The Argus M5700D Auto Focus/Program Exposure: A Complete Guide to This Classic Camera

Remember when cameras were built like tanks and actually required some skill to operate? The Argus M5700D auto focus/program exposure camera represents an interesting chapter in photography history. This camera combined automatic features with manual control options, making it a bridge between fully manual and modern automatic cameras. If you recently found one in your attic or spotted it at an estate sale, you are probably wondering what makes this camera special.

Understanding the Argus M5700D Auto Focus/Program Exposure Camera

The Argus M5700D auto focus/program exposure was manufactured during the 1980s when camera companies were figuring out how to add electronic features without losing the soul of traditional photography. Argus, an American camera brand, built this model to compete in a market that was rapidly shifting toward automation.

This camera wasn't trying to be the fanciest model on the shelf. Instead, it offered solid performance for amateur photographers who wanted reliable auto focus without spending a fortune. The program exposure mode meant the camera could choose both aperture and shutter speed automatically, which was pretty advanced technology back then. For people stepping up from completely manual cameras, the Argus M5700D represented a significant upgrade in convenience.

The build quality feels substantial in your hands. Unlike many modern cameras that use lightweight plastics, this model has metal components that give it weight and durability. The controls are straightforward, with clear markings that don't require a engineering degree to understand.

Key Features of the Argus M5700D Auto Focus/Program Exposure

The main selling points of this camera still matter today, especially if you are considering using one for film photography. Let me break down what made this camera stand out in its era.

Auto Focus System: The auto focus mechanism uses infrared technology to measure distance. It works reasonably well in good lighting conditions, though it can struggle in low light or with subjects that lack contrast. The system isn't as fast as modern cameras, but it gets the job done for most everyday photography situations.

Program Exposure Mode: This feature automatically sets both aperture and shutter speed based on the lighting conditions. The camera's light meter reads the scene and picks settings that should give you a properly exposed photo. You can override these settings if you want more creative control.

Built-in Flash: The pop-up flash provides fill light for darker scenes. It's not particularly powerful by modern standards, but it works fine for subjects within about 10 feet. The flash recharge time is a bit slow, so you need patience between shots.

35mm Film Format: The camera uses standard 35mm film, which is still available today from several manufacturers. This makes the Argus M5700D actually useable for modern film photography enthusiasts, unlike some obsolete formats.

Fixed Lens: The lens cannot be changed, which limits versatility but simplifies operation. The focal length is typically in the normal range, around 35-38mm, which works well for general photography.

How the Auto Focus System Actually Works

The auto focus technology in the Argus M5700D auto focus/program exposure isn't like what you find in modern cameras. Instead of using complex phase detection or contrast detection systems, this camera relies on an active infrared system. Here is how it functions in real world use.

When you half-press the shutter button, the camera sends out an infrared beam. This beam bounces off your subject and returns to a sensor on the camera. The camera then calculates the distance based on how long the light took to return. It's similar to how bats use echolocation, except with infrared light instead of sound waves.

This system has some limitations you should know about. Glass surfaces can confuse the sensor because the infrared beam bounces off the glass instead of passing through it. If you are trying to photograph someone through a window, the camera might focus on the window itself. Very dark subjects can absorb too much infrared light, making it harder for the sensor to get a reading.

The focusing speed is decent but not instant. You will hear a small motor whirring as the lens adjusts. In bright outdoor conditions, the system works reliably. Indoor shooting with mixed lighting can be trickier, and you might need to help the camera by pointing at a high-contrast area first.

According to photography experts at our blog, understanding your camera's focusing limitations helps you work around them effectively. The key is learning when to trust the automation and when to use manual overrides.

Program Exposure Mode Explained Simply

The program exposure feature on the Argus M5700D auto focus/program exposure essentially makes the camera a point-and-shoot for casual use. But understanding how it makes decisions helps you get better photos.

The camera contains a light meter that measures how much light is available in the scene. Based on this reading and the film speed you have set, the camera picks an aperture and shutter speed combination. The goal is always proper exposure, meaning your photo won't be too dark or too bright.

