manuals%20for%20Argus

Mike. Argus A3 manual. https://www.butkus.org/chinon/argus/argus_colorcamera/argus_colorcamera.htm

Pacific Rim Camera. ARGUS 35MM CAMERAS. https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/catalog/th_ac12.htm

Sterritt, P. 2023. Argus Production Camera Rarities. https://argusinfo.net/Reference/RaritiesProductionCameras.htm

Sterritt, P. 2025. When was my Argus camera made? https://argusinfo.net/DatingGuide/DatingYourArgus.htm#A3CC

The Australian War Memorial. 2026. Argus A3 anastigmatic camera and case: Wireman Edwin Fagan, RAN. https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C286035?image=1

Yarbrough, M. 2026. The 80+ Year Old Argus A3 + Photos. https://besetbylight.com/blog/argus-a3-vintage-camera-review-with-photos 

Minolta AF-Big Finder

Before we begin, I would like to announce that my new Patreon exclusive camera series is now up, with my first post talking about the Chuzhoa M1 Retro Camera. It can be viewed by either joining my Patreon or buy just buying the post for a onetime fee. I hope you will check it out, not only will you be part of an exclusive club, but you will be helping this site out.

You can find the first post on my new series here:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/chuzhoa-retro-m1-151240549?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link 

Remember to also check out my displate:

https://displate.com/artist/bfennsw?art=66e809bf952d9

Anyway, back to the camera at hand:

Keeping up with easy to use cameras, this post will be looking at another point-and-shoot camera. This is the Minolta AF-Big Finder.

I already went through Minolta’s history in my Zoom 110 post. So with that, let’s jump into the AF-Big Finder.

It appears that this was part of a short lived series, by Minolta, the first one I could find that carried this name was the Minolta F35 Big Finder from 1991 (Camera-wiki), although this camera also was sold under the name Minolta Memory Maker 2000 (Filmphotography.eu) and then there was also the Minolta AF50 Big Finder from 1997 (Camera-wiki).

Minolta F35 Big Finder. Image Source:
https://live.staticflickr.com/5164/5381149120_a4c12f2a2b_z.jpg

Minolta Memory Maker 2000. Image Source:
https://collectiblend.com/Cameras/images/Minolta-Memory-Maker-2000.jpg

Minolta AF50 Big Finder. Image Source:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49577943753_216de4cedf_z.jpg

The name obviously came from the fact that it had well, a big (view)finder. But it wasn’t just Minolta that jumped on this idea, as the 1990s saw a various number of companies bring out their own Big Finder cameras (Camera-wiki). Such as the Bell & Howell BF 905, Fujifilm Clear Shot BF and even Polaroid joined in with their Polaroid 200 BF.

Bell & Howell BF 905. Image Source:
https://static.flickr.com/2217/2507162651_2fb5152230_n.jpg

Fujifilm Clear Shot BF. Image Source:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1701/24870266210_d3e494d62d.jpg

Polaroid 200 BF. Image Source:
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2636/3690641037_ef600d2085.jpg

And just like most easy to use cameras that are part of a large “series”, especially ones that were released when digital cameras were taking over, there isn’t much history on the Minolta Big Finder series.

Honestly, I think that this was more of a trend that many camera companies followed, in a last attempt to draw in new customers that were looking into the digital market.

I say this because it looks like all of the camera bodies used were not designed by any of the companies, but were instead all just licensed and sold under different names, similar to the New Taiwan Photographic corp. (see the Sounex YN-9000 and the Solar DX-3 posts). There were some alterations made to each companies’ variation or take on the Big Finder camera, as Camera-wiki points out, the Minolta F35 Big Finder’s body was later used and adapted by Vivitar when they brought out their Big View BV35. 

Vivitar Big View BV35. Image Source:
https://static.flickr.com/5084/5293700073_a585915421.jpg

Camera-wiki further elaborates on my theory by pointing out that:

“…the cameras share common cosmetic features…” thus “…suggesting they may be from the same maker:

A shallow domed front around the lens

A cosmetic feature (or perhaps a finger-grip) on the front right body, emphasising the curve of this dome

An arched top over the VF, continuing the same curve

A slider control in a slot below the lens, for the lens cover…”

Camera-wiki even suggests that many cameras are fakes and made in China and sold illegally under known brand names, without the companies’ permission, again similar to the New Taiwan Photographic corp.

