Argus Instant Load 284 User manual

drop-in cartridge
film loading
CdS electric eye
programmed shutter
uses new flashcubes
argus
Instant Load 2 <4

Functional
Parts
of
the
Argus
Instant
Load
284
MANUAL LENS
SETTINGS (f/stops)
PC FLASH
CORD SOCKET
CdS ELECTRIC EYE
VIEWFINDER
WINDOW
LENS FOCUSING RING
INDEX MARK
for lens focusing and Auto/Manual lens setting
AUTO/MANUAL LENS SETTING CONTROL
CUBE-FLASH
LENS-SETTING SCALE
(distance in feet)
SHUTTER RELEASE
with Cable
Release Socket
WIND LEVER
ACCESSORY FLASH
MOUNTING SHOE FLASHCUBE SOCKET
1
Minor
changes
in
the
appearance
of
this
camera
may
not
be
included
in
these
illustrations.
ee

These
are
terms
used
throughout
this
book.
It’s
best
to
familiarize
yourself
with
them
before
you
read
the
following
pages.
May
we
suggest
you
read
this
book
over
carefully?
It
contains
simplified
steps
to
perfect
pictures
as
well
as
detailed
information.
Before
you
take
pictures
of
a
special
event
or
go
ona
trip,
try
taking
pictures
both
outdoors
and
with
flash
for
practice.
FILM
INDICATOR
VIEWFINDER
FLASHCUBE
NECK
WINDOW
EYEPIECE
vies
TRIPOD
STRAP
EYELET
SOCKET Sie
CUBE-FLASH
BATTERY
COMPARTMENT
ELECTRIC-EYE CUBE-FLASH INDEX
BATTERY COMPARTMENT SETTING CONTROL

film to use
Film cartridges for your Argus I|n-
stant Load 284 are available almost
everywhere. Ask for size 126 film,
either color or black-and-white.
Some popular films are listed below:
KODACHROME-X
EKTACHROME-X for 20
color
HIGH SPEED EKTACHROME slides
SEARS COLOR SLIDE FILM
KODACOLOR-X for 12 or 20 color prints
SEARS BLACK & WHITE
PRINT FILM for 12 black &
white prints
VERICHROME PAN

Your camera is equipped with a cadmium-sulfide (CdS)
electric eye and battery-powered exposure control system.
The system uses a 1.35-volt mercury battery installed in
the round compartment on the camera bottom.
Instead of weakening slowly, this kind of battery gener-
ally fails almost immediately when exhausted. To check
your battery, wind the film, set the lens setting control
on AUTO (red dot), and point the camera at any brightly
lighted scene. Look in the viewfinder to note the move-
ment of the exposure indicator needle at the bottom as
you lightly press on the shutter release (not far enough
to take a picture). If the battery is good, the exposure
indicator needle will move rapidly from the left and stop
in the clear area of the scale. If the battery is exhausted,
the needle will move out of sight, to the right. To con-
serve the battery, the system uses power only when the
camera is wound. Replace when needed with a Mallory
PX-13, Eveready EPX-13, Burgess HPX-13, or equivalent.
Unscrew the coin-slotted compartment cap and replace
battery with + side facing out (toward cap).

automatic exposures
The lens setting control must be set on AUTO (red dot) for auto-
matically exposed pictures. The electric eye assures perfect
exposure whenever daylight is sufficient for proper indication in
the DataScope viewfinder (see page 7).
Turning the lens setting control away from AUTO disconnects
the electric-eye control, and exposure is then determined by
manual settings (see page 13). CHECK THIS CONTROL SETTING
FOR PROPER POSITION BEFORE TAKING PICTURES.
Certain conditions may provide an undesirable electric-eye ex-
posure (for example, a very dark subject in an extremely light
background). With the camera set on AUTO, aim it at the subject
at very close range, excluding the background from view. Look-
ing through the viewfinder, depress the shutter release PAR-
TIALLY until the exposure indicator needle is moved to position
and stopped. Holding the release ‘‘set” this way, step back to
picture-taking position, frame the scene in the viewfinder, and
continue to depress the release to take the picture.
remember
Have the Auto/Manual
Lens Setting Control
on AUTO for automat-
ically exposed pic-
tures. Keep in mind
that the exposure con-
trol is not ON until the
film is wound.

