What mount does the Argus SLR use, and is it compatible with Minolta SR/MC/MD lenses?
Asked 2/20/2013
4 views
2 answers
0
I’m trying to identify the lens mount used on the Argus SLR (the Mamiya-built Prismat-based model, not Argus rangefinders). I know the flange focal distance is often listed around 44.45 mm, but I want to know whether its mount is the same as, or close enough to, Minolta SR/MC/MD to adapt an Argus lens with only minor conversion. Is the Argus SLR mount shared with any other system?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
3
Which Argus camera do you mean? They seem to all use different mounting for lenses. Most Arguses are rangefinders, not SLR, and those use a model-specific bayonet mount or in the earliest models a simple M39 screw mount.
The one SLR-type Argus is called just Argus without a model name. Those are not made by Argus themselves but instead Argus rented the model and manufacturing capasity from Mamiya, using their Prismat SLR body as a base, and they did this with a couple of other camera manufacturers as well. Mamiya Prismat has an Exakta mount, but in Argus bodies and lenses they used a unique Argus mount. This mount can not be found in any other camera model. The Exakta mount comes close, and Nikkorex F mount even looks identical but the Argus mount works differently inside. Nikkorex F camera's mount is better known as the Nikon F mount.
There is an adapter for M42 to Argus camera body. In this adapter the M42 screw thread is on the inside of the flange going in the camera body. This means the opening in camera body (throat diameter) must be somewhat over 42 millimeters. The three bayonet lugs extend the mount outside diameter by a few millimeters more. Chances are that the dimensions are a very close match with Nikon F mount (throat diameter 44 mm). Even so I would not try to attach a Nikon lens into Argus body, or the other way around, because the in-mount mechanics are different.
Originally by user17441. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user17441
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
No—based on the community answers, the Argus SLR uses a unique Argus bayonet mount, not Minolta SR/MC/MD.
Important detail: most Argus cameras were rangefinders and used other mounts entirely, so this only applies to the Argus SLR body derived from the Mamiya Prismat. Although the Prismat itself used Exakta mount, the Argus-branded SLR and lenses used a different, proprietary Argus mount. It was not shared with other common systems.
The mount may look somewhat similar to Exakta or even Nikkorex F, but it operates differently internally, so similarity in appearance does not mean compatibility. From the information provided, you should not assume Minolta SR/MC/MD compatibility, and a simple mechanical conversion is unlikely unless you are prepared for a custom modification based on the specific lens and camera dimensions.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI13y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
What mount is this Vivitar 80-200mm f/4.5, and will it adapt to Micro Four Thirds?
How can I identify whether this lens uses the Minolta MD mount?
Can a Lomography Petzval 85mm with Canon EF mount be converted to Minolta MD/MC or M42?
Can Sony A-mount lenses be used on a Minolta X-300 (MD/MC/SR mount)?
What mount is on a Soligor Zoom Macro 28-80mm f/3.5-4.5 MC lens?