Argus Eyes

Argus Eyes is published for the employees of Argus Cameras, Inc. and their families. It is intended to be a means of friendly communication between them, and toprovide a reliable source of information concerning the company's business. Dor is Walle of the Personnel department makes sure that news is gathered and that pictures are obtained and arranged in readable fashion for publication about the lOth of each month. Charles A. Barker, "Jimmy1' to all, is Art Director and Art Consultant. The profiles are done by Harry Rookes. Sam Schneider of the Photographic Department furnishes pictures. Reporters for this month1 s Argus Eyes were: Don Crump, Eleanor Logan, Babe Peterson, Jim Rohrbaugh and Art Parker,

Vice President Hilton Retires

The retirement of Homer Hilton, Vice President and Director of Argus Cameras was announced May 21 by Robert E. Lewis. One of the most widely known executives in the photographic industry, Homer plans to live on his farm,Green Pastures in Leesburg, Virginia, where he will devote his time to raising cattle. Homer has spent more than 25 years in the photographic industry. Once Sales Manager of Bell & Howell, and later of Agfa-Ansco (now Ansco), he joined Argus in 1940 as Sales Manager. In subsequent years he helped bring Argus into a dominant position in the camera business. During this period, sales increased nearly 700 per cent and Argus became a world leader in the manufacture of cameras. For the past year he has been on loan to the government as Chief of the Photographic and Sporting Goods Section of the Office of Price Stabilization. A farewell party was held for Homer at the Barton Hills Country Club on May 21. It was well attended by Homer' s many friends.

Reviewing Argus Progress

The big news of the month is the way our Industrial league teams are making out. Under the hands of Sam Neustadt, the softballers are leading the league with five wins, and one loss. Babe Peter son's golf teams are faring nearly as well with both teams in the first división. We seem to be doing equally well business-wise with April being another record high with just short of $1,500,000. in shipments. In May that record was broken with shipments of over $1,500,000. A second record was broken in May because over a million dollars worth of cameras and projectors were shipped in the one month for the first time in the history of the Company. Our military shipments are also increasing steadily. We are very fortúnate and have worked hard to develop this business. It is certainly reassuring to know that our current government contracts will keep us busy for the next fiscal year. Companies without government contracts are having a difficult time these days, especially where the demand for their commercial products has fallen off. COMMERCIAL DEMAND CONTINÚES HIGH The continuing demand for our cameras and projectors is a pleasant surprise. Many companies in the consumer durable industries are buried in finished inventory. To illustrate, one manufacturer has over ten million dollars worth of home appliances all ready to sell filling up several warehouses. Within our own photographic industry, the demand for Argus cameras is greater than the demand for other brands. We know of only two other cameras for which the demand cannot be satisfied and they are both specialized cameras. Consistent quality, good value and extensive advertising are the apparent reasons for this continuing high demand. We have to work hard to keep these advantages. In light of the restrictions on critical material usage (especially brass), the only way we have been able to continue our high level of production is to buy brass parts in Germany. The use of these parts allows us to produce more than would otherwise be possible. In turn, this, of course, not only helps satisfy our dealers, but also provides more employment at Argus. STEEL STRIKE NO THREAT NOW The question continually asked lately is the effect of the steel strike on Argus. There is no immediate direct effect since the amount of steel we use is very limited. Since the government banned all sales to non-military users, it may delay our substitution program somewhat. The real hazard is the effect of the strike on general business conditions. People on strike, laid off for lack of steel or on short work weeks don't spend money for cameras. Nor will they spend money for TV sets, stoves, refrigerators or washing machines. If the strike continúes into July, it will probably have a serious effect on the general economy of the country, and may begin to interfere with our own production. The painting program is nearly completed. It is worthwhile repeating that this type of building maintenance is being paid for with dollars that otherwise would be highly taxed. We will continue during the next fiscal year to get into the best possible physical and financial condition to weather the strongly competitive era sure to come. Our sales so far in fiscal 1952 are considerably ahead of last year. Comparative net profits are also good. In fact, the financial position of the Company is even better than last year. We are leaving no stones unturned to get as healthy as possible for future pressures. I have recently spent a substantial part of my time in the field. It is an important part of my job to get a complete and balanced perspective of all operations in our business. The dealers are our front line. I check with them concerning business conditions, general photographic sales, Argus sales, quality of our cameras and quality of competitor's cameras, suggestions for improvements in the present line of products and suggestions for new products. Balancing this information with metal allocations, production and inspection problems, sales reports from all parts of the country, engineering developments and the CompanyTs financial condition is necessary bef ore many of the problems that arise during the day can be solved. The slogan contest is nearly completed. Eleven of the 320 slogans entered have been selected for the semi-finals. Young and Rubicam, our national advertising agency, will select five winners by July 1. The winning entries will be posted as soon as received from the agency.