EXPOSURE INDICATOR NEEDLE
the DataScope viewfinder
The DataScope viewfinder shows at a glance the portion
of the total scene that will be included in your picture
(the area within the bright-line frame); the automatic
lens and shutter-speed (needle position on bottom
scale); and the focus setting (pointer position on verti-
cal scale at right).
The 284’s PROGRAMMED SHUTTER automatically sets
the best combination of shutter speed and lens opening WARNING AREAS
for every suitable light condition. The red areas at the
ends of the bottom scale are warning zones for light cates the focus setting you
conditions too bright or too dim for proper electric-eye have made on the ring.
exposure control. Do not attempt automatic exposures
unless the needle stops within the clear part of the scale Use your DataScope to insure
when you partially depress the shutter release. perfect pictures — check for :
| best framing, proper electric- |
The symbols along the right side of the bright-line frame eye exposure setting, and :
correspond to the same symbols on the lens focusing proper focus—every time you |
ring. The focus pointer position in the viewfinder indi- shoot.
7
ps

FOCUS INDEX MARK FOCUSING RING
FOR OUTDOOR PICTURES
. in bright sunlight, you can
set the actual subject distance
on the lens or use the symbols.
FOR FLASH PICTURES
...you must set the actual cam-
era-to-subject distance (in feet)
on the lens focusing ring (see
pages 11 and 12).
focusing the lens
The precision 40mm f/2.8 lens provides the ultimate in
sharpness and definition. For perfect pictures, set the
focus with one of the following methods:
Youcan... 1 Turn the lens focusing ring so the actual
or estimated camera-to-subject distance
(in feet) is at the index mark.
or... & Turn the lens focusing ring so the sym-
bol indicating the type of picture to be
taken is opposite the index mark—
2 for CLOSE-UPS (4 feet)
Mi for GROUPS or INTERMEDIATE
SCENES (12 feet)
8 for DISTANT SCENES (infinity)
or... <3 Use the GROUP symbol setting as a “uni-
versal focus” if subject is 8 to 30 feet
from camera. USE THIS SETTING ONLY
ON BRIGHT SUNNY DAYS.

loading the camera
Slide
the
back
cover
latch
down
and
open
the
cover.
Drop
in
the
film
cartridge
(largest
end
toward
latch).
Be
sure
it
seats
properly
and
lies
flat.
Close
the
COVER,
pressing
it
firmly
until
it
snaps.
Loading
the
camera
automatically
sets
the
exposure
control
system
for
the
type
of
film.
Move
the
wind
lever
repeatedly
to
the
right
until
it
locks
(about
6
full
strokes)
to
position
film
for
the
first
picture.
After
each
picture
is
taken,
the
exposure
control
system
is
turned
OFF.
For the
next
picture,
move
the
wind
lever
through
a
FULL
stroke
to
advance
the
film,
cock
the
shut-
ter,
and
turn
the
exposure
control
system
ON.
NEVER
FORCE
THE
WIND
LEVER.
The
film
indicator
window
shows
the
exposure
number
you
are
on
and
type
of
film
in
the
camera.
unloading
Before
the
back
cover
is
opened,
after
the
last
picture,
move
the
wind
lever
until
it
locks.
Open
the
cover,
remove
the
cartridge,
and
have
it
processed
immediately.

