Zeiss Ikon Contessa & Ikonta guide Reference guide

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        THE CONTINA SERIES
   The contina is a camera for use with 35 mm. fitms and
  fitted with a non-inrerchangeable lens. Affirsl  ii was called
  the 35 mm. lkonta, then r'enamed contina ana- r.t.r-ii.;-
  duced in three versions: contina  I without raoiiln.l buiit-in
  accessories, contina ll.equipped with an. uncoupled ranll-
  finder, and contessa witrr uirilt-in photoelearrc il.t., and a  ralgefinder coupled to the lens.
    In 1954 these'models were discontinued and replaced bv
 the contina la and lla. The makers reasonea tr,.i?ie;h#
 focus lenses used in these cameras provide .u.n at field
 aperture sufficient.!..p.th of field to maice out-of-focus phoio-
 g,f.ph:,much less likely than with largerinsiruments. On
 tne other hand, with the wider use of colour films the
  necessity of vely accurate exposure has increased. In con-
 sequence the contina lfa featirres a photoelectric exposure
 meter rather than a rangefinder. Boih the la ana-lla ,f,"a.1,
 differ from their predelessors otherwis" r.inly in their
 bellowless rigid construcrion, with r"pia nir"#inaer and
 automatic tensioning of the shutter.
   35 mm. IKONTA and coNTrNA_r (discontinued). This is a stream-
 lined handy miniature camera for 35 rim. film in standard cassettes for up    to_36.exposures                                       mm..).                lX t*. i".e4x36                                                 p"rii;i;;t;;;it;,rh;;ii:   f   f x2g.x4f                              and *"iqh'.:                in. (4.2x2.2{tzcni.)                                                    rii11 tr.?so;.i.rc
 metal bodv is cbvered with reather, meta'i p"rti u-irig'lfr,"r chrome finished oi black enamelled. rt"  lil'r paner with shutter is connected   th9 body by short 1o                    fguare beilows, ind when .io."J ir,ite are pro-          the              hinged                     bdseboard.                             Doubre u*forur"i..e aitomaticaily l"_.^l-"1!t,prevented,            as are                  blank                        frames.
       viewing an optjcal.direct visionfinder is buirt into the camera .^19-. Dody.  I he lens is provided with "red dot" zon-e focus settings. Mounted in a convenient                  position                              is the                                shutter                                         release and                                                          the-                                                   nl, *i.a, located       on the bas'e                       of the camera,                                    allows                                       exposures                                                            in quick                                                                 succession. A.ll    settings,              distance,                     aperture                                ana.exposure',
of       camera   the               at a-glance.                       Depth                                                     ,jr n"ta'.c"i";;il;;i"can be ."dn irom-ir," t.i
counter' tripod bush, accessory shoe, firm indiiato.       ""porr."iorcarrying strap are provided.                     "na "yer,iti
  . Either tl,9 -!* in. (4.5 cm.) coatgd Novar f 3.5 in prontor S.v. shutter orthg.l.* in.-(4.5 im.) toated_Zeiss Tessarf 2:8 i; c;r;;;hi*;,       is fitted.
  When first issu6d the 35 mm. lkonta was available with uncoated lens.the Prontor s shutter and arso with i r* r. rt.l.-'nl'x;;;'it:il;;;:'"' s

