tony_lockerbie

<p>Last of the line.</p><div></div>

<p>more..</p><div></div>

<p>Some more cameras...</p><div></div>

<p>Been out and about with my second favourite leaf shutter SLR (the Bessamatic is my fav.) the Contaflex.<br> This is pretty much the original model, hatched in 1954 and running to 1958, and differed from the later Contaflexes by having a fixed 45mm Tessar instead of the later 50mm interchangeable front element.<br> Of all the Contaflexes that I own, for some reason I prefer this one, kind of simpler and neater, plus they do seem more reliable than the later cameras. Ivor Mantanle speculated that this may be due to the more sealed nature of the fixed lens, keeping gunk out of the shutter.<br> The 45mm Tessar is a real cracker too, sharp and contrasty....you can see why these cameras were so popular, and Zeiss made a lot of them so the prices are low these days due to the fact that they are so common.<br> All in all, a great intro into classic camera photography. You will often find Contaflexes with a lot of dirt in the viewfinders, which is really just a nuisance, otherwise the VF is quite bright and crisp for a camera of this age. The compur shutter does suffer from the low speeds lagging, but I often don't use these anyway.<br> Now for some porn and pictures....</p> <div></div>

<p>Really nice Brad, and you can see the early Canon SLR's in that body...just add a prism!</p>

<p>Thanks again Marc, I was 1 month old when this came out....not quite ready to gear up! All the ads for darkroom stuff makes me come over all nostalgic...love some of that Gevaert paper!</p>

<p>I will second Rick's remark about the 28mm Super Takumar, an amazingly good lens...a bit slow, but that's the only drawback...hang out for the multi-coated version.</p>

<p>Can't help with the meter, but agree about the Minister...I have the Minister 111, a real sleeper....that 2.8 Yashinon is quite amazing.</p>

<p>I really like your outfit there Rick, the finish on those Prakticas remind me a bit of a Dalek. They are nice to handle as you say, and the metal shutter makes a very satisfying sprooing.<br> I have a similar Lydith in Exakta mount, haven't really used it much, so it's nice to see some images from you. The Subaru Forester looks to have been eaten by some kind of metal munching monster!<br> We are having a bit of a late Summer heat wave at the moment, don't know if it's finding it's way over the Tasman.</p>

<p>Wow Brad,these are spectacularly good, lovely tones and sharpness, obviously a nice outfit. You have a good eye for an abstract!</p>

<p>Good one Rick. The strawberries are good....we are eating plenty too, and our heat wave has finally passed. I seem to recall that the Titan brand was from Dixon's Photographic back in the day. Good honest lenses, build quality not to bad either. Cheap and cheerful probably covers them quite well.<br> As you say it's hard to find a bad 135, and yours looks plenty sharp.....nice post as usual, enjoy the sunshine!</p>

<p>Nothing to add, but there is a lot of knowledge and helpfulness on this forum...good stuff guys!</p>

<p>No worries Rick, I am amazed that your pics aren't repetitious, you seem to always come up with something new, keep it up!</p>

<p>Yes, you need to throw it open to auction, should fetch quite a bit. The lens attached is no more than a glass body cap though:)</p>

<p>What a great find, always a treat to get more than you bargained for! I have never clapped eyes on this model, and like many others, have the later one, plus the earlier Konica 1, 11, and 111.<br> Something about Konicas, kind of solidity that grows on you, as you will find with the Autoreflex. The lenses are indeed highly rated, as was the Hexanon in the Konica 111. The lens alone is worth the price, as their advertising went back in the seventies.<br> Your pics are very sharp and crisp, but they always are....I must come over some time and get some tips on scanning! Also, your town must be the most photogenic in EnZed, or at least the most photographed :)<br> I just can't find anything much of interest to photograph around here, apart from the beach that is. Congrats on rescuing a forgotten gem, and look forward to some Autoreflex photos in the near future.</p>

<p>Great series of portraits Brad, love that 105mm Takumar. Rick, look forward to more from the Konica....I'm still trying to use the film in the Contaflex, the weather is due to clear soon!</p>

<p>Another.</p><div></div>

<p>Like the cat Mike, I'm coming back as one! A couple from me.</p><div></div>

<p>Add to what Paul has said, none of those are probably worth the effort of re spooling the film, so I would look for an old Rollei, or even a Roleicord.<br> If you want to play around with a box camera, any of the number two Brownies, particularly the Portrait Brownie No.2, take 120 film, and take quite a good "Lomo-esque" picture.</p>

<p>Rick, the guy with the beachside hut may need to look into his foundations in the near future :)</p>

<p>Thanks Marc, the Tri-X versus HP4 was an interesting one. Also electronic flash is becoming a big thing.The ubiquitous Nikon F makes a mockery of today's short model runs.</p>

<p>Michael is quite correct, and the shutter will still make a normal sound when it miss fires.</p>

<p>I'll post another, colour this time.</p><div></div>

<p>Another week Mike! One shot from my Contaflex 11, I will post some more when I finish the roll in the camera....weather has gone off at the moment.</p><div></div>

<p>Update, I don't have a 7S, but do have a 9, don't know if the shutter releases are the same or not....but probably very similar. The 9 works well, lens is clear and shutter seems good. I don't have a battery in it, but would assume that the meter doesn't work...but who knows?<br> The only problem is that the RF is way out of whack, probably easily adjusted though. If you want this camera, let me know, your for the postage. I'm on the NSW far south coast so the cost will be around $10-$15.<br> Tony</p>