The camera follows programmed curves that balance different factors. In bright light, it might choose a smaller aperture (higher f-number) and faster shutter speed. This gives you good depth of field and reduces motion blur. In dimmer conditions, it opens the aperture wider and slows down the shutter speed to let in more light.

You cannot see exactly what settings the camera chose until after you press the shutter, which is different from modern cameras with digital displays. This means you are trusting the camera's programming. For average scenes with normal lighting, the program mode works well. For tricky situations like backlit subjects or high-contrast scenes, you might get better results using manual override if your camera has it.

Best Uses for the Argus M5700D Auto Focus/Program Exposure

This camera shines in certain situations while struggling in others. Knowing its strengths helps you get great photos without fighting against the camera's limitations.

Family gatherings and events work perfectly with this camera. The auto focus handles group photos well, and the program exposure adapts to indoor lighting. Just remember to load film with appropriate ISO rating for the lighting conditions you expect.

Outdoor photography during daylight is where the Argus M5700D really performs well. Landscapes, street photography, and casual portraits all turn out nicely. The auto focus is fast enough to catch candid moments, and the program exposure rarely misjudges bright outdoor scenes.

Vacation photography makes sense because the camera is relatively compact and doesn't require constant adjustment. You can focus on enjoying your trip instead of fiddling with manual settings for every shot.

Learning film photography becomes easier with this camera as a starting point. You get the satisfaction of shooting film without the steep learning curve of fully manual cameras. As you improve, you can experiment with manual overrides while having the auto features as a safety net.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Like any camera from the 1980s, the Argus M5700D auto focus/program exposure can develop problems over time. Most issues are fixable, though some require professional camera repair services.

Dead batteries are the most common problem. This camera uses batteries that might be hard to find in stores today. Check online retailers or specialty battery shops. Clean the battery contacts with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol if the camera powers on intermittently.

Sticky shutter happens when lubricants inside the camera get gummy with age. You might hear the shutter fire but it moves too slowly to expose the film correctly. This usually needs professional cleaning and re-lubrication.

Auto focus not working can result from several causes. Check if the infrared window on the front of the camera is clean. Dirt or fingerprints block the infrared beam. If cleaning doesn't help, the internal motor or sensor might have failed, which is expensive to repair.

Light leaks show up as foggy areas or light streaks on your developed film. Check the camera's light seals, which are foam strips around the film door. These seals deteriorate over time and need replacement. You can buy seal kits online and replace them yourself with basic tools.

Film advance problems might mean the internal mechanisms need lubrication or the film advance lever has a broken spring. Try advancing the film slowly and steadily rather than forcing it.

Comparing the Argus M5700D to Other Cameras

The Argus M5700D auto focus/program exposure holds its own against competitors from the same era. Canon's Sure Shot series had better marketing and distribution, so you find them more often at thrift stores. However, the Argus feels more substantial in hand with its metal construction.

Minolta's Freedom line offered similar features with slightly more refined auto focus systems. Nikon's entry-level point-and-shoots generally had better optics but cost more new. Today, none of these cameras command high prices on the used market, which makes them affordable entry points into film photography.

Film Selection for Best Results

Choosing the right film dramatically affects your results with the Argus M5700D auto focus/program exposure. The camera works with any 35mm film, but some types suit its capabilities better than others.

ISO 400 film provides the most versatility. It handles both indoor and outdoor shooting reasonably well. The higher sensitivity gives the camera more flexibility in choosing shutter speeds, reducing blur from camera shake. Popular options include Kodak Gold 400, Fujifilm Superia 400, and Ilford HP5 Plus for black and white.

ISO 100-200 film works beautifully in bright outdoor conditions. The finer grain gives you sharper, more detailed images. However, indoor shooting becomes challenging without flash. Consider Kodak Ektar 100 for vibrant colors or Fuji Pro 400H if you want softer tones.

