captainslack
Five Goats Hunter
Anyone here use a Contaflex SLR? They seem to be going pretty cheap on the Bay and I though I might pick one up when my finances even out a bit. Don't know a thing about them, though. Anyone care to enlighten me?
K
Krasnaya_Zvezda
Guest
I have a Contaflex I that I really like. Tessar 45mm 2.8 lens. Synchro-Compur shutter, 1 sec to 1/500, plus B. Flash sync at all speeds. No instant return mirror, you have to wind on the film, cocking the shutter, in order for the mirror to come down for viewing through the finder. Overall, a beautiful camera and a fine piece of machinery. Nice heft to it, too.
There are some things to be wary of. One common problem is sticky shutters at slow speeds. Also, and more of a problem, the aperture fails to stop down like it should--- it's like automatic lenses of more modern times. The aperture stops down, so to speak, when the shutter fires. The springs that control this action are prone to failure, and your camera will therefore only work at f 2.8. This will not be apparent until you get your first roll of film back, and everything is overexposed.
I acquired just such a specimen, however I was able to trade it in on one that had been CLA'd by Jon Goodman, and that particular camera has served me very well.
Some cursory searches on Google should provide you with a more succinct description of the pitfalls associated with these cameras, that's where I first became aware of them, after, of course, I had purchased one on Ebay and prior to its arrival. I was filled with dread while waiting for it to come, and my worst fears were realized. Fortunately, as I mentioned, everything worked out to the good, and as a bonus, that's what led me to the privilege of meeting Mr. Goodman.
If you can get one that you know is in good working order, they are exceptional shooters.
Good luck!
There are some things to be wary of. One common problem is sticky shutters at slow speeds. Also, and more of a problem, the aperture fails to stop down like it should--- it's like automatic lenses of more modern times. The aperture stops down, so to speak, when the shutter fires. The springs that control this action are prone to failure, and your camera will therefore only work at f 2.8. This will not be apparent until you get your first roll of film back, and everything is overexposed.
I acquired just such a specimen, however I was able to trade it in on one that had been CLA'd by Jon Goodman, and that particular camera has served me very well.
Some cursory searches on Google should provide you with a more succinct description of the pitfalls associated with these cameras, that's where I first became aware of them, after, of course, I had purchased one on Ebay and prior to its arrival. I was filled with dread while waiting for it to come, and my worst fears were realized. Fortunately, as I mentioned, everything worked out to the good, and as a bonus, that's what led me to the privilege of meeting Mr. Goodman.
If you can get one that you know is in good working order, they are exceptional shooters.
Good luck!
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K
Krasnaya_Zvezda
Guest
Here's a link with some good info.
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/1522/my_zeiss.html
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/1522/my_zeiss.html
W
wlewisiii
Guest
I've been pondering these of late as well. The Pacific Rim pages on them (http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/zeiss/contaflx/contflx.htm) indicate that element separation is a big issue with thier lenses. Does anyone here have practical experiance with this? If it is a big problem, well, that's a good reason to stay away for someone like me who only is interested in users.
Thanks!
William
Thanks!
William
Fedzilla_Bob
man with cat
Captainslack Dude! You have tp get out of my head. I have been watching these on ebay. Let's compare notes. These are very interesting.
I saw one that had the contaflex in script on the front of the prism housing.
I saw one that had the contaflex in script on the front of the prism housing.
Fedzilla_Bob
man with cat
In fact someone here had two for sale recently.
R
r-brian
Guest
Contaflex
Contaflex
I have a Contaflex II which is the fixed 45mm f2.8 version with selenium meter and also a III and a Rapid. Both of these are meterless but have interchangable lenses. The separation occurs on the aux. lens, I have not seen or heard of a 50mm with separation. Luckily my 35mm and 115mm have no separation, however my 85mm does, but just minimally so it is still useful. The 50mm f2.8 Tessars are sharp.