You Asked Andy

From three questions last month to five this month! A year from now, at this rate, I'llreallybe snowed under. Maybe F 11 need an assistant - everyone else has one. A bum job of planning time study work brought in the first question: MWhy does Department #28 get paid bonus (mainly fine grinding) on tempor ary standards, when Department #27 doesnTt? F 11 expect an answer in the next Argus Eyes. A disgusted Employee." Several days before I got the question, some permanent standards were set in fine grinding and some tempor ar y standards taken out according to Bob MacFarland. Last August all temporary standards were removed except in Departments #26 and #28. It was planned at the time to move Department #26 and set up new ways of doing the work. Everything went swell for that group and the new standards went into effect when they moved into new quarters. The ball was dropped as f ar as Department #28 was concerned. Instead of setting the permanent standards, more temporary standards were added. Right now - nine months late -- the standards are all being reviewed to eliminate tempor - aries. I never heard such a hub-hub as I heard in finding the answer to the next one: "Check the red boxes in men's restroom and get action. " A couple of months ago someone in the plant turned in a suggestion that we use electric hand dryers. Some were brought in and trial begun in the Plant I men's locker room and Sales Department women's restroom. Fair trial meant removing our paper towels. From the reply cards in the red boxes, the Suggestion Committee decided it was a dead issue and since have put towels back in the restrooms. In digging out that answer I also found plans afield to make a few changes to improve the housekeeping of all restrooms. Santa Claus had a question on defense bonds. The question is: "Dear Andy--Why do we have to wait for so long for delivery of bonds after they are paid for? When they are paid for in May why aren't they dated for May instead of June?" A few weeks ago Joe Epling, Dave

Merriman's jacX of all trades, was asking the same thing. He came up with a solution by setting up bond deductions on IBM cards, eliminating some unnecessary steps and simplifying those left. He swears on a stack of Bibles the new way will speed up the distribution of bonds so May bonds will be ready in May. Let's take another look in a couple of weeks, ok? A real summer-time question was next - a request for a 7:00 to 3:30 office schedule. Digging through last year's questions on the same subject, I found the companyTs policy. It goes something like this: If a Department is tied to the outside world (like Purchasing, Advertising or Sales), the schedule should be 8:00 to 5:00; if a Department is selfcontained, it can change its schedule through anonymous decisión; if a Department is tied to the factory, the schedule should be 7:00 to 3:30 or 7:00 to 4:00. If there is a question about your Department, Andy can quit riding a policy and dig out a specific answer. After making a couple of people in the plant pretty mad last month - for which I am truly sorry, I am frankly ducking a question that came from the Paint Shop. If that question is asked again, with some details that Andy can get his teeth in, ril dig. You' 11 have to give me some f acts. Take it easy next month! Enjoy your vacations. If you catch any fish, leave them on Héctor Haas' desk. HeTll see that they get properly weighed and measured. By seeing you.

"oscar" Presented To Alex Azary

Although Alex joined the Ann Arbor Civic Theater grcup as recent as last October, he was awarded the oscar for the best supporting actor of the year by the Ann Arbor Civic Theater group members. This honor was bestowed upon Alex for his top performance in "Holiday," in which he portrayed an autocratie wall street broker. During this last theater season, Alex also appeared in "The Spider, " as the stooge to a big time racketeer. The Ann Arbor Civic Theater group presents three productions during a season. The casts are composed of local talent who must be members of the organization. Alex, better known to som e as "Smoky," has been with Argus for two years. He is a Timestudy Engineer in the Standards and Methods Department. Another Argus Employee, Dick Cutting, of the Sales Department, was Production Manager for the group this season.

In Memoriam

Argus friends of Kinnie Whitaker were very sorry to hear of his death. Kinnie has been with Argus since 1947, as a machine operator . Our sincere sympathy to Mrs. Whitaker and children, also, to Willie Whitaker, KinnieTs brother. Willie is employed in our Machine Shop. Whether you're voting "For or 'Agin" Registration is How y ou begin.

