Just picked up this beauty. Any good? What's next?

[Forest_rain]

I've started my foray into rangefinders and picked up this guy to see if I like them...

Contessamat E. Is this one any good, anyone familiar with it?

For only $20. Owner claimed previous CLA. Slow speeds work well, and it's very silent, so I think shutter CLA was probably a few years ago. Lens is very clear. Meter works. I calibrated the rangefinder.

Plan on using it for awhile. I really like the rangefinder form factor.

If I get a newer rangefinder, such as those '70s rangefinders like Olympus 35RC or Canonet, will I get better image quality?

 

[Gregm61]

That Tessar should be outstanding. The fact you got one of those type models with a full set of manual shutter speeds from 1-1/500 seconds as some versions were sold with a much more abbreviated set of shutter speeds, it should be capable of as excellent photography as one can do with a standard 50mm lens, assuming the lens is in good shape and focusing (not just the rangefinder) is set accurately, the transport system is working reliably, etc.

The Canon, Olympus, Minolta similar type models give you a lens with a slightly wider field of view, which can be better or worse, depending on your point of view.

 

[Austintatious]

I believe what you have there is a Contessamatic E. Here is a link to an old thread.on them.

https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6954

 

[dourbalistar]

I believe what you have there is a Contessamatic E. Here is a link to an old thread.on them.

https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6954

Yup, looks like you nailed it!

A little bit more information about the Contessamatic E:
https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/zicontessamatic.htm
https://camerapedia.fandom.com/wiki/Zeiss_Ikon_Contessamatic

 

[Forest_rain]

Hmm, interesting. It doesn't seem "hyped" like the other models like the Canonet, but still produces pretty good images, from what I can tell on flickr...we will see.

 

[Rob-F]

It looks to be in wonderful shape!

 

[santino]

Rule of thumb: there are no bad 50s, especially with „Zeiss“ on the front ring

 

[David Hughes]

NIce; I hope you are pleased to have a rangefinder at last.

Let us know what you think of it after a film has been through it.

Regards, David

 

[Dralowid]

You have found a very good, high quality camera that may not be the current internet fashionista's choice but will provide excellent results (assuming all within is ok)

 

[raydm6]

Great deal. Congratulations. Those little German Zeiss's are well made and a lot of fun. Looks to be in great shape. Happy shooting!

If you get the bug for Zeiss Rangefinders, the Contessa is also a nice shooter and can be had for reasonable money.
https://cameraquest.com/contessa.htm

 

[Forest_rain]

Yeah...It looks like the Canonet and other models have a meter which only works in Auto mode. I prefer to set the settings myself, so I think I'll be sticking to this model.

Not sure why they didn't include manual meter in those types of cameras

You have found a very good, high quality camera that may not be the current internet fashionista's choice but will provide excellent results (assuming all within is ok)

 

[Dralowid]

Not sure why they didn't include manual meter in those types of cameras

I think you will find they were cheaper...

 

[Pál_K]

This was a fine camera in its day. As others have written, assuming the optics are clear, the shutter is healthy, both focus and the rangefinder is accurate, the camera is capable of excellent results.

I wouldn't trust the strap, though.

Have fun and enjoy it!

 

[ray*j*gun]

Great find. I agree, excellent lens and for $20 wow what a deal. Good luck with it and enjoy.

 

[CMur12]

Yeah...It looks like the Canonet and other models have a meter which only works in Auto mode. I prefer to set the settings myself, so I think I'll be sticking to this model.

Not sure why they didn't include manual meter in those types of cameras

In the case of the Canonets and similar models you can lock exposure by pressing the shutter button halfway down, and they show the aperture in the finder. With this system, I found I had the same control as manual exposure.

On the other hand, any sort of exposure automation (shutter- or aperture-priority) without AEL (auto-exposure lock) is useless for me.

- Murray

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

I don't know if you have an instruction manual for it but you should find a pdf one here:-
https://butkus.org/chinon/zeiss_ikon/zeiss_ikon_contessamatic_e/zeiss_icon_contessamat_e.htm

Don't forget to give the guy a donation as he offers and very useful service that has prevented a lot of people ruining their cameras.

Have you put a film in it yet?

Regards, David

 

[Muggins]

If it turns out you don't like it, or it doesn't deliver the image quality you desire, well, it looks gorgeous!

 

[Forest_rain]

Just thought I would follow up on this.

Pictures turned out terrific. Very sharp. Probably sharper than my other camera, which is a Praktica BMS with 50mm 1.8 Pentacon Prakticar PB mount lens (made in Romania).

Maybe West German is better than East German after all.