Copyright 2004-2023 by Phillip G. Sterritt. Contributions of Dan Cluley, Bob Kelly, Mike Reitsma, Curtis Riddick, Brian Waddell, and the Michigan Photographic Historical Society gratefully acknowledged.
Last updated 12/20/2023.
email Phillip G. SterrittFor pictures of Argus cameras to help in identifying which model you have, Click here.
Establishing dates of manufacture for Argus cameras is an inexact art. Click here to read comments and assumptions about this guide.
This site is not affiliated with any current incarnation of Argus Camera Company.
1936 - 1941
Serial number: on a label inside above the film window in the format "No. nnnnnn" where nnnnnn is between 1037 and 211589 with no suffix.
The range 1037 - 211589 is per published information. Survey data so far support that but actual endpoints are unknown.
| Begin | End | Year |
| 1037 | 50000 | 1936 |
| 50000 | 90000 | 1937 |
| 90000 | 130000 | 1938 |
| 130000 | 160000 | 1939 |
| 160000 | 190000 | 1940 |
| 190000 | 211589 | 1941 |
Lens labeling:
Sprocket wheel inside camera:
Rewind knob:
Has Tripod socket:
1941
Serial number: on a label inside above the film window in the format "No. nnnnnnn AA" where nnnnnnn is between 500000 and 513250.
The range 500000 - 513250 is per published information. Survey data so far support that but actual endpoints are unknown.
No known variants.
Camera Index1937 - 1938
Serial number: on a label inside above the film window in the format "No. nnnnn AF" where nnnnnn is between 5000 (1937) and 70138 (1938).
The range 5000 - 70138 is per published information. Survey data so far support that but actual endpoints are unknown.
No known variants.
Camera Index1939 - 1950
Serial number: on a label inside above the film window in the format "A2B nnnnnnn". Published ranges are inaccurate. Empirical data suggest nnnnnn is between roughly 50000 and 250000.
| Begin | End | Year |
| 50000 | 60000 | 1939 |
| 60000 | 74000 | 1940 |
| 74000 | 88000 | 1941 |
| 88000 | 100000 | 1942 |
| 100000 | 115000 | 1946 |
| 115000 | 150000 | 1947 |
| 150000 | 185000 | 1948 |
| 185000 | 220000 | 1949 |
| 220000 | 250000 | 1950 |
Shutter release type:
Shutter speed range:
Lens coating:
Sporadic instances of postwar cameras have been seen with both uncoated and coated Ilex lens/shutter combinations.
Camera Index1939 - 1941
Serial number: on a label inside above the film window in the format "A2F nnnnn". Published ranges are inaccurate. Empirical data suggests range of nnnnn is approximately 1000 (1939) to 40000 (1941).
No known variants.
Camera Index1937
Serial number: on a label inside above the film window in the format "No. nnnn - B". Published information stating range is "shared with model A" is incorrect. Empirical data show nnnn is between 1000 and 1999.
Too little data on known variants.
Camera Index1950 - 1951
Serial number: None -- date stamped inside in the bay where the film goes, in format YYMM, where YY is year (50 or 51) and MM is month. Stamped in dark numbers on a black surface so hard to see under the best of conditions.
Observed range: 5000 (?) to 5105
No known variants.
Camera Index1940 - 1942
Serial number: stamped on the inside of the back in the format "0nnnnn" where nnnnnn is between 100000 (October 1940) and 140980 (1942). The two cameras share the same set of serial numbers and it's not known if different ranges were used for each of the two cameras.
The range 100000 - 140980 is per published information. Survey data so far support that but actual endpoints are unknown.
No known variants.
Camera Index1939 - 1940
Serial number: on a label inside the film supply chamber in the format "K nnnn". Published ranges are inaccurate. Empirical data suggests range of nnnn is approximately 1000 (1939) to 3100+ (1940).
Too little data on known variants.
Camera Index1939 - 1940
Serial number: on a label inside on side of lens housing in the format "M nnnnn" (four or five digits). Range of nnnnn approximately 1000 - 13500.
No known variants.
Camera Index1947 - 1948?
Serial number: on a label inside on side of lens housing in the format "19-1nnnnn". Ranges by model overlap; Camros tend to be earliest, Mincas in the middle and Delcos later. Known advertisements: Camro 28: Summer/Fall 1947, Minca 28: December 1947. No known documentation of Delco vintage. Estimated range across all models: 19-100000 through 19-155000.