ISO 800 and higher helps in low light situations, though grain becomes more noticeable. The program exposure mode on the Argus M5700D will take advantage of the extra sensitivity by choosing faster shutter speeds. This reduces blur but you trade off some image quality for the convenience.

Resources at our blog suggest experimenting with different film stocks to find what matches your style. Each brand has unique color characteristics and contrast profiles.

Maintenance Tips to Keep It Working

Taking care of your Argus M5700D auto focus/program exposure ensures it keeps working for years to come. These cameras weren't designed with modern electronics that fail mysteriously, so proper maintenance goes a long way.

Store the camera in a dry place away from extreme temperatures. Humidity is film camera's enemy because it promotes mold growth on internal components and ruins light seals faster. A simple storage case with silica gel packets helps control moisture.

Clean the exterior regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth. Don't use harsh chemicals or alcohol-based cleaners on plastic parts because they can cause clouding or discoloration. For stubborn dirt, slightly dampened cloth with water usually works fine.

Remove batteries if you won't use the camera for several months. Old batteries can leak corrosive chemicals that destroy circuit boards and battery contacts. This simple step prevents expensive damage.

Exercise the camera occasionally even if you are not shooting film. Fire the shutter several times and work through all the settings. This keeps mechanical parts lubricated and prevents them from seizing up. Think of it like starting a car that sits in the garage too long.

Have a camera repair technician check it every few years if you use it regularly. They can spot developing problems before they become serious failures. Professional cleaning and maintenance typically costs less than major repairs from neglect.

Why Film Photography Still Matters Today

You might wonder why anyone bothers with cameras like the Argus M5700D auto focus/program exposure when smartphones take decent photos. Film photography offers experiences and results that digital imaging cannot replicate perfectly.

The anticipation factor changes how you shoot. With film, you cannot instantly review your photos and delete the bad ones. This limitation actually makes you more thoughtful about composition and timing. You learn to slow down and consider each shot carefully because each frame costs money to develop.

Film has a unique aesthetic quality that digital filters try to imitate but never quite match. The grain structure, color rendition, and dynamic range of film stocks create images with character and warmth. Many professional photographers still shoot important projects on film for these qualities.

The mechanical nature of film cameras feels satisfying in ways that electronic devices don't. Advancing the film, hearing the shutter click, and rewinding the roll at the end provides tactile feedback. It connects you to the photography process in a direct, physical way.

Using older cameras like the Argus M5700D teaches you fundamental photography concepts. You learn about exposure, composition, and lighting because you cannot rely on automatic corrections and unlimited do-overs. These skills transfer to any photography format.

Finding and Buying an Argus M5700D Auto Focus/Program Exposure

If you want to try film photography with this camera, finding one takes some detective work. The Argus M5700D auto focus/program exposure isn't as common as some competitors, but they appear regularly on the secondhand market.

Check online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and dedicated photography gear sites like KEH Camera or B&H Photo's used department. Prices typically range from $20 to $60 depending on condition. Don't overpay because these cameras aren't particularly rare or collectible.

Estate sales and thrift stores sometimes have film cameras at bargain prices. You might find one for under $10 if you get lucky. The downside is you cannot test it before buying, so you are taking a chance on whether it actually works.

When evaluating a used camera, check several things before purchasing. Look at the lens for scratches, fungus, or haze. Shine a light through it and examine the glass carefully. Fungus looks like tiny white threads or spots and cannot be cleaned without professional disassembly.

Test the shutter by setting the camera to different speeds and firing it while looking through the back (without film loaded). You should see the shutter blades open and close. Slower speeds should visibly take longer than faster ones.

Check the battery compartment for corrosion. Green or white crusty deposits mean leaked batteries damaged the contacts. Minor corrosion can be cleaned, but severe damage might make the camera unusable.

Ask the seller if they know whether the camera works. Even if they say yes, understand they might not have actually tested it with film. Request a return policy if buying online.

Creative Techniques with Program Exposure Mode

Even though the Argus M5700D auto focus/program exposure makes many decisions automatically, you can still exercise creative control. Understanding how to work with the automation rather than against it opens up possibilities.