Since Autumn 1953 the 35 mm. lkonta is known as the Contina l.
   Both cameras are, of course, handled in the same way and we shallthere-
   fore refer in this guide to it as the Contina  I only.
    CONTINA la, introduced in 1954 to replace the Contina  l, shows a
   departure in body design from its predecessor. The lens is fitted in a
   short rigid tube solidly to the front of the body doing away with bellows
   and the necessity to open up the camera. A rapid film winder transports
   the film by one frame and automatically also advances the exposure
   counter and tensions the shutter. Double exposures as well as blank
   frames are impossible.
    An optical direct visionfinder is built into the top of the camera
   body, the lens has red-dot zone focus settings. Other features are a
   body release, depth of field indicator, tripod bush, accessory shoe, and
    film indicator.
    The lens is the coated lf  in. (4.5 cm.) Novar f 3.5 in a Prontor SVS
   shutter. The complete Contina measures 2f x3x5 in. (5.8x7.5x !2.5
   cm.), weight 17 oz. (470 g.).
   THE CONTINA ll (originally known just as Contina, now discon-
   tinued).  lt incorporates allthe features of the Contina l, and in addition
   has a rangefinder built into the top of the camera. This measures, in a
   matter of a few seconds, the exact distance from the subject to which
   the lens has then to be set. The camera measures lfx3$x4f   in.
    (4.5 x 9.2 x l2 cm.) and its weight is 20t oz. (580 g.). The same lenses and
   shutters are fitted to this model as to the 35 mm. lkonta and Contina l.
    CONTINA lla, introduced in l954to replace the Contina ll, is of the
   same construction as the Contina la (see above), but has a photoelectric
   exposure meter built into the camera top. The lens is the coated lf; in.
   (4.5 cm.) Novar  f 3.5 or Novicar  f 2.8 in a Prontor SVS shutter. The
   dimensions are 2f,x3|x5 in. (5.8x8.1x 12.5 cm.). Weight 18{ oz.
    (s30 g.).
    CONTESSA. This model (discontinued) incorporates all the features
   of the 35 mm. lkonta and has a built-in rangefinder which is coupled to
   the lens. When measuring the distance to the subject with the range-
   finder the lens is automatically set to this distance. A photo-electiic
   exposure meter is also incorporated into the camera body, indicating
   the correct exposure time required for any class of subject.
    The Contessa measures lf x3Sx4l  in. (4.5x7.7 x12 cm.) and
   weighs l8f oz. (530 g.). A coated lf  in. (4.5 cm.) Zeiss Tessar f 2.8 lens
    is fitted in a Synchro-Compur shutter.
     Models supplied up to 1952 were fitted with a Compur shutter with
    flash contact.

  The lrenses
   The lenses of the Contina and Contessa are' not inter-
6 changeable and consequently neither telephoto nor wide

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                    CONTINA AND
                     CONTESSA MODELS
                                 The Contino llo has a built-in photo.
                                 electric exposure metei and
                                   rapid winding lever and is fitted
                                 with the Novar f 3.5 or Novicar
                                                       f 2.8 lens in a Prontor SVS shutter
                             on a rigid body (left).
                        pr,*(t', ! The Contina lo is similar to the lla,
 but without the exposure meter,
 and is fitted with the Novar f 3.5 in a Prontor SVS shutter (rilht).




                                         7he. Contesso (discontinued) has a
                                       built-in coupled rangefindbr and
                                     photo-electric exposure meter and
                                                           is fitted with the Tessarf2.S lens in
                                   a Synchro-Compur shurter (reFr).

The.Contina  ll (discontinued) has a
built-in_ uncoupled rangefinder.
and is fitted with the Nolar f 3.5
or Tessar f 2.8 in a Prontor SV or
Compur Rapid shutter (right\.



                      The C_ontino I   (discontinued),
                                         originaf fy called 35 mm. lkonto, is
                                    fitted with the same lenses and
                                   shutters as Contina  ll, but has no
                               rangefinder. Like the Contessa
                          and Contina  ll, the camera ls a
                                   folding bellows model (left).

angle lenses can be used. The only optical supplementaryt
  equipment available consists of converging meniscus lenses
  which allow the camera to be set to nearer distances than
  would be possible with the unaided lens (see page 26).
    THE l8 in. (4.5 cm.)NOVARf 3.5 is athree-lens air-spaced anastigmat.
     It has a good standard of definition over the entire negative field even
    at full apetture, and is gradually improved when stopped down to f 8.
     It is suitable for all general work and, because of its wide aperture, it can
   be usefully employed for taking photographs of fast moving subjects
    in poor light.
    THE l* in. (4.5 cm.) NOVICAR F2.8 is a three-lens air spaced anastig-
   mat' In spite of its wide aperture (particularly for a three-component
   lens) it offers a good standard of definition even at full aperture and
   gradually improves when stopped down to f8.   lt is suiiable for all
   general work and also, on account of its very wide aperture, for photo-
   graphs in very poor light or unfavourable conditions.
   THE l8 in. (4.5 cm.) TESSAR F2.8 is a four-lens anastigmat with the
   front component air-spaced, while the back component is cemented.
  The Tessar is accepted throughout the world as perfect optical equip-
  ment. lts definition is very good even at full aperture, covering the
   negative fully and evenly illuminating to the corners; the lens yields
   images of great brilliance. The best performance of the Tessar is given
   around f 5.6; the correction remains undiminished  at smaller apertures.
  The Tessar is particularly well corrected for colour. At f 2.8 it passes
   50 per cent. more light than the Novar F3.5. While its field of applica-
   tion is similar to that of the Noyar, its speed permits instantaneous
   exposures in very poor light, indoors and in artificial light.
   THE lt  in. (4.5 cm.) XENAR F2.8 built into some earlier 35 mm.
   lkonta camer:ts, is of the same construction and performance as the
   Tessar f 2.8.
     All these lenses cover an angle of approx. 50o and can be
  focused down to 3 ft. (some 35 mm. lkontas to 2 ft.6 in.).
  The aperture can be stopped down to f 22 and the scale of
   reproduction, at the shortest distance, is | : 15.
   The Contina and Contessa lens mount accepts either
  32 mm. push-on ar 27 mm. screw-in filters (page 66) and
   close-up lenses (prg.26), produced by the makers, There is,
   of course, no reason why good filters, etc., of other makes
  should not be employed