Mel Bahnmiller Receives $500 For Suggestion

Mei Bahnmiller is shown receiving a $500 check as part payment for his idea to eliminate the first inspection operation on all center ed lenses. This month seventeen other Argus employees were paid cash awards for their ideas. George Harden was a doublé award winner receiving a total of $30. Jesse Cope also had two proposals adopted which brought him $20. Ten dollar awards went to Lloyd Davis, Del Maple, Ken Geiger, Jerry Patterson, Robert Rossbach, Betty Shattuck, Ann Milligan, Volney Vorce, Harold Waltz, Joseph Jaroszyk, Bill Fike and Edith Talbot. Let the Suggestion Plan help you put your ideas in use, and pay you for them at the same time. The award winners listed above did this ver y thmg and you can too.

Attention Camera Fans

The Argus RecreationClub announces the 1952 black and white SNAPSHOT CONTEST with cash prizes for the winners. There will be three classes and three prizes in each class. For further details of contest please see bulletin board

Ken Kaufman Lands 9 12 Pound Pike

Ken proudly displays his weekend catch at Lake Nosbonsing, Ontario. The largest pike is 34 inches long, weighing 9 12 pounds. Looks like a good entry for the annual fishing contest.

Smelt Run At East Tawas

John Shattuck and Les Schwanbeck take an afternoon joy ride.

Come and get it! You might know the man with the appetite would be chief cook. Mighty fine looking steak, Les.

A feeling of both pleasure and despair. It's nice to catch them, but, who wants to clean them, wonders Paul Haines, Jack Cummings, an East Tawas resident, and Charlie Kline.

It's edible too. Look at those satisfied expressions. Red Peterson is stealing a companion's steak, while Paul Haines smiles sweetly for the picture.

Best Wishes, Bill

Just thirty-six years ago, which seems like only yesterday to Bill, Mary Deal Amo and Bill Salow were married in Detroit, Michigan. The boys in the maintenance department shared the happy occasion with Bill, by having ice cream and cake. Mr. and Mrs. Salow lived in Detroit until the winter of 1927, when they moved to Ann Arbor. A carpenter by trade, Bill has always been engaged in construction work. He helped in the erection of the Michigan Theater Building shortly af ter moving to Ann Arbor. The Salow s, who reside at 1027 Redeemer, Ann Arbor, are the parents of seven children, four girls and three boys. Three of their children are still at home, while others reside in Stockbridge,Dexter, Detroit, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. At the present time, the SalowTs have seven grandchildren, and Grandpa boasts of each and every one of them. Bill has been with Argus since November of 1951, as a carpenter in the Maintenance Department. Congratulations to the Salow' s.

Early Vacationers

The vacation that has been on Ken GeigerTs mind for the past month has finally become a reality. He left June 20 on a trip to California via the Burlington Vista -Dome Zephyr. Things will certainly be quiet around here for a while. Lida Hackbarth als o journeyed to California. She had a grand time visiting and sight-seeing. Jesse Cope vacationed in the southern states, where it is nice and warm. While he was away, his northern co-workers were trying very hard to keep cool.

Recreation Club Spring Dance Well Attended By Employees

Argus Family Graduates

19

52

Argus Hobbies Roger Westphal Coin Connoisseur

For the past twenty five years, Roger Westphal, Accounts Receivable Manager, has been interested in numismatics; the science of coins. Roger is shown in this photo with a portion of his coin collection, which was recently on display in the showcase in the lobby of Plant I. In 1927, Roger inherited his father's coin collection consisting mainly of nickels and Indian head pennies. Since that time, he has assembled approximately 400 different species from the United States, Belgium, Italy, France, Germany, England, Norway, China, Japan, Mexico, the Philippine Islands, and some paper currency from Greece. With the exception of ten silver dollars, dating from 1880 to 1890, this very fascinating hobby is composed of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters ranging from 1826 to the present date. m

Well In Plant I Is Repaired

Never build a building over a well. That is just what happened to the well used to service the cooling units in the Machine Shop, Cafeteria, and several offices on the first and second floors of Plant I. The well is 90 feet deep. An iron screen had been installed at the bottom of the well to keep the gravel from getting into the pump. In the seven years of service, this screen had almost completely rusted out. In order to install the new screen, a complete well rig had to be moved into the building. The remains of the old screen were pulled up through the ten inch casing, and a new long lasting bronze screen was installed.

"so Long It's Been Good To Know You."

