Argus C

The Argus C might just be the most recognizable camera ever built.

For obvious reasons, it is known as “the brick” and its most common version, the Argus C3, is one of the longest product lines ever. It was in production from 1939 to 1966 and sold over 2 million units.

The original Argus C was only produced in 1938 to be replaced within just a few months by the Argus C2, with a geared coupling between the rangefinder and the lens, greatly accelerating focusing and making the camera much more convenient to use. The Argus C is primarily made of bakelite and metal castings. Its unusual and yet simple design earned it a reputation for rugged durability and sharp, high-quality images.

The most famous 20th-century photographer who used it was Tony Vaccaro, who employed this model during World War II.