Introduction: Why I’m Falling in Love with Super 8
You know that feeling when you stumble across something at just the right time? That’s exactly how I felt when I found the Argus Cosina Model 706 Super 8. It was a spontaneous consignment shop discovery in San Diego—unassuming, a little dusty, and totally irresistible. I didn’t have a Super 8 camera in my collection yet, and this one looked like a fun fixer-upper with some real potential.
After a quick repair to the battery compartment and a beachside test roll, it became clear: this camera is a total gem. Whether you’re a collector or curious about shooting film, I think this little piece of analog history has a lot to offer.
Argus/Cosina 706
How I Found My First Super 8 Camera
Side note: This battery compartment is what was “broken” when I bought the camera. Thankfully, all I had to do was clean and replace the internal parts held within the handle—everything else worked like a charm.
I found the Argus Cosina 706 at a consignment shop in San Diego—one of those fun, spontaneous finds you don’t plan for but can’t walk away from. It was marked at about $50, and even though I wasn’t able to open up and/or test it in-store, I noticed just a bit of corrosion near the battery handle. Still, the overall condition was great, and at that price? Worth the risk.
I’ve been wanting to learn more about camera repair, so this felt like a good challenge. When I got it home, I ordered some replacement parts online, swapped out the corroded bits in the battery compartment, and crossed my fingers. No internal issues, no electrical damage—just a straightforward fix. As I loaded the test roll, it started to come alive, and by the time I finished shooting, I was cautiously optimistic. When the footage came back looking great, I felt like I’d won the thrift shop lottery.
History: The Argus-Cosina Collaboration
The Argus Cosina Model 706 was produced between 1970 and 1972 and reflects a unique partnership between two brands: Argus, the well-known American camera maker, and Cosina, a Japanese manufacturer recognized for its optical precision and quietly prolific camera production. During this time, it was common for companies like Cosina to build cameras that were then sold under different brand names for Western markets—including Argus.
What makes the 706 particularly interesting is that it wasn’t just a rebrand—it was part of a small family of Super 8 cameras that Cosina produced with a consistent set of features aimed at amateur filmmakers. This model in particular offered a level of manual control and versatility that made it stand out from entry-level options of the time.
The 706 was designed for ease of use without sacrificing creative control. With support for multiple filming speeds (12, 18, and 24 fps), single-frame capabilities, and a TTL CdS metering system, it gave hobbyists room to explore more advanced techniques without needing professional gear. It’s one of those rare mid-tier cameras that still feels accessible to beginners while offering the precision that film nerds love.
More than 50 years later, it’s a great reminder of how well-engineered some of these cross-brand cameras were—and how much fun they still are to shoot with.
Sources: Cine-Super8, Internet Archive – Manual
Specifications & Features of the Argus Cosina Model 706 Super 8 Camera
Here’s a breakdown of what this camera offers under the hood:
- Lens: Cosinon f/1.8, 8–48mm zoom (6x zoom range) — sharp, bright, and super versatile.
- Zooming: Dual control — electric zoom and manual zoom options for flexibility
- Focusing: Manual focus with an aerial image system for precision focusing
- Exposure Control: TTL (through-the-lens) CdS metering; full auto exposure with optional manual override.
- Frame Rates: Shoots at 12, 18, and 24 fps + single-frame shooting for stop-motion or time-lapse work
- Viewfinder: Reflex SLR-style with adjustable eyepiece and exposure warning indicators.
- Power: Uses four AA batteries — easy to replace and travel-friendly
Distinctive Features
This camera may look unassuming, but it’s packed with a few thoughtful features that really make it shine:
- Dual Zoom Options: Use the motorized zoom for smooth motion, or go manual when you want full control
- TTL Metering: Exposure is measured directly through the lens — much more accurate than external sensors, especially with reversal film
- Manual Focus System: Aerial image in the viewfinder makes it easier to focus precisely, even if you’re new to film
Altogether, these small details add up to an experience that feels both intuitive and deeply analog in the best way.
Take a Closer Look:
A Quick Note on my Vintage Camera Hunting Grounds
Sample Footage from the Argus Cosina Model 706 Super 8 Camera
You can check out the footage from my test roll in the embedded YouTube video below! I’ve included both the raw scan and a slightly edited & trimmed version with boosted contrast—so you can get a feel for how it looks straight out of the lab, and how it can be gently tweaked in post. I’d love to hear your thoughts—especially if you have experience with Super 8. Any tips or constructive feedback on exposure, film choice, or technique are always welcome.
I shot this roll in early March 2025 using Kodak Vision3 50D/7203 Color Negative Film. The weather in San Diego was absolutely perfect that day—sunny, crisp, and just right for testing a vintage camera. I took the Argus Cosina 706 down to Ocean Beach and Mission Beach, running around with my dog Maui and just seeing what the camera could do.
The results? Pretty dreamy. The footage had that nostalgic, soft-edged Super 8 texture I’d hoped for. There were a few age marks around the edges of the film, but nothing distracting—in fact, they kind of add to the vibe. All I did in Premiere Pro was tweak the contrast to bring out the colors, and cut out a few undesirable frames for improved video flow. That said, I’ve decided to use this camera to help film my cousin’s wedding this June—it passed the test, and then some! The whole process gave me confidence that this camera is fully capable of handling meaningful projects, not just casual rolls.
Test Footage on my Youtube Channel
Final Thoughts
Now that I’ve had the chance to shoot with it, I can confidently say this camera is staying in my regular rotation. I’ve used older 8mm movie cameras before, like the Brownie Hawkeye 8mm Movie Camera, but this one is a major upgrade. It feels better built, easier to use, and the image quality speaks for itself.
I’m excited to experiment with it more—personal projects, client work, wedding footage, who knows? Long term, I’d love to offer Super 8 shooting as a professional protography service. The format is cinematic and nostalgic in a way that digital just can’t replicate.
Would I recommend the Argus Cosina 706 to other collectors or beginners? Absolutely. It’s easy to use, has enough manual control to learn the ropes, and the results are super satisfying. Just be prepared: the costs add up. The roll I tested cost around $40 just for one film pack, and development and scanning came out to about $100. I may eventually look into scanning at home to save on costs—but for now, I’m just excited to have this analog beauty in my creative toolkit.
If you’ve shot with this camera or have any favorite Super 8 tips, drop a comment below or contact me! —I’d love to hear from you!
Previous Post
San Diego People’s March 2025 Photos