  Coated lrenses
I    The latest development  in improving the performance of photographic

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  lens.es is- a process generatly called coating or blooming.  lt consists of the
 appfication of a_microscopically fine coat of inorganii substance on the
 glas-s surfaces. This considera.bly-willreduces the lighl reflection at gtass-air surfaces in the lens. The gain     be fully ap-preciated ii it is'under- sto_od that, for example in                               Tessar, the iosi'of light due to surface                                 -a reflection is in the relion of_about 35 per cent., a rfturJwtrich can be
 reduced by coating tolbout 5 per cent.'
                      the speed of the tens, which_may in actual practice
 De"-tR.Ir-fromgq1it1jn5.o per cent. (h.alf a stop), its main importance lies-in the elimination
 gl t.lr: scattered light..which impairs th-e contrast of the image. This results in a more brilliant negative, especially- in the shadovi regions
 where the tones are most subidued and so ufilliance .nd iontr"rt most needed.                                                      "r"
 - The contina, contessa and latest 35 mm. lkonta have factory-coated lenses. With the older 35 mm. lkonta cameras, which r"y  tl"u"-un-
 treated lenses, the coating can be undertaken by-reliable opiical ,"nu-
 facturers through most photographic dealers.'The fact ih"t   Iensis coated can be recognize.d by observing in the lens the reflection" of, let us sa)r.'.a ramp.  I his will                         -appgar distinctly coloured, as a rule a rather deep blue with a tinge of red.
   Lenses which were coated originally by the factory are marked with
a red T next to the manufacturei's name on the lens'.
The Care of Lrenses
  The treatment and care of lenses is a matter of importance. Due to
11.the !!:,rl*]intluence composition,of moisture, andopticalfor thisgtassreasonlouchingof high qualitytheis iusceptibleglass with theto
fingers should. be avoided. Since comprete protectioi is irfrpossible, the
lens surface should be cleaned occasionally with a .|""n, i"rt chamoisleather. coated lenses should be cteaned witt i fin;;;;ihaii  biuihgentlr used, or by. carefully wiping them with a piece of iotton woolmoistened with spirit.
The Lens Hood
- This is a tube, as a rule made from metal, placed over thefront of the lens to prorect it from light comiirg from outside
the-actual picture aiea. There is no-pictu.e wfii.h could not
Pe iTptgved in clarity and brilliance by the use of a lens
hood. The wide.                     aperture of the len's the more impor-                 !hgtant is the use of the lens hood. The light coming fi-om
obfects outside the actual picture area will touch t[e lens
and reduce rhe brilliance of the picture considerabty.  rrrii
applies not only to photographs'taken  againsr the'light-

when the lens hood becomes indispensable-but also to
    sunshine in general.

