Zeiss Ikon Tenax

V

varjag

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So, this little wonder, Tenax I, arrived in the mail today. The specimen is of postwar East-German variety, featuring a coated Novonar, but otherwise identical to original one.

Cosmetic condition is great, glass looks intact, but slow speeds are sticky, suggesting that shutter slowdown gearwork needs cleaning. Do anyone have experience dismantling this type of camera? It seems the lens block can be screwed out once the stop screws removed, but how do I get to the shutter and remove top deck?
 
Ash, I haven't taken any myself, but here is the auction and here is a brief description.

In short it is an inexpensive but well-built square format p&s with leaf shutter and surprisingly good (to my measure) ergonomics.

BTW, aside from the BW ORWO roll thrown in by the seller I found an ancient color roll in the camera. Will give it a try in Microphen soon.
 
I have been o0o0ogling these for a little while. They made a rangefinder version with interchangable lenses, but is very rare and expensive. Even more expensive than the Robots.
 
I got one of these, a prewar one with the Novar lens, in its leather case. Nice little thing, and the cocking/shooting motion makes it a very good snapshot camera, getting something like 50 frames on a 36 roll. Unfortunately it spends all its time in a box in my closet, so I may well be persuaded to let it go to someone who promises to use it.
 
Jerevan, if you were in the UK, and I wasn't inundated with my own cameras that don't get enough use, I'd surely wire you some cash for it. I really outta make more use of mine or sell some though!
 
Ash said:
That's so cute! I'll add it to my "NEED these cameras" list :D
Click to expand...
You may also consider the later east german version named "Taxona"

Agree. They are cute. I also considered one of those - primarily for the "square" effect. :)
 
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Yes, square format was one of two reasons for buying it. The other is the size: I carry the Contax in hand every day on my commute and sometimes it is not very convenient.

This thing is small and operates really fast, and as mentioned it feels like a great snapshot camera. Gonna feed it a test roll tomorrow. Afterwards it would likely be on Delta 3200 diet :)
 
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