compose and shoot!
Compose your subject within the bright-line viewfinder
frame—just the way you want it to appear in the final
picture. Check the exposure indicator needle, as you
G partially depress the shutter release, to be sure it stops
in the clear area of the scale. If it stops in a red area,
there is too little or too much light for proper exposure.
6 If light is too dim, you may be able to take the picture
with flash (see pages 11, 12). Depress the shutter release
slowly to take the picture. If the shutter release will not
go down, it is because the film is not wound for the next Aare
picture. Make it a practice to wind the film just before
you take each picture. The close-up lines in the viewfinder
show the top and left-hand limits of
Outdoor pictures will turn out best if the sun is behind pictures taken at 3 to 5 feet. Bot-
you. Don’t attempt pictures with the sun shining into the — tom and right-hand limits will ex-
lens. In dim-light conditions the programmed shutter — tend an equal amount beyond the
selects a slow speed; hold the camera steady and regular frame. Be sure to focus for
“squeeze” the shutter release. The automatic controls can actual camera-to-subject distance
be disconnected and manual settings used (see page 13). for close-ups, especially in dim light.
eo
10
a

taking
flash
pictures
Your
camera
features
a
built-in
system
for
flashcubes
or
any
type
of
accessory
flash
unit,
including
electronic
flash.
To
install
a
flashcube,
fit
the
cube’s
mounting
tabs
into
the
camera
socket
recesses,
and
press
down
until
the
cube
snaps
into
place.
The
cube
will
automatically
rotate
each
time
you
wind
the
film.
You
can
remove
or
repo-
sition
the
cube
at
any
time.
Push
in
the
flashcube
eject
button
to
remove
a
cube;
rotate
the
cube
manually
by
turning
it
CLOCKWISE
only.
With
film
wound
and
cube
in
place
with
good
side
forward,
a
lighted
FLASH
READY
signal
appears
in
the
viewfinder
when
the
shutter
release
is
partially
depressed.
To
set
the
cube-flash
index
for
the
speed
of
the
film
you
are
using,
move
the
control
at
the
bottom
of
the
lens
mount
to
bring
11
either
ASA
160
or
64
opposite
the
index
notch.
(Use
64
position
for
all
Instant
Load
cartridges
except
HIGH
SPEED
film
rated
ASA
160.)
The
manual
lens
setting
for
proper
cube-flash
exposure
is
determined
by
camera-to-subject
distance.
Set the
estimated
distance
on
the
LENS
FOCUS-
ING
RING
opposite
the
RED
DOT;
then
set
the
corresponding
point
on
the
CUBE-
FLASH
INDEX
SETTING
CONTROL
oppo-
site
the
WHITE
DOT.
Reset
both
controls
when
camera
to
subject
distance
changes.
The
automatic
exposure
system
is
not
used
for
flash
and
is
disconnected
when-
ever
manual
settings
are
used.
Flash
set-
tings
are
determined
by
type
of
film,
type
of
bulb
and
camera-to-subject
distance.
For
guide-number
calculations,
the
284
shutter
speed
is
1/30
second
at
all
man-
ual
lens
settings
(See
instructions
pro-
vided
with
your
unit.)

Accessory flash units may be mounted on a
bracket attached in the tripod socket or in the
shoe on top of the camera. Electrical contacts are
built into the camera’s flash mounting shoe for
units requiring that type of connection. A PC flash
cord socket is provided on the front of the cam-
era for units with flash cords. Accessory units do
not use the flash batteries inside your camera.
The cube-flash system is powered by two 1.5 volt
batteries to be inserted in the compartment in the
camera bottom. (Batteries are supplied with your
camera inside the display box.) To install flash
batteries, push the rectangular black compart-
ment cover sideways (see arrow) and lift it open.
Insert both batteries in the slots with + sides
toward center of camera. Close the cover and push
it in to tuck it under the metal edge of the open-
ing. When replacement batteries are needed, ask
for two Mallory PX-825 or equivalent.
NOTE THE LIMITS FOR CUBE-
FLASH DISTANCES: for ASA 64
setting, from 3.5 to about 25 ft., for
ASA 160 films, from 6 to about 45 ft.
(first detent beyond 25). Settings at
greater distance would move B or
AUTO to red index dot, and expo-
sure control for flash would be lost.
12

