Zeiss Contax Rangefinders by Jim Lager

[Mr_Flibble]

I think my version 4 still needs an extra half-turn on the springs as the results at 1/100th setting in the sports group appears a little slow. 1/100th in the normal speeds group is even slower.


The shutter speeds on my version 5 are definitely closer to what they should be after the repair (except that Zeit, 1/500th and 1/1000th cap) (see the Contax I image thread in the Zeiss Ikon section)

 

[Dralowid]

I have sold all, I am now Zeissless. This means that all the still cameras I have work on all speeds...as to accuracy, who knows?!

 

[David Hughes]

Zeiss also did film:-

This is a daylight loading film; meaning a spool with a black paper wrapper that feeds the film out once in the cassette. Easily dated to 1932/34 according to my notes...


Regards, David

 

[mynikonf2]

Too many?

Amazing collection you have there. It stirs my interest in these cameras. My only hesitation has been the shutter mechanism, which seems overly complicated and a source of trouble when purchasing these. Have found this to be true, seeing that you have made several purchases ?

​

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Every Contax I & II I own needed servicing when I bought them, either because the shutter was running slow or it needed new shutter ribbons.
Both Contax I cameras I have repaired myself and the Contax II cameras I was lucky enough to have them serviced by an expert (who specializes in FSU cameras).

The Contax IIa worked fine out of the box.

Contax I (v5) with Ross Definex

 

[Erik van Straten]

Beautiful pictures, Rick. This Contax I v5, does it have an aluminium shutter?


This Ross lens, is it an 85mm? f4?



Erik.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

This Contax I v5, does it have an aluminium shutter?

It appears so

This Ross lens, is it an 85mm? f4?

3-1/2" (89mm) f/3.5, though some are marked as 91mm

 

[Erik van Straten]

O, yes, I remember. My v5 has an aluminium shutter too.

Thank you, Rick.

Erik.

 

[mynikonf2]

Rick, thanks for the info and again what a wonderful collection.

 

[wes loder]

Zeiss long lenses

Zeiss long lenses

Greetings Erik, yes, the Contaxes have always been interesting to me. The Zeiss glass is
very fine. As a researcher I have most interest in the reflex housings Panflex, Flektoskop, and Flecktometer. Who is the current specialist on these elusive devices? The long Zeiss optics are so rare that it is an event when one comes into the market. 180,300,and 500mm for the reflex housings. Thanks, Jim Lager.

Jim, I have the post-war Panflex, the Panflex Tessar and the 500mm Fernobjektiv in Panflex mount. I had the pre-war Panflex but sold it. Not sure I can answer all your questions,but I can try to answer some.
WES

 

[Jusazki]

I got my hands on a weird Contax II and was wondering if you could help me to identify this? First, the hotshoe has a big number 1, also the bottom lock around the tripod mount has the same number. Serial number inside the camera and in the back cover are matching E6120. I have never seen a 4-digit number. Any idea if this is some special model?