Although Zeiss was a respected maker
of quality cameras, it certainly wasn't above designing equipment
for a wider audience and these benefit from the Zeiss quality.
The Contina first arrived in 1951 as a folding design but the
first of these rigid models arrived in 1954. Although cheaper
than other Zeiss products they were still quite up market and
the build quality is noticeably better than many of it's contemporaries
but there was a cost premium that went with it. This example
is probably unique, it's a one off rebuild of a Contina Ib with
the light meter , advance gears , shallow Prontor bevel and lens
from the IIa.. The main casting is identical between the two
models. The two cameras that made it up were donated in January
and March 2006, both with major problems so the unusual approach
of producing one from the two was adopted. We have christened
it the Contina Id!
The camera has a delightfully smooth advance and releases with
a pleasing "shhck" and proved very comfotable to hold
and use, the slightly wider view than standard is useful too.
Body No.R16183 (serial of main casting)
Shutter, Prontor-SVS, speeds B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125 &
300th
Lens, Novicar, 45mm f/2.8
Condition, 5F
