Operating Your Argus A-Four

Loading Film: Pull up the Rewind Knob, lift the Cover Latch, and remove the back. Place a 35mm cartridge in the camera, push down the Rewind Knob, and turn the Winding Knob until the zig-zag slot appears. Thread the film leader into the take-up spindle. Turn the Winding Knob until the film perforations engage the sprocket. Replace the back, ensuring it's properly seated. Take up the film leader by turning the Winding Knob until it stops, then press the Rewind Lever and turn the Wind Knob 1/3 turn. Repeat this to advance the film. Set the Counter to red 20 or red 36.

Taking Pictures: Set the Lens Opening (f-stop), Distance, and Shutter Speed according to your subject and lighting conditions. For color film, set all adjustments on yellow; for black and white, set on red. Cock the shutter by pushing up the Shutter Cocking Lever. Center your eye behind the eyepiece, move your head and camera simultaneously to center the picture, and press the Shutter Release slowly.

Unloading Film: Check the Exposure Counter to ensure it reads "0". Hold the Rewind Lever down and turn the Rewind Knob until the Winding Knob stops. Open the camera and remove the film cartridge.