Newest member of the family

[colyn]

I found this Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super last weekend in barely working condition at a local yard sale. Couldn't resist the $5 price. Cosmetic condition is excellent. No dents/dings/scratches/etc. I originally put it up on eBay as a parts camera but decided to give a go at fixing it.

I first removed the lens/shutter assembly being careful not to disturb the gear positions then I serviced the shutter. I then cleaned and lubed the focusing helicoid and re-installed the lens/shutter assembly. Everything fell into place so no re-alignment of the gears needed.

After removing the top cover to clean a hazy prism I found the reason the meter was not working properly. The meter plate was loose so no proper electrical connection.

After checking the rear baffle to shutter blades timing I then adjusted the infinity focus and confirmed proper focus using a ground glass at the film plane and last but not least the film test.. Shooting at f/2.8 all images were reasonably sharp so focus checks out.

Tomorrow I'll load it up and go do some serious shooting..


zeiss_contaflex_super_1 by Colyn's fotografs, on Flickr

 

[tunalegs]

They are fun cameras when they work right.

Were you able to fix the hazy prism? I've found that German SLRs tend to suffer from the silvering degrading on the prisms resulting in a hazy viewfinder image, cleaning hasn't solved the issue in half the cameras I've taken apart - although it's most common in Prakticas and Edixas.

 

[colyn]

They are fun cameras when they work right.

Were you able to fix the hazy prism? I've found that German SLRs tend to suffer from the silvering degrading on the prisms resulting in a hazy viewfinder image, cleaning hasn't solved the issue in half the cameras I've taken apart - although it's most common in Prakticas and Edixas.

The prism cleaned up good. The view is as bright as newer SLR's which is a bit of a surprise. I was also able to access the mirror surface for a cleanup using a Q-tip and alcohol free lens cleaner found at any eyeglasses shop..

 

[nikon_sam]

That's beautiful...
This is how I see this...for $5 you not only got a very nice camera but you were entertained by taking it apart, seeing what's inside this bugger, cleaning and fixing it, then putting it all back together and now it works properly...what a way to spend the day for only 5 bucks...
Just noticed the Tessar lens...nice...

 

[fast14riot]

Nice score! Good on ya for servicing it and putting it back to work. Now let's see some pics from it!


-Xander

 

[colyn]

I've heard the Tessar is a fine optic. I'll soon find out..

There was more involved in fixing this camera than others I have done..but it was fun and educational...

 

[farlymac]

One thing for sure, it looks mighty fine, Colyn.

PF

 

[colyn]

One thing for sure, it looks mighty fine, Colyn.

PF

Thanks

I was a bit surprised at how quickly I was able to get it back working considering how difficult it is supposed to be to work on..

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Thanks

I was a bit surprised at how quickly I was able to get it back working considering how difficult it is supposed to be to work on..

Shh!! If people find out they're not as scary as they think they are, it'll push the prices up!

The viewfinders are great, aren't they. You'll love the Tessar, too. I tend to use a Super BC most of the time but I have an example of nearly every model made. Even the magazine backs have been kind to me and I haven't used a standard back for at least 18 months now. There is a learning curve involved in using these cameras, but they're worth it.

A couple of tips. Unlike the other SLR design that borrowed the Contaflex shutter specification (the Hasselblad 500C series) there is no dedicated mirror pre-fire option. However, for tripod work, set the self timer and the mechanism will trip both the mirror and then the rear capping plate ten seconds before that super smooth Compur leaf shutter makes the exposure. Super-sharp images are virtually guaranteed.

Secondly, don't forget the shutter also offers full flash sync at all speeds. Daylight flash fill is there whenever you want it.
Enjoy!
Cheers
Brett

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

I should add the pick of the additional lenses, having used them all quite a lot, are the 35mm f/3.2 & 85mm. The 115mm isn't bad, but at infinity the corners are definitely a bit soft. Stopped down it's OK. Despite the limitations of sharing two fixed lens groups across all the focal lengths in the system, optical performace is light years ahead of contemporary generic add-on or third party accessory lenses. Some of the Pro Tessars have up to five element groups alone to correct the optical qualities. No, they're not up to Contarex standard, but, let's be honest; what else is? Having said that, they're good enough. More than good enough.

I've also read very very good things about the M1:1 macro Tessar. That's one part of the Contaflex system I'm yet to acquire, eventually I will.

Proxar close up lenses for the standard Tessar are readily available and cheap enough. They're not bad either.
Cheers
Brett

 

[colyn]

Shh!! If people find out they're not as scary as they think they are, it'll push the prices up!

Don't want to do that since I plan to get some accys for it, maybe even another one..

The viewfinders are great, aren't they. You'll love the Tessar, too. I tend to use a Super BC most of the time but I have an example of nearly every model made. Even the magazine backs have been kind to me and I haven't used a standard back for at least 18 months now. There is a learning curve involved in using these cameras, but they're worth it.

Beats my Retina Reflex IV hands down.. The Retina viewfinder is dark compared to this one.

I'm thinking about getting the magazine back and maybe a couple of reloadable cassettes for the standard back. Still do a lot of bulk reloading.

A couple of tips. Unlike the other SLR design that borrowed the Contaflex shutter specification (the Hasselblad 500C series) there is no dedicated mirror pre-fire option. However, for tripod work, set the self timer and the mechanism will trip both the mirror and then the rear capping plate ten seconds before that super smooth Compur leaf shutter makes the exposure. Super-sharp images are virtually guaranteed.

I noticed that today while playing with the camera. I'm sure it'll make a big difference in image quality since there will be less vibration.

Secondly, don't forget the shutter also offers full flash sync at all speeds. Daylight flash fill is there whenever you want it.
Enjoy!
Cheers
Brett

This is what I love about leaf shutters..

Thanks

 

[colyn]

I should add the pick of the additional lenses, having used them all quite a lot, are the 35mm f/3.2 & 85mm. The 115mm isn't bad, but at infinity the corners are definitely a bit soft. Stopped down it's OK. Despite the limitations of sharing two fixed lens groups across all the focal lengths in the system, optical performace is light years ahead of contemporary generic add-on or third party accessory lenses. Some of the Pro Tessars have up to five element groups alone to correct the optical qualities. No, they're not up to Contarex standard, but, let's be honest; what else is? Having said that, they're good enough. More than good enough.

I've also read very very good things about the M1:1 macro Tessar. That's one part of the Contaflex system I'm yet to acquire, eventually I will.

Proxar close up lenses for the standard Tessar are readily available and cheap enough. They're not bad either.
Cheers
Brett

I'll be getting the 35 and 85mm for sure. They are my most used focal length lens on other cameras.. The 115mm seems to be an odd focal length but if I can get one cheap enough I may do it..

I saw a couple of 1:1 Tessars on eBay tonight. They are somewhat expensive based on what the sellers want..

Proxars are also on my list since I do a lot of closeup photography..

 

[sc_rufctr]

My mother owns the same camera, lens. It's stashed away in her dressing table. She'll never part with it and she's already promised it to me once she's gone.
I have great memories of her taking photos when we were children.

Enjoy! You'll get lovely photos from that lens.