Funny that you mentioned you are looking for one (shameless plug). I just took some photos of my II today because I'm interested in selling it. Yes, the shutter sticks at below 1/30 but otherwise the camera is in excellent condition. I also have the 1.7x Telescop, which is an aux. lens that fits in front of the fixed lens. Also have a complete set of Proxar lens for close-up work. Can't beat Zeiss glass.
Once I process the photos I'll post the FS ad. Let me know and we can talk.
Brian
Attached photo: Contaflex II, Plus-X, Rodinal
Contaflex
I have a Contaflex II which is the fixed 45mm f2.8 version with selenium meter and also a III and a Rapid. Both of these are meterless but have interchangable lenses. The separation occurs on the aux. lens, I have not seen or heard of a 50mm with separation. Luckily my 35mm and 115mm have no separation, however my 85mm does, but just minimally so it is still useful. The 50mm f2.8 Tessars are sharp.
Funny that you mentioned you are looking for one (shameless plug). I just took some photos of my II today because I'm interested in selling it. Yes, the shutter sticks at below 1/30 but otherwise the camera is in excellent condition. I also have the 1.7x Telescop, which is an aux. lens that fits in front of the fixed lens. Also have a complete set of Proxar lens for close-up work. Can't beat Zeiss glass.
Once I process the photos I'll post the FS ad. Let me know and we can talk.
Brian
Attached photo: Contaflex II, Plus-X, Rodinal
RObert Budding
D'oh!
I have a Contaflex Super B with the reformulated Tessar lenses (35/3.2, 50/2.8, 85/3.2, 115/4.0). It's a superb camera - very nice to use and sharp lenses with good contrast (not super contrasty). I really like the way it fits into my hands.
Just be aware that the mirror does not return until you advance the film, as designed. Potential issues when buying off of e**y: only a few techs will service them (mine was serviced by WW Umbach, who no longer will service the model 1). Other things to watch for are separated lens elements - really a problem with the 35mm and 85mm lenses.
I have thought of selling my Contaflex as I have way more cameras than hands. I wouldn't want to break up the kit, though, as it took a while to assemble. I even purchased my 85mm lens from e**y Germany.
The camera was only $50, including the 50mm lens, and it is pristine. I then spent $150 on the CLA. And each of the other lenses averaged out at about $60+ each, as I recall. Anyone interested in the whole kit, including the lens storage bubbles, for $300? + shipping. Or make an offer. Satisfaction guaranteed. If you don't like it, you just pay for shipping.
Robert
Just be aware that the mirror does not return until you advance the film, as designed. Potential issues when buying off of e**y: only a few techs will service them (mine was serviced by WW Umbach, who no longer will service the model 1). Other things to watch for are separated lens elements - really a problem with the 35mm and 85mm lenses.
I have thought of selling my Contaflex as I have way more cameras than hands. I wouldn't want to break up the kit, though, as it took a while to assemble. I even purchased my 85mm lens from e**y Germany.
The camera was only $50, including the 50mm lens, and it is pristine. I then spent $150 on the CLA. And each of the other lenses averaged out at about $60+ each, as I recall. Anyone interested in the whole kit, including the lens storage bubbles, for $300? + shipping. Or make an offer. Satisfaction guaranteed. If you don't like it, you just pay for shipping.
Robert
RObert Budding
D'oh!
I forgot to mention that all of the lenses are in excellent + cosmetic condition and mint optical condition.
I can send along some digipics, if anyone is interested.
Robert
I can send along some digipics, if anyone is interested.
Robert
N
Nikon Bob
Guest
Had a Contaflex a few years ago with three lenses. It was easy to focus and one or two of the lenses appeared to have seperation issues. Even with the lens seperation issues the photos were still sharp and contrasty. Gave it to my cousin.
Bob
Bob
captainslack
Five Goats Hunter
Fedzilla_Bob said:
Great minds think alike!!!
