Argus C3 Workaround

I already knew that the clip and latch lock (seen here) that is supposed to hold the camera back shut no longer works properly so it can pop open at any time.

 

What I didn't know then but found out the hard way is that once a film is loaded, the increased pressure on the film plate will overwhelm the feeble force that the clip still has and just push the back open.

 

The sellotape solution seemed an abomination to me. Also, it would have to be a long strip that extends from the back to the front and therefore might damage the leatherette, so that just is not on. A camera deserves respect. Any camera, also an Argus. Luckily, I found a woven elastic band that fits tightly over the camera body and reliably keeps the back shut.

 

And for a MacGyver-type solution, it doesn't look bad, even if I do say so myself.

 

I bet the next thing I will find out is that there is a light leak all around the camera back.

 

Shot with:

Canon EOS600D

Leica Bellows R (16860)

Leica 100mm f/4 Macro Elmar-R, bellows version (11230)

Done