Exposure compensation tricks involve fooling the camera's light meter. If you want a darker, moodier image, point the camera at a darker area to meter, then recompose your shot while holding the shutter button halfway. The camera sets exposure for the darker area, making your actual subject slightly underexposed.

For brighter, airier photos, do the opposite. Meter off a lighter area, then recompose. This tells the camera there is more light available than there actually is, resulting in slight overexposure of your main subject.

Creative focusing works by using the auto focus lock feature if your camera has it. Focus on something at the distance you want sharp, hold the focus by keeping light pressure on the shutter button, then recompose your frame. This technique helps with off-center subjects that might confuse the auto focus system.

Motion blur can be intentional creative choice. In dim lighting, the program mode might choose slower shutter speeds. Use this to your advantage by panning with moving subjects or intentionally introducing camera movement for abstract effects.

Fill flash works well for outdoor portraits when the program mode balances ambient light with flash output. The automatic system often does decent job of preventing harsh shadows while maintaining natural background exposure.

Key Takeaways

• The Argus M5700D auto focus/program exposure combines automatic features with film photography, making it accessible for beginners
• The infrared auto focus system works well in good light but struggles with glass surfaces and very dark subjects
• Program exposure mode automatically selects aperture and shutter speed based on scene lighting
• ISO 400 film offers the most versatility for various shooting conditions
• Regular maintenance including battery removal during storage prevents common problems
• The camera sells for $20-60 on the used market and remains functional for film photography today
• Film photography teaches fundamental skills while providing unique aesthetic qualities
• Creative techniques work even with automatic features through meter manipulation and focus locking

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of batteries does the Argus M5700D auto focus/program exposure use?

Most models use two AA batteries or specialized lithium cells. Check the battery compartment door for specific requirements. You can often find compatible batteries at camera shops or online retailers even if the original battery type is discontinued.

Can I still develop film from this camera?

Yes, many labs still develop 35mm film. Local camera shops, drugstores, and mail-order labs all offer developing services. You can also learn to develop film yourself at home with basic chemistry and equipment.

Is the Argus M5700D worth buying in 2024?

If you want to try film photography without spending much money, it's a decent choice. Don't expect professional-level results, but it produces perfectly useable photos for learning and casual shooting. The low price makes experimentation affordable.

Can I use this camera without batteries?

No, the Argus M5700D auto focus/program exposure requires battery power for the auto focus motor, light meter, and program exposure functions. Without batteries, the camera is completely non-functional.

How do I know if my photos turned out before developing the film?

You don't, which is part of the film photography experience. Taking notes about your settings and lighting conditions helps you learn from both successes and failures when you get your photos back.

Why are my photos blurry?

Blurry photos usually result from camera shake, subject movement, or auto focus missing the target. Use faster shutter speeds in program mode by shooting in brighter light. Hold the camera steady and press the shutter button gently rather than jabbing it.

Conclusion

The Argus M5700D auto focus/program exposure represents an interesting period in camera evolution when manufacturers balanced automation with user control. While it lacks the manual flexibility of fully mechanical cameras and the convenience of modern digital cameras, it occupies a sweet spot for people interested in film photography without overwhelming complexity.

This camera won't make you a professional photographer overnight, but it removes enough technical barriers to let you focus on composition and timing. The auto focus system, though dated, still works adequately for most situations. The program exposure mode handles exposure decisions competently in average lighting.

Finding one today takes effort, but the reasonable prices make experimentation affordable. Whether you inherited one from a family member or spotted it at a yard sale, the Argus M5700D deserves a chance to prove itself. Load some film, head outside, and discover why film photography continues attracting enthusiasts despite digital dominance.

The real value isn't in the camera's technical specifications or collectibility. It's in the experience of shooting film, the anticipation of seeing your developed photos, and the skills you develop through a more deliberate approach to photography. The Argus M5700D auto focus/program exposure provides all of this at an accessible price point, making it worth considering for anyone curious about film photography's enduring appeal.

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