cool old Zeiss rangefinder

Frank. You are doing a disservice to us! You keep pointing out these interesting bargins. Its kind of like telling a drug addict about the new dealers that move into town!!!

I almost bought that Canon P, but it was gone before I could do some quick research on it.

Now you bring up this interesting article!! Its wicked cool. Now I have to go figure out money conversions, and do more research :bang:
 
Sorry guys, but misery loves company!

I've just got to shake this camera gear lust! Okay, after I get my 50mm Summicron by trading in some gear I'll stop, after getting the nice Leica IIIc with 50mm Summitar from the same dealer, I'll stop, until something else comes along, and eventually that new Zeiss rangefinder body will come out and that Summicron will fit right on with an M mount adapter, then I'll probably stop.
 
Yes,
Zeiss made some interesting Rangefinders all the way up to the 1960's. My little Contessa LKE (?) was made around 1963 and takes fine pics.
 
The Tenax sports a 40mm f/2 lens (which looks to be kinda dull) and a square viewfinder window... does it use a 24x24mm film frame?

It also possibly uses the same sort of rotating prism rangefinder idea as on the Super Ikonta.

That could be fun to use...
 
nwcanonman:

The camera shown in your posting is identical to one that I have. It is a Contessamatic E produced from 1960-63. The later models (e.g. LKE) have the name "Contessa LKE" embossed on the top plate with black lettering. I also have a Contessa LBE which followed the LKE.

The Contessamatic E has unit cell focusing which is theoretically superior to the front cell focusing of later models such as the LKE and LBE.

I have been pleased with the performance of both cameras.
 
Schnitzer,
Great news! Unlike the many Japanese RF's, the Zeiss Contessa's have very little information available, I was going on what the Ebay seller told me.
Other than the selenium meter not working, it looks and shoot like new (even have the leather case(. I use "sunny 16" or my Sekonic L-318 for exposure, it's a great little RF.
If you know of any good URL's for these babies, please let me know. :)
 
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I read that the earlier Ziess Tanax RF's had a 24x24mm image, but that the later ones switched to standard 35mm profile.
 
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