"No-Name Camros" -- which must include a box with the logo deliberately obscured and the words "NAME OF NATIONALLY KNOWN MAKE DELETED" overprinted to be considered authentic -- are probably early Delcos.
Camera Index1938
Serial number: on a label inside below sprocket wheels in the format "nnnnnC" where nnnnnn is between 1000 and 19077.
The range 1000 - 19077 is per published information. Survey data so far support that but actual endpoints are unknown.
1938 - 1942
Serial number: Either:
Ignore all but the nnnnn.
The range 19078C - 0291945 is per published information. Survey data so far support that but actual endpoints are unknown.
Ranges in the following table were adjusted based on comparisons of feature evolution and serial numbers in C-2s and C-3s.
| Begin | End | Year |
| 19078C | 23000C | 1938 |
| 23000C | 54000C | 1939 |
| 54000C | 62300C | 1940 |
| 0262300 | 0271000 | 1940 |
| 0271000 | 0282000 | 1941 |
| 0282000 | 0291945 | 1942 |
Shutter speeds:
Shutter release:
Lens Labeling:
Lens Apertures:
On camera back:
1939 - 1942
Serial number: Either:
Ignore all but the nnnnn.
Published information that states that the prewar C-3 serial numbers run through 03690326 is not supported by survey data and probably a typo, but 0390326 is a possibility.
| Begin | End | Year |
| C310001 | C317000 | 1939 |
| C317000 | C323700 | 1940 |
| 0323700 | 0343000 | 1940 |
| 0343000 | 0369000 | 1941 |
| 0369000 | 0390000+ | 1942 |
Shutter speeds:
On camera back:
Lens Apertures:
1945 - 1966
Serial number:
1945 - 1957: Stamped inside under the film plane in the format "nnnnn..." where nnnnn is between 0nnnn and 1740000.
The endpoint 1740000 is per published information. Survey data so far support that but actual endpoints are unknown.
The first cameras made when civilian production resumed in 1945 started with 0nnnn and proceeded upward from there to 1740000 in 1957. However, it appears that the first several thousand cameras that would have started from 100000 had the leading '1' omitted from the serial number, so they appear as a five-digit number between 00000 and around 12000.
If your camera has a five-digit serial number between 00000 and 12000 and it has the following set of features, its serial number is probably accurate and the camera was made in 1945 or early 1946:
If your camera has a five-digit serial number between 00000 and 12000 and it has the following set of features, its serial number is probably missing the leading '1' (add 100000 to get the correct number) and the camera was made in late 1946 or early 1947:
Thanks to Curtis Riddick for information that helped solve the riddle of the earliest postwar cameras.
Any camera with a coated lens (whether labeled as such or not) was probably made in July 1946 or later.
| Begin | End | Year |
| 00001 | 100000 | 1945-1946 |
| 100000 | 225000 | 1947 |
| 225000 | 350000 | 1948 |
| 350000 | 475000 | 1949 |
| 475000 | 600000 | 1950 |
| 600000 | 720000 | 1951 |
| 720000 | 845000 | 1952 |
| 845000 | 960000 | 1953 |
| 960000 | 1134000 | 1954 |
| 1134000* | 1465000* | 1955 |
| 1465000** | 1600820** | 1956 |
| 1600821** | 1740000 | 1957 |
* there is a large gap (100000+) in the database between 12nnnnn and 13nnnnn, suggesting an actual gap in serial numbers in that period. Inconsistencies in serial numbers are fairly common in Argus history.
** an Argus Product Service Department document dated May 1957 gives credible monthly ending serial numbers from January 1956 through April 1957, on which 1956 and 1957 values are based.
1958 - 1966: Stamped on the bottom of the camera body as a ten-digit number. For these cameras, the year of production is indicated by the fourth digit of the serial number; the quarter of that year (1-4) is indicated by the fifth digit of the serial number. So the format is 'nnnYQnnnnn'; a camera with serial number 1822199999 was made in the first quarter of 1962. This includes Golden Shield Match-Matics.
EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE: Survey data suggest that:
| 4th Digit | Year |
| 8 | 1958 |
| 9 | 1959 |
| 0 | 1960 |
| 1 | 1961 |
| 2 | 1962 |
| 3 | 1963 |
| 4 | 1964 |
| 5 | 1965 |
| 6 | 1966 |
Lens coating: Uncoated before July 1946. Some coated lenses are labeled "Coated Cintars", others don't have the "Coated", so look closely.
