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Post by physiognomy on Dec 5, 2006 1:06:37 GMT -5
I just got this beauty today & thought I would share a couple of pictures... It left Ontario late last month, so I wasn't expecting it so soon... From what I've read the G before the serial # dates it to 1938, which probably makes it my oldest usable camera. How it managed to stay in such good condition all these years is a mystery to me... Seems to check out functionally, so I'm happy all around! Peter
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Post by physiognomy on Dec 5, 2006 1:21:54 GMT -5
2 more... Can you tell I'm a little excited! I thought it was pretty cool that I now have 6 original 'Zeiss bumps'... Peter
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Post by doubs43 on Dec 5, 2006 2:37:58 GMT -5
Peter, that's as pretty an example of a Contax II as I believe I've ever seen. Do you plan on replacing any of your FSU glass with original Zeiss lenses? Not that FSU glass isn't capable but Zeiss is both original and the mechanical quality should be superior.
Regardless, that's a beauty! Congratulations on nabbing such an outstanding example.
Walker
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Post by Randy on Dec 5, 2006 8:02:33 GMT -5
Very nice! Not bad for a 68 year old camera.
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Post by nikonbob on Dec 5, 2006 9:13:27 GMT -5
You are a lucky man they are such a classic camera. Nice product photos too. Be sure and post your impression of it.
Bob
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Post by physiognomy on Dec 5, 2006 11:01:45 GMT -5
Thanks all for your comments... My Kievs are nice, but I was so impressed by the quality of workmanship evident in this Contax. The chrome is just amazing for it's age & I hope it holds up well for another 60 odd years! ...Do you plan on replacing any of your FSU glass with original Zeiss lenses? Not that FSU glass isn't capable but Zeiss is both original and the mechanical quality should be superior. Walker Walker, I don't think I'll ever have the $$$ to get together a full line up of Zeiss lenses, but I will look for a good post war Sonnar 50/1.5 eventually. I'm also looking at the collapsible 50/2 because of it's compact size, but for now I am happy with my fsu glass. I have also seen some amazing shots from the Nikkor 85/2 in contax mount & would love to have one if I can find a reasonable deal. Thanks again! Peter
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Post by kiev4a on Dec 5, 2006 11:09:18 GMT -5
I have a 1937 Contax II that was given to me by a friend after he had it cla'd. Has one of the early coated lenses. Takes great pictures and is smooth operating and I feel guilty that I really don't use it much.
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PeterW
Lifetime Member
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Posts: 3,804
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Post by PeterW on Dec 5, 2006 11:18:38 GMT -5
Peter, What a nice example, in superb condition. They don't crop up in that condition very often. My Contax II, which I've had for quite a few years now, is an early version, 1936, and so I'm told by ZI experts is one of the first 1,000 built. It's got a few differences from the later models, like vertical knorling on the wind-on knob, and a slightly different speeds sequence, but that's about all. It's fitted with a later lens, a 1938 Sonnar f/1.5 which I find is just a shade soft at the very corners on full aperture, but you have to blow the pics up pretty large to notice it. One stop down, and it's sharp all over. When I got the camera it was rather dirty and the leather covering was very bad, but mechaincally it was fine. It cleaned up OK but as I couldn't find any leather with the right size grain I recovered it in the nearest I could find in vinyl. Not original, but it looks OK. Anyway here's pic of it. Sorry its only low res. I don't use it all that much now, though it's got a film in at the moment. Between films I keep the shutter exercised, and every time I do that it makes me wat to use the camera again. You'll love using yours, once you remember to keep your finger away from the rangefinder window Regards, PeterW
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Post by kiev4a on Dec 5, 2006 16:43:07 GMT -5
The finger business is another thing that keeps the Contax (or Kiev or early Nikon RF) from being my favorite. I've never been able to get really comfortable with the arrangement.
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Post by John Parry on Dec 5, 2006 16:45:13 GMT -5
Lovely cameras
Next comp Randy! A beauty contest?
Regards - John
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Post by physiognomy on Dec 6, 2006 15:22:50 GMT -5
I have a 1937 Contax II that was given to me by a friend after he had it cla'd. Has one of the early coated lenses. Takes great pictures and is smooth operating and I feel guilty that I really don't use it much. Wayne, that was an amazing gift to recieve... Lucky guy! I was asking on RFF which CZ 50mm I should look for & was told that coated versions of the collapsible 50/2 sonnar are pretty rare. Of coarse that was initially at the top of my list, but I think I'm going to look for a post war lens when I can afford one. ... You'll love using yours, once you remember to keep your finger away from the rangefinder window Regards, PeterW Thanks Peter! It was nice to see that there are a couple of contax fans on the board! The funny thing about the 'contax hold' is that I have become more and more comfortable with it since getting an unmetered Kiev 2a. With my 4 I always had my finger blocking the rangefinder window, but for some reason it feels more natural to keep my fingers out of the way now... Maybe it's just more practice, but now I immediately put my index finger on the shutter & don't bring the camera to my eye unless my 2nd finger is on the focus wheel. Cheers! Peter ps I have loaded my first roll into the camera & will post anything worthy when I have some results.... Unfortunately I loaded a 36 because that's what I had on hand, so it might be a while.
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