With that out of the way, there isn’t much else about the Minolta AF-Big Finder, other than it being a newer iteration of the Minolta F35 Big Finder. Now I could not find a definitive answer to when this camera was released, but seeing that it looks similar to the AF50 Big Finder, it could be around 1997. Maybe even later, but on the manual (manualslib), the year I see pop-up the most is 1997. 

Screenshot from the manual.

Screenshot from the manual.

So we will conclude that that is the year of manufacturing. This is further corroborated by George's Photographic Curios (2024), who states that it was introduced in 1997.

The AF-Big Finder doesn’t seem to be as popular as the two mentioned above, but it is still a pretty neat compact point-and-shoot camera. And I like and think that this camera’s look is better than the AF50’s. It has a weight of 190g and a size of 4.8 x 2.9 x 1.9 inches, according to the manual.

 With that let’s start with the close examination. Starting with the front.

First the lens.

The manual states that it is a 34mm, with what I am guessing is a fixed f/stop of 4.5, because unlike the other point-and-shoot cameras (Solar DX-3, Sinpo PQ-3 and the Praktica Sport) the AF-Big Finder doesn’t have a ISO or f/stop setting slider.

The manual also states that this is a 3-element in 3 groups lens. But if we look at the AF50, which does have a different lens, but also says “All Glass Lens” we can see that it has a triplet lens (Camera-wiki).

Now with this we can say that the AF-Big Finder also has a triplet lens (see Billy Record 7.7 and Argus C2 posts). For as we learned from the Halina 35X super, that when we have say 4 elements in 3 groups, that means that there are four pieces of glass, but two of them are cemented together. But in this case the elements and the groups are the same so, we can infer that there are three pieces of glass in the AF-Big Finder’s lens. Meaning that all pieces of glass are not cemented together, but in line with one another, making it a triplet lens.

And to learn what it means when a lens has an element coating, please see the SX-70 post.

Underneath is the lens cover slider, that like the other point-and-shoot cameras, works as the on/off switch. 

 

Next to it and slightly above it is the thing that gives it the AF title.

It is the auto-focus window, which focuses the lens automatically, there is no manual setting for this. It has a range of 1.3m to infinity according to the manual.

And also according to the manual it achieves this automatic focusing with an active infrared focus system. To give a brief overview, I will give you a quote from StudyGuides.com (2026):

“Infrared autofocus systems operate by actively emitting infrared light to measure the distance to the subject. This process begins with the camera's infrared emitter projecting light onto the subject, which then reflects back to the camera's receiver. The system calculates the angle or time of the reflected light to determine the subject's distance, adjusting the lens accordingly for optimal focus. This method allows for consistent performance regardless of ambient light conditions, providing reliable focusing in environments where passive systems might struggle due to insufficient contrast. The active nature of infrared autofocus also allows it to function effectively in complete darkness, offering a distinct advantage over passive methods that rely on available light.”

Then above the lens is another feature that points to its namesake and that is the viewfinder.

The viewfinder is large and I love it. One theory for why they went with this large viewfinder is that it not only allows newcomers to the world of film to take pictures, but also it can be used by elderly people and people with spectacles (Nunn 2013).

But this viewfinder has some extra features. Such as a focus frame (similar to the Halina 35X super) and is tinted. What I also find interesting is that the front of the viewfinder is reflective, meaning that one can take selfies! Which isn’t surprising, because as mentioned in my Disc 8000 post, Minolta made their own version of that camera, that came with a mirror for selfies and what can only be described as a selfie stick. So, Minolta was already prepared for the next coming craze in photography. Just too bad they didn’t make it to such a time.

Next to the viewfinder is the built-in flash.

This flash is automatic and will only fire when it is needed, such as low light conditions. There is no way to turn it off manually. It can fire between the ranges of 4.3-15.7 feet depending on the ISO of the film and the lighting situation.

Under the flash is the self-timer indicator.

This light is also used to help reduce red-eye. To activate this feature, the user must slowly press down on the shutter button, then when it fires, press down all the way to take the picture.

On the other side of the viewfinder is the meter window, or light meter (small circle) and above that is the second auto focus window (big circle), but we will only be talking about the meter window.

This most likely senses if it is needed for the flash to go off, and how intense it should be. It, according to the manual, also sets the shutter speed, which can be anywhere between 1/50-1/500 second.

On top-

All on one side, in order of size, is the shutter button (leaf shutter), the self-timer button (12 seconds) and then the automatic film rewind button.