Shutter speeds:
On the back:
"Argus" badge on front below shutter cocking lever:
1947 - 1951
Serial number: Seven- to ten-digit number with leading zeros and occasionally an 'S' prefix*. No more than five significant digits. Either:
Published ranges are inaccurate. Empirical data suggest range is between roughly 100 and 65000 (ignoring leading zeros).
* An “S” stamped as a prefix to the serial number seems to indicate the camera has been upgraded with the improved cocking mechanism. See 'Features' below.
| Begin | End | Year |
| 100 | 13000 | 1947 |
| 13000 | 26000 | 1948 |
| 26000 | 39000 | 1949 |
| 39000 | 52000 | 1950 |
| 52000 | 65000 | 1951 |
1951 - 1957
Serial number: Stamped on the bottom, one to four zero prefix. Six significant digits.
Because the bottom is part of the back and is removed completely from the body to load and unload film, backs from one camera will fit another, and a given camera's back may not be original.
The range 230000 - 530000 (ignoring leading zeros) is per published information. Survey data so far support that but actual endpoints are unknown.
| Begin | End | Year |
| 0230000 | 0240000 | 1951 |
| 0240000 | 0270000 | 1952 |
| 0270000 | 0310000 | 1953 |
| 0310000 | 0360000 | 1954 |
| 0360000 | 0000410000 | 1955 |
| 0000410000 | 0000511175* | 1956 |
| 0000511176* | 0000530000 | 1957 |
* an Argus Product Service Department document dated May 1957 gives credible monthly ending serial numbers from January 1956 through April 1957, on which 1956 and 1957 values are based.
Wind Knobs:
Color-Matic markings (red AND yellow markings on aperture scale, rangefinder dial and shutter speed dial):
Flash sync switch:
The elusive black C-4s have been seen with and without serial numbers. Serial numbers and features suggest 1952.
Camera Index1958
Serial number: Stamped on the bottom, "160" prefix.
Because the bottom is part of the back and is removed completely from the body to load and unload film, backs from one camera will fit another, and a given camera's back may not be original.
Camera Index1956 - 1957
Serial number: Stamped on the bottom, "00440" prefix.
Because the bottom is part of the back and is removed completely from the body to load and unload film, backs from one camera will fit another, and a given camera's back may not be original.
The range 0044000000 - 0044085000 is per published information. Survey data so far support that but actual endpoints are unknown.
| Begin | End | Year |
| 0044000000 | 0044032269* | 1956 |
| 0044032270* | 0044085000 | 1957 |
* Per an Argus Product Service Department document dated May 1957, C-44s with serial numbers lower than 0044032270 were made in 1956, and those from 0044032270 on were made in 1957. It also notes that serial numbers between 0044020000 and 0044022266, originally produced in October 1956, were duplicated in December 1956 production.
Two variants of the front logo and film speed indicator exist. The earlier design has the shutter speed indication below the dial and the stylized "lens and prism" logo below the Argus name. The later design has the speed dot above the dial, and no "lens and prism" logo. This change appears around 1/3 of the way through the serial number range.
1958 - 1962
Serial number: Stamped on the bottom, "173" prefix. For these cameras, the year of production is indicated by the fourth digit of the serial number; the quarter of that year (1-4) is indicated by the fifth digit of the serial number. So the format is 'nnnYQnnnnn'; a camera with serial number 1732199999 was made in the first quarter of 1962.
Because the bottom is part of the back and is removed completely from the body to load and unload film, backs from one camera will fit another, and a given camera's back may not be original.
| 4th Digit | Year |
| 8 | 1958 |
| 9 | 1959 |
| 0 | 1960 |
| 1 | 1961 |
| 2 | 1962 |
C-44Rs with highest known serial numbers have "3" as the fourth digit. Generally believed that no C-44Rs were made after 1962, but perhaps there was a batch made up from the remaining parts at the end of production.
Two distinct body styles were manufactured. The first is essentially identical to the C-44, with the rangefinder housing separate from the rewind knob and a dull painted silver finish to the top housing. The second style has a satin chrome finish to the top housing and the rangefinder housing extends to the edge of the camera so that the rewind knob (while retracted) is flush with the top of the housing.
1953 - 1956
Serial number: None -- date stamped inside in the bay where the film goes, in format YYMM, where YY is year (53 through 55, no known 56) and MM is month. Stamped in dark numbers on a black surface so hard to see under the best of conditions. Many cameras have no stamp but may have another two-digit number stamped, usually in a circle -- this is probably an inspector's code.