You know, a guy at the Swap Meet was selling one of these when I was out your way, but he was wanting $125, which I thought was too much for a flea market camera. Also, he was really unpleasant and I didn't want to talk to him.
Mike Kovacs
Contax Connaisseur
I have two Contaflex IV's sitting at home.
One had a jammed film advance and slow shutter which I have addressed, but I need to go deeper and clean lubricate the gear train inside the body because it is slightly sticky and makes a squeak when the flap comes down.
The second has a rear flap that won't go down all the way and sticky low speeds.
They are a bit of a bear to work on, but I will eventually persevere on the first one. (see attached) The camera is actually further along in the direction of more pieces right now but Jon Goodman has really sent some helpful advice to me get it going.
My feeling is that the IV a very well-made camera that is surprisingly compact and fits very snugly into my hands. It has a 50/2.8 Tessar and I also have the 115/4 lens which isn't very close focusing. It seems as well-made as a Contax rangefinder of similar vintage. The selenium meters are accurate in both cameras.
One had a jammed film advance and slow shutter which I have addressed, but I need to go deeper and clean lubricate the gear train inside the body because it is slightly sticky and makes a squeak when the flap comes down.
The second has a rear flap that won't go down all the way and sticky low speeds.
They are a bit of a bear to work on, but I will eventually persevere on the first one. (see attached) The camera is actually further along in the direction of more pieces right now but Jon Goodman has really sent some helpful advice to me get it going.
My feeling is that the IV a very well-made camera that is surprisingly compact and fits very snugly into my hands. It has a 50/2.8 Tessar and I also have the 115/4 lens which isn't very close focusing. It seems as well-made as a Contax rangefinder of similar vintage. The selenium meters are accurate in both cameras.
W
wierdcollector
Guest
I have a Contaflex l and a IV, guess I'm lucky as mine both work fine.
K
Kin Lau
Guest
I have a IV and a newer Super. The IV has a sticky shutter, and a Super has sticky slow speeds, but otherwise mint. Haven't put a roll thru the Super yet, but the IV when it was working was beautiful.
RObert Budding
D'oh!
Old lubricants really do need to be removed and modern lubricants applied. The Contaflex really is worth the cost of a CLA. My exposures have been accurate since the CLA. And the cameras are built like little tanks!
Robert
Robert
Fedzilla_Bob
man with cat
Captainslack-- Yeah, 125 for bad attitude is just wrong. I think these show up on the bay often enough, and at fair prices.
I wish there was an ancient SLR equivalent to the RFF. What would be the cut-off be? The 80's?
I wish there was an ancient SLR equivalent to the RFF. What would be the cut-off be? The 80's?
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Fedzilla_Bob
man with cat
Who performs CLAs for these?
hugivza
Well-known
Re Contaflex
Re Contaflex
I have a Contaflex IV that I have had since the early 1960's. I used Proxars for photographing samples for lab work. I still use it for B and W - the meter needle still moves in roughly the right direction, but as a selenium cell is probably not accurate (I have not checked it). With the Tessar lens it is excellent. I can still get mine serviced locally. I have seen them on the baying auction house for around $50 which seems good value as the are built like a brick out house.
I bought a Contaflex I with an excellent body and with flash accessory shoe, and 3 filters in original cases with an ERC, for $A 50 today in a local photo store. (That's about $US 38) Shutter seems to fire OK so will run a film though it.
Re Contaflex
I have a Contaflex IV that I have had since the early 1960's. I used Proxars for photographing samples for lab work. I still use it for B and W - the meter needle still moves in roughly the right direction, but as a selenium cell is probably not accurate (I have not checked it). With the Tessar lens it is excellent. I can still get mine serviced locally. I have seen them on the baying auction house for around $50 which seems good value as the are built like a brick out house.
I bought a Contaflex I with an excellent body and with flash accessory shoe, and 3 filters in original cases with an ERC, for $A 50 today in a local photo store. (That's about $US 38) Shutter seems to fire OK so will run a film though it.
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