Zeiss Contina
This ain't yer grannies Brownie.
Like Kodak with their Retinette, Zeiss Ikon made a number
of variations of their Contina. It was a lower cost alternative
to the Zeiss Ikon Contessa, again like Kodak with the Retina
and Retinette. I don't know who was first with the idea of two lines of
similar cameras, but both companies were on the band wagon with their offerings.
Continas are small. Slightly smaller than a Retinette IIB,
or an Agfa Silette. The one here is the largest of the model
line. Continas that have no meter or the large finder, as
this one has are smaller still.
Here you can plainly see the meter door in the metering position.
To open it push the little pin sticking out on the right side and
it flips up. The meter is calibrated in EV numbers, which is
transferred to the lens housing. The shutter and aperture are
linked, so once you have set the EV you can change shutter
speeds and the aperture automatically changes with it for the
correct exposure. The flash shoe is cold, and the PC socket is
on the front. The film counter surrounds the shutter release.
The lens is a Pantar, and for my money (not much!) it's plenty sharp.
This particular model has a removable front element, and as far
as I know there were two additional interchangable lenses for wide
angle and telephoto. To release the element you push on the little
red bullseye, then turn the focus ring until it pops out. Neato!
Shutter speeds are 1 sec to 1/300 and "B". Aperture is f2.8 to f22.
SHOOTIN' LEWISTON
On a recent trip to what I consider "The Big City" I packed the
little Zeiss along as my prime shooter. I loaded up with JandC
Classic 400 35mm film, set the meter asa and hit the road. When
the film had been exposed it was developed in D76 1+1 and printed
on Arista EDU RC paper.
There were benches galore in the Old Town community area. I had a field day!
I think this place sells cigars. Just a hunch, though.
I was getting ready to take the shot of the shop here,
when I saw this lady in the corner of the viewfinder.
I waited for her to get in frame and just as I started
to squeeze off the shot she started to turn into the store.
Maybe she's trying to give up cigarettes.
Back in my home territory, and back to one of my
usual haunts, so to speak. It was a very bright day, and
I metered for the inside of the angel's wing. This looks
grainy, but it's really just the texture of the monument.
I like wood, and other textured objects. I've visited this locked
door many times.
The entrance of our local skateboard park, and the
remains of an overstressed board. This used to be
a tennis court, but the skater kids put it to better
use than the 10es NE 1 crowd.
Thanks for having a look...
deansphotographica.com
deansofidaho.com
copyright 2005 Dean Williams