sp9107sp
Well-known
on the contax 1's viewfinder, there is usually a finder mask on the side, (near the X in contax) this camera has no slot for it. i've seen one about 4 numbers higher that has the slot and finder,
Erik van Straten
Veteran
Great looking camera. Do you have a picture of the top?
Does the camera work?
There are many different versions of the Contax I. A great book about them is "Auf der Spuren der Contax" part 1, from Kuc.
Erik.
Does the camera work?
There are many different versions of the Contax I. A great book about them is "Auf der Spuren der Contax" part 1, from Kuc.
Erik.
sp9107sp
Well-known
contax 1
contax 1
the slower speeds are sluggish, rest of the speeds seem to work. the top of the camera has an exposed section
contax 1
the slower speeds are sluggish, rest of the speeds seem to work. the top of the camera has an exposed section
Dralowid
Michael
There are seven basic variants and inevitably there a further detail variations. depends who you refer to.
This is an early version of the first version of the Contax I (if you see what I mean). Identifiers are the dimple in front of the focussing wheel and the long exposed infinity lock.
I'd guess a serial number prefixed by U or AU? 1931.
This is a lovely camera but don't get me started. I have managed to let go all but one of my Contax Is and am almost cured. Ergonomically they are no walk in the park.
They are frustratingly expensive to look after and don't seem to wear their age too well!
This is an early version of the first version of the Contax I (if you see what I mean). Identifiers are the dimple in front of the focussing wheel and the long exposed infinity lock.
I'd guess a serial number prefixed by U or AU? 1931.
This is a lovely camera but don't get me started. I have managed to let go all but one of my Contax Is and am almost cured. Ergonomically they are no walk in the park.
They are frustratingly expensive to look after and don't seem to wear their age too well!
Ron (Netherlands)
Well-known
Ah, one with a dimple, so one of the first! Congrats: quite rare and this one is in beautiful state! Do you have matching nickel lenses with it?
-Nash-
Established
Ah thats one very nice early Contax I! And you have a Tessar with it too - a brilliant lens!
The exposed section you mentioned is most likely the focus infinity catch\focus release.
The exposed section you mentioned is most likely the focus infinity catch\focus release.
sp9107sp
Well-known
Camera serial number is av 10158. On westlicht June 2008 auction is an av10162. Camera has a double pimple. Infinity lock arm is not exposed. I've look online but have not found any photos of a au series contax 1. Are there any websites with photos?
Came with a tessar lens. Lens needs to be cleaned. Has some internal haze.
Came with a tessar lens. Lens needs to be cleaned. Has some internal haze.
Dralowid
Michael
AV is 1932 I believe.
My 'dimple' Contax I is A.U 21904 so should predate yours by a year, U being 1931, but yours has some earlier features.
I realise I have another 'non dimple' body that is A.U but has much later features like tripod folding foot etc.
BUT...I don't think ZI serial numbers at the time ran sequentially, not sure of the logic.
If I remember correctly the A or A. prefix denotes a camera that had been back to the factory for updates/repairs or modifications of some sort.
Understanding the continuous development of this camera while it was in production is a complex area, the Kuc book that Eric meantions is apparently the definitive work
My 'dimple' Contax I is A.U 21904 so should predate yours by a year, U being 1931, but yours has some earlier features.
I realise I have another 'non dimple' body that is A.U but has much later features like tripod folding foot etc.
BUT...I don't think ZI serial numbers at the time ran sequentially, not sure of the logic.
If I remember correctly the A or A. prefix denotes a camera that had been back to the factory for updates/repairs or modifications of some sort.
Understanding the continuous development of this camera while it was in production is a complex area, the Kuc book that Eric meantions is apparently the definitive work
sp9107sp
Well-known
Had the books and sold them to a friend. Now reordered them. Will have them again in a week. 
Erik van Straten
Veteran
I've been looking in Kuc's book. All the seven types of the Contax I he mentions have extendable viewfinder masks. There is no mention of a model without the mask. In that way your camera could be unique. He states however that all kinds of differences are possible.
Your camera seems to be a Version 2.
Erik.
Your camera seems to be a Version 2.
Erik.
sp9107sp
Well-known
Dralowid
Michael
There is something quite unusual about the construction of that front plate (the moulding with 'Contax" on it) it is screwed down over a moulding below that runs right a cross the camera and is brass. There is probably no room for the viewfinder mask. The earliest one I have has this moulding in some sort of alloy. Wouldn't I expect a V2 to have a black plastic type outer edge to its shutter/wind on knob?
I think I know nothing and clearly I know less than I thought...
Dralowid
Michael
There is something quite unusual about the construction of that front plate (the moulding with 'Contax" on it) it is screwed down over a moulding below that runs right a cross the camera and is brass. There is probably no room for the viewfinder mask. The earliest one I have has this moulding in some sort of alloy. Wouldn't I expect a V2 to have a black plastic type outer edge to its shutter/wind on knob?
I think I know nothing and clearly I know less than I thought...
Erik van Straten
Veteran
Wonderful shade. This kind of shade is possible because of the focusing wheel. But how do you change the aperture?
Dralowid
Michael
I've always found the early Tessar shades madness and use a smaller push on one that goes inside aperture ring
sp9107sp
Well-known
Erik van Straten
Veteran
Interesting pictures! Maybe the sliding mask was removed by the factory on special order by someone who was sure only to use 50mm lenses.
Erik.
Erik.
Dralowid
Michael
Hmm, somewhat confirms what I was saying, this is an interesting camera but I am now out of my depth! That single alloy casting right a cross the front with the name plate over it is unlike any of the early Contax Is I have seen.
You have exposed some poorly machined areas (for Zeiss) which must tell a story. I hope we hear from someone who can enlighten us.
You have exposed some poorly machined areas (for Zeiss) which must tell a story. I hope we hear from someone who can enlighten us.
Erik van Straten
Veteran
Kuc's book makes clear that the first two versions of the Contax I have a small front plate, like this camera, but in both versions there is a small half round cutout on the upper right corner to make room for the small knob of the sliding mask. The camera shown here has the small front plate, but without the cutout. That is very special in my opinion.
Erik.