Three variants in features:
1957 - 1959
Serial number: C-twentys have a ten-digit serial number stamped on the bottom. There are two formats: Earlier models begin with '020' (made in 1957 and perhaps 1958), later models begin with '140'. On the latter, the fourth digit tells what year they were made (8 = 1958, 9 = 1959).
No known variants.
Camera Index1959 - 1961
Serial number: Stamped on bottom of camera. Ten-digit number beginning with 151. Fourth digit indicates year of production (9 = 1959, 1 = 1961)
No known variants.
Camera IndexAutronic C3: 1960
Autronic 35: 1960 - 62
Autronic I: 1962 - 1964
Autronic II: 1962 - 1965
Serial number: Stamped on the bottom of the camera body as a ten-digit number. For these cameras, the year of production is indicated by the fourth digit of the serial number; the quarter of that year (1-4) is indicated by the fifth digit of the serial number. So the format is 'nnnYQnnnnn'; a camera with serial number 2402199999 was made in the first quarter of 1962.
| 4th Digit | Year |
| 0 | 1960 |
| 1 | 1961 |
| 2 | 1962 |
| 3 | 1963 |
| 4 | 1964 |
| 5 | 1965 |
No known variants.
Camera Index1940 - 1948
Thanks to Dan Cluley for survey information about the Argoflex E features.
Serial number: Six-digit number, stamped inside on the door, just above the hinge. Because production was split by WWII and precise ending production dates (prewar) and production resumption dates (postwar) are not known, it is very difficult to know where to split the serial numbers for the last prewar and first postwar cameras. Coated lenses begin around 820000 and the general reference for coated lenses beginning at Argus is July 1946.
Published ranges are inaccurate. Empirical data suggest range is between roughly 750000 and 910000+.
| Begin | End | Year |
| 750000 | 770000 | 1940 |
| 770000 | 790000 | 1941 |
| 790000 | 805000 | 1942 |
| 805000 | 815000 | 1945 |
| 815000 | 835000 | 1946 |
| 835000 | 865000 | 1947 |
| 865000 | 910000+ | 1948 |
Last cameras made seem to have six-digit serial number starting with 9 and a larger viewing lens. Though the viewing lens is not marked as such, it is the f/3.5 lens intended for the Argoflex II. These are probably leftover parts from that model, being used up on other cameras.
1948
Serial number: Ten-digit number, stamped inside on the door, just above the hinge. Often very hard to see. Published ranges are inaccurate.
On earliest cameras, the raised trim that goes around at the top of the body and runs down the front under the taking lens is chrome. On later cameras it is black.
Some of the earliest cameras have a larger viewing lens. Though the viewing lens is not marked as such, it is the f/3.5 lens intended for the Argoflex II. These are probably leftover parts from that model, being used up on other cameras.
Camera Index1948 - 1951
Serial number: Ten-digit number, stamped inside on the door, just above the hinge. Often difficult to see. Generally begin with '159', '559' or '659'. Last five digits appear to be the significant values. Published ranges are inaccurate. Empirical data suggest range of significant digits is between roughly 00000 and 30000.
| Begin | End | Year |
| 00000 | 05000 | 1948 |
| 05000 | 15000 | 1949 |
| 15000 | 25000 | 1950 |
| 25000 | 30000 | 1951 |
No known variants.
Camera Index1950 - 1954
Serial number: None -- some cameras have date stamped inside in the bay where the film goes, in format YYMM, where YY is year and MM is month.
There are two locations where these cameras are identified. One is on the metal trim plate on the top front of the camera, and the other is engraving found around the viewing lens. The earliest cameras, known as the "Model Argoflex", have no logo on either the trim plate or around the lens. These are relatively rare. Next, the name "Argoflex" appeared on the trim plate as well as on the trim around the lens. These seem to have been followed in short order by cameras with "Argoflex" on the trim plate and "Forty" on the lens trim, which lasted a few years until "Argus" replaced "Argoflex" on the trim plate. Variations exist within these combinations, however, so currently the metal trim plate is the most helpful feature.
Logo on top of metal front trim plate:
1949 - 1964
Serial number: None -- some cameras date stamped inside in the bay where the film goes, in format YYMM, where YY is year and MM is month. Others have full date like "November 10 1960".
Survey results indicate the logo on the top of the front plate of the similar Argoflex 40 changed from "Argoflex" to "Argus" around 1953. Since the 75 was in production at the same time, it's reasonable to conclude that its logo also changed from "Argoflex" to "Argus" at the same time.
Logo above viewing lens:
Body color:
1954 - 1958
Serial number: None.
No known variants, except cameras labeled 'For School Use' are 1955 or later.
Camera Index