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Dickh
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Username: Dickh

Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2008

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Posted on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 - 01:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

This is about as basic as it gets. Among many inherited household items was a Zeiss Ikon Contaflex in great condition. I can not however figure out how to open the darn thing, and certainly very hesitant about forcing.

Someones help will be very much appreciated.
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Steve_s
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Username: Steve_s

Post Number: 95
Registered: 07-2006

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Posted on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 - 02:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Just pull up the two semi-circular handles on the underside, turn them and slide the back off downwards.
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Aford
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Username: Aford

Post Number: 29
Registered: 03-2007

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Posted on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 - 02:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Opening the Zeiss Contaflex
You don't say what model it is but they are all about the same.
Hold the camera in your left hand with the lens pointing downwards, and the viewfinder housing against the palm of your hand, place your left thumb on the camera back.
Lift the two Locking Keys in the bottom of the camera with your thumb nail and give them half a turn to the left or right.
Slightly push down the camera back with the left thumb and lift off the back with the right hand.

A manual can be down loaded from orphancameras.com

The shutter should be fired a few dozen times at all speed settings before you put a film in the camera as it is probably a bit sticky and slow if not used for a long time.
Regards - Alf
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Rlc
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Username: Rlc

Post Number: 40
Registered: 07-2006

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Posted on Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 08:16 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

All above info is correct unless your Contaflex has the interchangeable film back. If your camera has the interchangeable back the dark slide must be inserted first as there is an interlock which prevents removing the back which would expose the film which is contained in the back. While I have several Contaflex's in my collection I have never had one with the interchangeable film back. Hope this info is correct and may be of help to you. Richard.
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Dickh
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Username: Dickh

Post Number: 2
Registered: 01-2008

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Posted on Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 08:44 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Thanks to all! Your collective advice was right on the money. Alfor's orphancameras.com suggestion was an excellent idea.

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