Now the automatic rewind film feature is interesting. For one, when the film is all used up, it automatically rewinds the film on its own. But if, for whatever reason, the user wants to rewind the film early or do it manually you must press in the rewind button. But this is where I find it interesting on this camera.

For you see, to press the rewind button, you must use the button key found on the wrist strap. Now this one didn’t come with the wrist strap unfortunately, but luckily the manual has a great example image.

Screenshot from the manual.

This way there is no accidental rewinding happening, if the user should press down on it.

Then next to the cluster of buttons, is the film frame counter.

Underneath the camera-

Is the tripod socket.

Next to that is the battery chamber, where the camera’s power supply comes from.

 

It takes two AA batteries.

Left side-

Is the eyelet for the wrist strap.

Then right side-

Here is the back-cover release. This unlocks the film compartment cover, by sliding it down.

Speaking of, the back-

Here is the film compartment cover.

On this cover four things can be found.

First is the film window, which tells you the film type.

Above that is the battery warning lamp. This goes off when the batteries are running low.

Next to that is the Flash-ready lamp. It does, well as the name suggests. It lets the user know when the flash is charged up and ready to be used.

Next to that is the viewfinder.

Then there is the film compartment.

Now this camera has some unused film still inside it.

But it is a basic 135film camera and is easy to load.

Empty AF-Big Finder. Image Source:
https://i.etsystatic.com/25453554/r/il/37ca3f/5834019367/il_fullxfull.5834019367_lyyr.jpg

The cover has some cool features, such as the foam piece to hold the film in place, a pressure plate and a roller to keep the film smooth and flat as it moves to the next frame and when rewinding.

Now I should also point out that similarly to the Sinpo PQ-3, that has a “Date” version, which comes with a clock, the AF-Big Finder also has a variation that comes with a clock that most likely imbeds a time stamp on the film. This AF-Big Finder is known as the Quartz date model and the clock can be found on the back cover. 

Screenshot from the manual.

The camera also has DX coding (see my Praktica Sport post).

The camera takes 35mm film cartridges, and shoots 24x36mm. To learn how film works please see my post 200 color plus. 

Lastly, I should point out that this camera does come with a carrying pouch/bag.

And that is it. Now out of all the point-and-shoot cameras, I would not recommend you start with this one. I would recommend the Praktica Sport. Then the Sinpo PQ-3. Then this one, the AF-Big Finder. And never the DX-3, it is just awful!

But if you want to just take pictures on film for fun, then I would recommend this camera. As narando001 (2012) writes that this camera was made for nights out and parties, thus it his “Official Party Camera.”

Because like the Chuzhoa retro camera, one can take it with for some novelty fun. The pictures might not come out looking the best at times, but that is what makes it fun and makes the pictures unique and special.

What do you think? Do you agree that the AF-Big Finder looks better than the AF50? Do you think this is the best camera to start your film photography career? Or do you think the Praktica is the way to go? Or are you of the opinion that digital is king and we should leave film behind? Let me know in the comments.

And as always, thank you for making it to the end and I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did researching it.

Please remember to check out my Patreon at: patreon.com/OnlineCurator  where you can find my first post of my new series, as well as pictures and links to my other Fantasy Blog series.

Please see the Please help this site post on this blog, for more information.

Or if you want to help in another way, please visit my Displate Store. Thank you for the support.

List of sources:

Camera-wiki. Big Viewfinder. https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Big_Viewfinder

Camera-wiki. Minolta AF50 Big Finder. https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Minolta_AF50_Big_Finder

Camera-wiki. Minolta F35 Big Finder. https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Minolta_F35_Big_Finder

Filmphotography.eu. Minolta F35 Big Finder. https://filmphotography.eu/en/minolta-f35-big-finder/

George's Photographic Curios. 2024. 1997 Minolta AF-Big Finder - 35mm Film Camera. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeGEOj_W73M

Manualslib. Minolta AF-Big Finder Instruction Manual. https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1134223/Minolta-Af-Big-Finder.html

narando001. 2012. Minolta AF 35 Big Finder: My Party Camera. https://www.lomography.com/magazine/144245-minolta-af-35-big-finder-my-party-camera

Nunn, R. 2013. Minolta AF Big Finder 35mm Film Camera Review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKfDlv-MW0w

StudyGuides.com. 2026. Infrared Autofocus (Photography). https://studyguides.com/study-methods/overview/cmkqrs7cw2th101d5ucm69v1y#:~:text=Infrared%20autofocus%20systems%20operate%20by,that%20rely%20on%20available%20light.