Zeiss Ikon Contina IIa - first impressions

[@Analogbrain]

Great, no nonsense review! Just as this camera, what you need, and nothing else. I totally agree in that this, and similar german compact cameras from the 50s and 60s, are excellent for those who want to try film. It's also a great nostalgic, fun to use camera for us experienced film photographers. I think that this in particular, and similar cameras, are among the greatest bargains today. The value can only rise. But don't forget to use them!

[@BriansPhotoShow]

Yes, well said!

[@TheRandalljburke]

thanks for sharing Brian. waiting for mine to arrive in the mail

[@tonyb2760]

I looked at your flikr images from that camera and I am impressed. Thanks for sharing

[@BriansPhotoShow]

My pleasure; thanks for the feedback

[@WraithCalling]

I have a little Contessa folder, I really enjoy the quirky little folder. I am really starting to like these 1950's Zeiss Ikon cameras.

[@BriansPhotoShow]

I recently acquired my first folder, a Voigtlander Vito II. They are fun to shoot.

[@amritasharma7658]

My Father had this in 1960s. But I don't have this in my collection. Will take one if found in future. Gopal Panday, Patna, INDIA

[@leep5113]

Waiting for mine to arrive. Very excited to try it out. I’ll probably end up putting it on display with my other old cameras eventually. A nice piece of history though.

[@jimbagley321]

Thank you Brian. I downloaded the manual but your video showed me in 20 minutes everything I needed to know. I just picked up this Camera for $6 in a thrift store in Canada and thought that the Zeiss name was likely a good sign. I haven't done any manual 35mm photography for probably 20 years now - and even then I had a Canon AE1 so it set everything up for me with its aperture priority - so I'm looking forward to experimenting. Its a great shame that 35mm film and developing is so expensive now - 30 years ago a film was $3 now its $12 and I haven't even looked at developing costs yet! I enjoyed the gallery on Flickr as well.

[@BriansPhotoShow]

Glad I could help, and welcome back to analog photography!

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

If you are tired of it, I'd gladly have another

[@anthonyphillips3421]

Brian just watched your videos on Fomapan 400 and 100 and this video on the Zeiss Ikon. Fantastic and informative. Please quick up the good work my friend. First class stuff.

[@BriansPhotoShow]

Appreciate the kind words

[@henrysiegertsz8204]

Hey Brian, such a good little video, I bought a Zeiss Contessa LK about three weeks ago and I've got a roll of B&W to get developed to test the little camera. I don't know about your Contina, but my little Contessa is beautifully built and in near mint condition, (There's a tiny dent on the bottom near the tripod mount socket). I got it for £50 on e-Bay here in the UK.

[@jensknappe2485]

excellent, detailled review !

[@jungleperry]

IIA is correct. The Contina II was a folder and this camera inherited specs from that camera. Contina I spun off the Contina 1A, 1B, 1C and the Continette and other Contina lineup

[@mohammadvarzideh780]

Hello Brian. Really great review and useful links.and the photos on your flicker are really fantastic. Is there any price difference between this novar f3.5 and novicar f2.8 ? I found a f2.8 in good shape and original case for about 45$. Thanks

[@BriansPhotoShow]

If the camera is in working condition, that sounds like a good price to me.

[@randallstewart175]

This is the Contina IIa: rigid mount; light meter, no rangefinder; 3 34l3ment Novar lens. It was preceded bu the Contina II: folding mount; no meter; nice rangefinder; same lens or better (Tessar) lens.

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

If you are tired of it, I'd gladly have another

[@gopalpanday4921]

And I will be great