Frequently Asked Questions
These are some things we get asked a lot. If you don't find the answer, there's a form at the bottom for you to contact us with your question.
What is the name and/or model of my Argus Item?
You can find a full list of Argus cameras and slide projectors made between 1936 and 1966here. If you are still having a hard time, please send a couple of clear pictures of the item to [email protected] and we will get back to you soon.
When was my Argus camera made?
If you know the model name or number of your Argus camera,hereis a guide to finding out when most Argus cameras from between 1936 and 1966 were made. We are currently working on making a concise guide. If you can't find it there, please send clear pictures of the item to [email protected]
How much is my Argus Item worth?
As always, it depends. Here are some relatively easy answers.
For any item, both its functional and cosmetic condition will affect its value. Most Argus products are pretty common, so values aren't particularly high. You can check thissitefor uncommon-to-rare items that might have a better chance of selling.
If you know the model name or number of the item, you can check eBay, by searching for it on their site -- in the 'Advanced Search' options, check 'Completed Listings'. 'Completed Listings' are sales that have ended, whether or not the item sold. If the price is shown in green, it sold; if it's black, it didn't sell. See what percentage actually sold and prices achieved to get an idea of current market. Checking the items that are currently for sale won't help as much, except to see how many are on the market today -- asking prices aren't always reached.
Working 35mm and 620/120 film cameras are becoming popular again, so Arguses that fit that description may be easier to sell. Working Argus digital cameras of 6 MP resolution or higher may have some appeal -- as of 2023, vintage digital cameras are kind of a retro trend among young people.
If it's a slide projector or a movie projector, it has basically no value unless it is fully working, ESPECIALLY its light bulb. The bulbs are hard to find and expensive to replace. Both shipping costs and repair costs for any projector are usually more than the projector is worth, even working. Best case is trying to sell it locally, but don't expect to get much money for it even if working.
Where can I find a new lightbulb for my projector or previewer?
Unfortunately, the museum does not have spare light bulbs for projectors or reviewers. The best place to look is on eBay by searching for the three-letter code, like DCX marked on the bulb.
For reviewers, small bulbs for flashlights tend to work best. You can find them at your local hardware store.
Where can I get information about International Radio Corporation radios?
What time is the Museum open?
The Museum is open between 8 am and 5 pm, every Monday through Friday, except for all major holidays.
Where is the Museum located?
The Argus Museum is located on the second floor of the Argus I Building at 525 West William Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103.
There are two entrances, Fourth St. or from the parking lot on W Williams. The parking lot entrance is also handicap accessible and there is an elevator to the left of the door.
There is public street parking on Fourth St.
Do you have any Argus manuals?
Most of our manuals are digitized and available onArchive.orgfor easy reading. If you cannot find the manual you are looking for, please contact us to see if we have it. We would be happy to scan any that are missing from our digital collection.
How can I tell you about my connection to Argus history?
We would love to hear from you about your Argus story. Whether you were a former employee, your parents or grandparents were employed with Argus, or about your first Argus camera.
You can fill out our Argus Story formhere.
How can I do more research on Argus?
There are tons of greatresourcesout there besides the Museum's website. You can refer to our online collections management database, or check out our digitized collections on Archive.org. the Ann Arbor District Library even has a collection of Argus newsletters and oral histories. The Bentley Museum also has records about Argus, and of course, we can't forget about our great friends over at the Argus Collections Group.
Do you have a membership program?
Yes! We have five levels of membership starting at $25. You can find more information about them on our membershipspage.
What perks are there for become a member?
All memberships include a reciprocal membership to the Time Travelers program which includes over 500 organizations. Members of these organizations can receive a variety of exclusive benefits and privileges, such as free admission, gift shop discounts, and much, much more.
A membership also gets you free access to the Historical Society of Michigan's History Hounds Lecture Series.
How can I donate to the Museum?
There are a few ways you can donate to Argus.
- ViaPaypal
- By Check sent to:
Argus Museum
525 W William St
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
- Buying something from ourAmazon Wishlist
How do I become a volunteer?
Head over to our volunteer page and fill out avolunteer application.
We have plenty of opportunities available including:
- Photographing artifacts
- Filing and sorting museum records
- Inventorying the collection
- Hosting in-person events
- Scanning documents
What's your question?
Contact Us
CONTACT
Telephone: 313-499-0551
E-mail: [email protected]
LOCATION
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