What is the Zeiss Ikon Contessa?

The Zeiss Ikon Contessa is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced by the German company Zeiss Ikon. It was first introduced in 1950 and was popular during the 1950s and 1960s.

What type of film does the Zeiss Ikon Contessa use?

The Zeiss Ikon Contessa uses 35mm film, which is a widely available film format.

What is the lens mount of the Zeiss Ikon Contessa?

The Zeiss Ikon Contessa has a fixed lens and does not have an interchangeable lens system.

What is the focal length of the lens on the Zeiss Ikon Contessa?

The focal length of the lens on the Zeiss Ikon Contessa varies depending on the specific model. Different models may have different lens options.

Does the Zeiss Ikon Contessa have a built-in light meter?

Some models of the Zeiss Ikon Contessa have a built-in light meter, while others do not. It depends on the specific model.

What is the shutter speed range of the Zeiss Ikon Contessa?

The shutter speed range of the Zeiss Ikon Contessa varies depending on the specific model. Different models may have different shutter speed options.

Does the Zeiss Ikon Contessa have manual or automatic exposure control?

The Zeiss Ikon Contessa typically has manual exposure control. Some models may have automatic exposure control features, but it depends on the specific model.

Is the Zeiss Ikon Contessa a compact camera?

Yes, the Zeiss Ikon Contessa is considered a compact camera. It is designed to be portable and easy to carry.

Does the Zeiss Ikon Contessa have a built-in flash?

No, the Zeiss Ikon Contessa does not have a built-in flash. External flash units can be attached to the camera if needed.

Is the Zeiss Ikon Contessa a manual focus camera?

Yes, the Zeiss Ikon Contessa is a manual focus camera. The photographer needs to adjust the focus manually.

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Zeiss Ikon Contessa

Name: Zeiss Ikon Contessa
Brand: Zeiss Ikon
Rating: 3.7 (6 reviews)

Rangefinder

35MM

Zeiss Ikon

Germany

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Size & Weight

Camera Size for Zeiss Ikon ContessaSmall
Camera Weight for Zeiss Ikon ContessaMedium
Camera Build Material for Zeiss Ikon ContessaMetal

Focus

Camera Focus Mode for Zeiss Ikon ContessaManual Focus
Camera Focus Type for Zeiss Ikon ContessaRangefinder

Exposure

Camera Shutter Speed Range for Zeiss Ikon Contessa1s – 1/500s
Camera ISO Speed Range for Zeiss Ikon Contessa25 ISO – 400 ISO
Camera Exposure Modes for Zeiss Ikon ContessaManual
Camera Exposure Meter for Zeiss Ikon ContessaNone
Camera Viewfinder for Zeiss Ikon ContessaOptical viewfinder with rangefinder

Lens & Accessories

Camera Lens Type for Zeiss Ikon ContessaFixed Lens
Common Camera Lenses for Zeiss Ikon Contessa Zeiss Tessar 45mm f/2.8
Camera Flash for Zeiss Ikon Contessa No Built-In Flash
Camera Common Accessories for Zeiss Ikon Contessa Leather case Lens hood

Battery

Camera Battery Type for Zeiss Ikon ContessaNone
Battery Life for Zeiss Ikon ContessaN/A

Manual

Camera Manual for Zeiss Ikon ContessaShow Manual

Use Cases

Camera Use Cases for Zeiss Ikon Contessa
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Description for Zeiss Ikon Contessa

The Zeiss Ikon Contessa is a compact and stylish 35mm rangefinder camera produced by Zeiss Ikon from 1950 to 1971. It features a high-quality Zeiss Tessar lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, providing excellent image sharpness and clarity. The camera has a built-in coupled rangefinder, allowing for precise focusing and accurate composition. The Contessa offers a range of shutter speeds from 1/30 to 1/500 second, giving photographers the flexibility to capture a wide variety of subjects and lighting conditions. It also has a built-in light meter for easy exposure control. The Contessa is known for its solid build quality and reliable performance, making it a popular choice among photography enthusiasts and professionals.

✺ Even more info for you

Some later models of the Contessa feature an interchangeable lens system, allowing photographers to use different lenses for various shooting scenarios. The camera has a metal body with a leatherette covering, giving it a classic and elegant appearance. It uses a manual film advance lever and a rewind knob for film handling. The Contessa is compatible with standard 35mm film cartridges and has a convenient film loading mechanism. Overall, the Zeiss Ikon Contessa is a versatile and reliable camera that delivers exceptional image quality and is a great choice for film photography enthusiasts.

Example Photos for Zeiss Ikon Contessa

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📷 A&A Loescher |

📷 In Memoriam: Gilles Péris y Saborit |

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Pros and Cons for Zeiss Ikon Contessa

High-quality build and construction

Excellent image quality

Versatile lens options

Accurate and reliable exposure metering

Limited availability and high price in the used market

Manual focus and manual exposure control can be challenging for beginners

How to Use the Camera Zeiss Ikon Contessa

How to Load Film Zeiss Ikon Contessa

Potential Problems and Fixes for Zeiss Ikon Contessa

Shutter Issues

The Zeiss Ikon Contessa is known to sometimes have shutter issues. The shutter may become slow or unresponsive over time. Regular servicing and maintenance can help prevent or resolve this issue.

Lens Fogging

The lens of the Contessa can fog up due to moisture. It's important to store the camera in a dry place and avoid exposure to high humidity environments.

Focusing Mechanism

The focusing mechanism of the Contessa can become stiff or unresponsive. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help keep the focusing mechanism functioning properly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Zeiss Ikon Contessa

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