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     Ir8d8r Tinkerer Username: Ir8d8r Post Number: 1 Registered: 05-2010 Rating: N/A |
I collect Contaflex SLR. The first model is by far the least expensive to purchase today but not the most versatile because the lens system was underdeveloped. My choice for an early Contaflex would be the IV because it uses all the later lenses and has a good meter. My favorite of the line is the Super B. Automatic exposure without a battery. These cameras were some of the most complicated mechanisms ever devised for photography and there is a lot to go wrong. I understand each of the later models took 20 man hours to assemble and with the Contarex and it's thousand plus parts nearly bankrupted Zeiss Ikon and ended their camera manufacture. These cameras sold for over $500 US when new in the late 60's and early 70's. Today a Contarex late model will cost you $1500 -$2000. You should be able to get a Contaflex IV for under $50 or a Super B or Super BC (Mercury battery and CDS meter) for under $100 in working condition on EBay (Be sure the light meter is working). Contaflex 1 I wouldn't pay more than $20-$30 unless it comes with the Teleskop mount and telephoto lens. The mount will be the most expensive part of that trio. Most common problem with the C-flex early cameras is non-working shutter clockwork/shutter and that can usually be fixed cheaply with a few sprinkles of lighter fluid around the edge of the focusing ring (left side facing you and work the shutter set on "1"). If you want to work on these buy a set of Watchmaker's tools and a good bench magnifier. All of the line have the highest quality glass and lenses that were ever used in a camera or probably ever will be. They take marvelous photographs when clean and working. I like the Icarex too as an option between the Contaflex and Contarex. Not as many lenses as the Contarex but far less expensive and a very nicely made instrument. IR8D8R |