jerry_raines

My very first 35mm camera was an Aires Viscount with the same f/1.9

Coral lens. An 80mm accessory lens was also available, but I never

acquired one. Within its limitations, it was an excellent camera.

The lens was very sharp. The Kodachromes I shot with it circa 1960

still compare with the ones I shoot today using much more

sophisticated Nikon equipment.

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I still have the camera; however, it is no longer functioning.

Reportedly, the shutter release and the film transport mechanisms

were weak designs and failed. As you might expect, parts are no

longer available, and the company has long been out of business. So,

enjoy the camera while it lasts.

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Jerry

I own two prewar Contax II cameras with f/2.0 50mm Sonnar lenses. I

also acquired a postwar, coated f/1.5 50mm Sonnar. This latter lens

works well with the prewar bodies. Sometimes, I pack a Contax II

with f/1.5 lens in my camera bag along with the usual Nikon F

equipment. I load both with Kodachrome 200 slide film. When I

project the slides, I can't see the difference. Within its

limitations of 50mm focal length and non reflex viewing, the Contax

II with 50mm coated Sonnar is up to the most modern standards, in my

opinion. As many others have noted, however, the shutter is

complicated and requires periodic maintenance.