Argus C3

The Argus C3, launched in 1939 at $25, was an affordable American-made 35mm rangefinder that democratized serious photography for middle-class consumers. Featuring a coupled rangefinder, interchangeable lenses, and distinctive "brick" design with angular Art Deco styling, it offered precision at an accessible price point. Positioned as a budget alternative to expensive German cameras, the C3 became America's best-selling 35mm camera. Today, this iconic "brick" is beloved by vintage camera collectors for its historical significance, representing American camera manufacturing ingenuity and the democratization of 35mm photography in the pre-war era.