manual settings —
and time exposures
If you prefer not to use the camera’s auto-
matic exposure control system, the lens
setting control can be turned off AUTO
and manually set to any lens opening from
f/2.8 to f/22 or to B for time exposures.
Detents are provided at full-stop intervals
(f/4 and f/8 are unmarked). When the
control is set to any of the manual lens
openings, the shutter is automatically set
to 1/30 second. With the control set on B
the shutter will remain open as long as
the shutter release is held down, and the -
lens opening is always f/2.8. Manually
controlled exposures require a light meter
or some other exposure guide to determine
proper lens settings. Your Argus dealer
has books and pamphlets which can oe
specifications
LENS: 40mm f/2.8, precision optical glass, full
focusing from 3 feet to infinity.
SHUTTER: Programmed type, automatically ad-
justs from 1/30 second to 1/600 second as re-
quired. B setting for time exposures.
FILM: Uses size 126 instant-load cartridges
for color or black-and-white.
ELECTRIC EYE: CdS type, powered by single 1.35-
volt mercury battery, automatically adjusts expo-
sure up to and including ASA 160 films.
FLASH: Built-in battery-powered flashcube socket
plus accessory flash shoe and PC flash cord
socket.
CONSTRUCTION: Die-cast metal body, precision
machined parts throughout. Size: 594” x 3” x
356”. Weight 22% ounces.

é
eheck list... make every shot a perfect picture!
= For automatic exposures, be sure lens film speed; be sure lens focus ring AND
setting control is at AUTO (red dot); be
sure exposure indicator needle stops in
clear area (not in red warning zones) of
viewfinder scale when shutter is par-
tially depressed.
Be sure lens focus ring is set to esti-
mated camera-to-subject distance. Al-
ways check focus pointer in viewfinder.
Estimate accurately for close-ups and
dim light shots.
For flashcube pictures, be sure cube-
flash index (white dot) is set for your
cube-flash lens-setting scale are set on
camera-to-subject distance.
Be aware of near and far limits for flash-
cubes; be sure CUBE-FLASH distance
setting does not bring B or AUTO oppo-
site red-dot index.
m Watch for “FLASH READY” signal in
viewfinder; if signal does not appear
when expected, check the flashcube for
good side forward, or check for weak
flash batteries.

Argus unconditional guarantee
Your Argus Instant Load 284 Camera is unconditionally guaranteed by the manufacturer to
operate properly for a period of one year from the date of original purchase. If, during
this period, your camera fails to operate for any reason, Argus, Incorporated, will restore
it to operating condition at no charge to you. (This includes all parts and labor.)
This unconditional guarantee applies to the product itself. We regret that we are unable
to assume liability for loss of film or for other expense or inconvenience.
This unconditional guarantee is valid only for the original retail purchaser and only if the
product is returned prepaid, directly or through an Argus dealer, to the Customer Service
Department, Argus, Incorporated, 2080 Lunt Avenue, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007, or
one of their authorized service locations. The date and place of original purchase must be
included, along with a description of the difficulties encountered.
Many apparent product difficulties are actually a matter of incorrect usage. It is always
wise to see your Argus dealer before returning the product for servicing.
CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT, ARGUS, INCORPORATED
MAIN OFFICE 2080 Lunt Avenue, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007
IN CANADA Davis Drive East, Newmarket, Ontario
For the address of the service location nearest you which is authorized
to repair Argus products under guarantee, contact your Argus dealer or
write to the main office of the Customer Service Department.
PART NO. 21568-6611 U.S. PATENTS PENDING LITHO IN U.S.A.
service
For information about your
camera, or for service or re-
placement parts, see your
Argus dealer, authorized serv-
ice location, or write to the
main office of the Argus Cus-
tomer Service Department
(address listed at left).
When writing, be sure to men-
tion you have the Argus In-
stant Load 284 Camera.
argus ®
Argus Incorporated
5950 Touhy Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60648
ARGUS CAMERAS OF CANADA, LTD.
Newmarket, Ontario