Thirty five girls were at the Farm Cupboard recently to honor Bev Bullis and Ev Prosser at a farewell dinner. Following the delicious family style dinner, the party participants spent a most enjoyable social evening. For the past six years, Beverly has been employed in the Personnel Office. Bev feels certain, that with the new addition to the household, she will be kept quite busy at her home in Ypsilanti. Evelyn resigned her position as an executive secretary to make her home in Pontiac following her husband's graduation from Medical School. She is looking forward to numerous visits from her former co-workers. Best wishes are extended to both Beverly and Evelyn from their many friends at Argus.

Between The Deadlines

Ever since the golf league started, Babe Peterson has been complaining to such an extent about the first game he lost that he is now known as "sobbing Sam. tT In the spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of sailing, canoeing, and all forms of boating, according to recent reports from our Engineering Department. Jim Ullom and Maynard Wellman have each completed a sailboat; Don Hochgreve is changing an outboard to an inboard; Dick Wils on is building a new boat; and Jim Meidrum is fixing up an old boat for his outboard motor. It looks like a big time at the seashore this year. Les Schwanbeck has had nothing but fishing on the brain since he finished his boat and spent his hardearned money for a spinning reel-which Ginny Lau ref ers to as "JUNK." Harold Sweet has his cottage and new boat all ready for the summer season. Also, prepared for loafing at their cottages are Ted Schlemmer and Rube Koch. Right Around Home Harry Rookes has been trying to Landscape his new home. He should invite the gang over and get the job finished. Aar on Otts has now become an accomplished hole-digger; he has finally completed digging a two-inch hole eleven-feet deep on his lot (one of those Michigan laws). Here and There The painting crew íinaliy moved into the Service Department. ItTs surprising what a lift a new paint job will give y ou.

One Days' Catch

Argus Cameras, Inc.

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Girvan's Photo Corner

I _ I Clip and save in Loóse Leaf Notebook to build a Photo Manual ' Odds and Ends O A light yellow filter will make the blue sky darker and show the clouds whiter. With Plus X film open the diaphragm one f opening. ' A red filter will make the blue sky dark and the clouds will appear very white. i 1 Do not use a red filter with Verichrome or Plenachrome. With Plus X f ilm , i open the diaphragm three f openings. , When taking flash pictures through a window stand at about a 45 angle from ' the window. A 90 angle will result in the light bouncing back at the camera ' lens. i To avoid annoying reflections on window glass, a poloroid filter can be used. , i If one is not available it is best to wait until dark and have the interior of , the house or show window lighted. ' i If a flat black background is available or if the picture is taken out of doors at night, some very interesting doublé exposures can be made. With the i 1 camera on a tripod the subject's picture can be taken so that he would show , i on the left side of the picture. vVithout moving the film forward another frame, , have your subject move over to the right side of the picture and repeat your , first exposure. With careful planning it can be made to appear that he is ' shaking hands with himself. i O Stretch a sheet over a doorway and place a strong light, such as a photo f lood, , about 8 or 10 f eet behind the sheet. Have your subject stand between the sheet , i and the camera and with an exposure of 150 at f8, you should get a good , silhouette. ' "Diopter" lenses are used to permit you to take pictures "close up," or at least, closer than your regular camera lens will allow. A 1 diopter lens i 1 changes the focus of your camera from infinity to approximately 40 inches, , i a 2 diopter to 20 inches, and a 3 diopter to 13 inches. The chart supplied , with the diopter lens (sometimes called portrait, copying or close up attachment lens) shows the distance actually focused on when the camera footage ring ' is set on other distances. If you have a diopter lens for one camera it will ' work on any other camera. ■ When the camera is only 13 inches away from the subject, as it is with a 3 diopter you can readily imagine that the image on the film is much larger than normal and proves that this combination is necessary when photographing small ' objects. ' Cameras such as the Argoflex 75 which are limited in distance to no closer , than 8 feet are helped considerably when a 1 diopter is used. Then you are able to takeclear, sharply focused pictures at around 36 inches. O The image on a televisión screen is made up of 525 lines. Each complete ' picture is made up of two superimposed "fields" one with all the even numbered ' lines and the other with the odd. There is also a blank space as only about i 480 of the 525 lines are visible. The eye does not detect all this but a fast , shutter speed will. So when taking pictures of your televisión do not set the shutter speed at faster than 130, and preferably slower as it takes 130 to get a full image on the screen. Time your shots so that the action will not be too fast for that speed and with the contrast and brightness set for normal viewing use f4. 5 with Plus x or Verichrome. Get as close as you can and if i you want a larger image on your film use a 1 diopter lens. , V v ; v X