Unknown Contax item. Please help!

[bsa]

Hello,

I have purchased an attachment to Contax/Kiev cameras.
Some actual pictures here:
http://bsa79.com.ru/img/hotlot/zeiss_attach01.jpg
http://bsa79.com.ru/img/hotlot/zeiss_attach02.jpg
http://bsa79.com.ru/img/hotlot/zeiss_attach03.jpg
http://bsa79.com.ru/img/hotlot/zeiss_attach04.jpg
http://bsa79.com.ru/img/hotlot/zeiss_attach05.jpg
http://bsa79.com.ru/img/hotlot/zeiss_attach06.jpg
http://bsa79.com.ru/img/hotlot/zeiss_attach07.jpg
http://bsa79.com.ru/img/hotlot/zeiss_attach08.jpg
http://bsa79.com.ru/img/hotlot/zeiss_attach09.jpg
http://bsa79.com.ru/img/hotlot/zeiss_attach10.jpg
http://bsa79.com.ru/img/hotlot/zeiss_attach11.jpg

Fisrt question: how is it work? As I know it allow transform RF to SLR and using like photosniper, for example.


Second question: what is full name of this item? Any links to Google/Amazon/eBay...

Thanks!

 

[dexdog]

It appears to be a Panflex reflex housing (catalog # 5522/23). See link from Pacific Rim Camera.

http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/zeiss/contax/panflex.htm

I have no idea how it works, but probably needs a pair of cables to actuate the shutters.

 

[ferider]

I think this is called Panflex (for the mirror housing) and Contaprox
for the lens. This converts your Contax RF into an SLR, major purpose
is macro photography.

I understand this is a rare item. Congratulations.

Roland.

 

[darkkavenger]

Congratulations! it seems to be a Panflex. There's also a macro device which uses a 50/3.5 Macro-Tessar, I think it's the Contaprox as says Roland. Quite a nice item 🙂

 

[Xmas]

Have to enroll in a SLR forum now, - instant ban...

Noel

 

[bsa]

Congratulations! it seems to be a Panflex. There's also a macro device which uses a 50/3.5 Macro-Tessar, I think it's the Contaprox as says Roland. Quite a nice item 🙂

Thanks for advice. I have found some information about these itrms. Thanks!
Another question:
Can I use Tessar 2.8/50mm lens in this close-up attachment?
See here:
http://bsa79.com.ru/img/hotlot/zeiss_attach12.jpg
http://bsa79.com.ru/img/hotlot/zeiss_attach13.jpg

Or it's a regular lens for Contax/Kiev cameras?

 

[radi(c)al_cam]

How many versions of Contaprox Focusing contraption?

How many versions of Contaprox Focusing contraption?

Usually, "Contaprox I" and "Contaprox II" both can be found with a special macro lens, in the inimitable complicated West German Carl Zeiss terminology called a “Focusing Head with built-in TESSAR f/3.5, 50 mm lens.”
cf. http://www.novacon.com.br/base4.htm -- the picture series in chapter "6- Macro-objetivas"

Above, fellow member bsa shows

a version which looks like a Contax internal bayonet mount with a quite normal locking device.

Recently, I found another version, in this case the seller tells (word-by-word translation!):

"This version has instead of the adjustment head, a helical, in which all Contax lenses can be used with 50mm focal length."

--> eBay item # 320520883378, on ebay.co.uk (or another European tld)

As far as my eyes see, the contraption for the lens looks like a Contax internal bayonet, but without any locking device!

Who can tell more about this version?
How does it works with an un-locked lens?

 

[photovdz]

are you sure the locking device is not simply missing ?

 

[David Murphy]

These are quite sought after by Contax collectors (and valuable)

 

[photovdz]

so you have a panflex... that is usable with

- a contaprox (various models see infra)
- a 115 mm for panflex
- a 180 mm or 300 mm for panflex (they are called olympia sonnars and are the best telephoto available at the time... specially made for the 1936 olympics, and basically produced for more than 70 years in various specs)
There is a panflex for contax II and another one for the IIa

Contaprox... basically two variants... one with an open "internal bayonnet" mount that allows the use of any Zeiss 5cm lens (tessar or sonnar) ... and one with a permanent 3,5 tessar T specially designed for macro but who will focus at infinity too...
The contraprox connects with the outer bayonet and doesn't link with the rangefinder,you can use a proximeter for certain ratios.

interesting detail of the post war contaprox cum tessar... the contaprox body is made in the west, and the lens is made in the east... and it was something quite expensive...

using a contaprox on a panflex is feasable but only for macro or micro photography... because the panflex acts as an extension ring.

Other related accessories are : a focusing screen, extension tubes (up to 4x) and a revolving support for contax (you focus with the focusing screen, then you change and put your contax in place... usually the butterfly is gone when you take the picture ;-)

 

[radi(c)al_cam]

the puzzling bayonet part

the puzzling bayonet part

thank you for the answers.
well, here (sorry, lo-fi) pictures of the hmm? let's say contraption for the lens:

still asking, how attach a 50mm?

 

[photovdz]

very strange indeed, there is something missing or added...

 

[radi(c)al_cam]

563/012

563/012

Same contraption, another picture: seller told me it's a "563/012".

On the new pic, I believe to see some protruding locking device inside.