   The Shutters
     The Continas are equipped with the Prontor SVS and the                         'with   Contina I and ll also      the Prontor SV or the Synchro-
   Compur shutter. Some earlier models of the lkonta 35 mm.
   were fitted with the Prontor S shutter. Contessa cameras
    are supplied with the Synchro-Compur, earlier models with
   the Compur with flash contact.
     The shutter requires tensioning in the Contina l, ll and
   Contessa before exposure and the shutter release of all
   models is actuated by the easily accessible shutter release
    knob.
      All shutters are synchronized for flash photography; on
   the Prontor SVS, SV and Synchro-ComPur the flash syn-
    chronization can be adjusted to work even with fastest
    speeds (see page 28).
     THE PRONTOR SVS, SV AND S SHUTTERS have eight speeds: l,l/ 2,
     li5, l/10, a125,,/50, l/100 and l/300 sec., and a B setting for time
     exposures, as well as a built-in delayed action release.
      bperating the shutter requires these actions; setting the speed,
     tensioning the shutter (on Contina l, ll and Contessa), and releasing it.
     To setihe shutter, turn the outside milled ring until the red index
    mark on the rim points to the speed required. The elglave{-figgtgl
        l, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, i00 and 300 stand for a, | 12, | 15,  | | 10,  | /25,  | /50,  | /100
    and l/300 sec. respectively.
      To iension theihutter,  pull the tensioning lever, immediately behind
    the milled setting ring of ihe shutter, anti-clockwise as far as lt will go.
   On Contina la and lla the shutter is automatically tensioned on trans-
            the film.     porting'               the shutter, press the large protruding release knob    To ielease
          downward.     lently-                 action release (also called self-timer) is built into the    A 'delayed
    Prontor shutter which permits the photographer to aPPear in the photo-
    graph himself. To use the delayed act,ion release. set the camera in the
      usu'al way and mount it on a rigid support, preferabl), a-triPod. On the
    Prontor SVS set the synchronizing lever to V, on the SV shutter press
   down the delayed action setting lever as far as it will go. This is the
     lever with a red dot in its centre on the lower part of the shutter rim.
10 On pressing the shutter release, the shutter oPens after a delay of

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 approximately  I seconds, giving the photographer time to take his
 Place In tne ptcture.
  On the Prontor SV-the synchronizing lever (see page 29) must be
 set to X when the self-timer is used.
  THE SYNCHRO-COMPUR  and COMPUR-RAPID  shutters have nine
 speed_s: l,  | 12, l/5, l/10, a 125, | 150, l/100, l/250 and l/500 sec., as well
 as a.B_ setting for time exposures. (some shutters had l/300 instead
 of l/250 sec.)
 . The.Synchro-Co.mpur and recent Compur-Rapid shutters differ only in their flash synchronization (see page 30).
                                                          speed, tension- - Again three actions are necessary; setting the required ing the shutter, and releasing  it.
  To set the shutter, turn thc outside milled ring until the arrow head
 p9lnqs_qo the speed required. The engraved figules a, Z, S, lO, 25, 50,
  f 00, 250, and 500 stand for l,l12,llS,lll0,llZ5,llS0,l/100,  l/250, and
   I /500 sec. respectively
  To tension the shutter, p-ull the tensioning lever on top of the shutter
 in a clockwise direction as far as it will go.
  To release the shutterr press the large protruding release knob gently
downward.
  The speeds from I to.l/10 and l/25 to t/250 sec. range continuously
and may be set to any in-between value, i.e. a setting betieen 50 and 100
gives an exposure of l/75 sec. on the other hind no intermediate
 lp.!_e-ds betw_een  I sec. and B nor between lil0 and t/25 or between
 l/250 and l/500 sec. can be set.
.,When turning the out-side njtl"{ ring of the shutter from l/250 to l/500. sec. a resl-stance is felt which is due to the additionar sprin! fitted
to achieve this fastest speed.
  FOR TIME EXPOSURES with any of the shutters described, set the
shutter speed ring to-B (brief time). The shutter requires tensioning in
the usual way. on releasing, the shutter will remain open as long asihe
release button  is pressed down and closes as soon as th; pressure-on the
release is removed. For such time exposures the cimera must be
mounted on a firm support such.a a tripod.  lt is usually safest to release
the shutter with the help of a cable reldase to avoid shikine the camera.
This release is screwed lnto the cable release socket of thi shutter.
                                                         openfor.longer- To give longthan-timeone exposures-where-the"-ah conveniently keep shutterthe releaseis to depressed'-aremaincable release with locking screw should bb employed. To make the
exposure seJ the shutter to B, depress the cablb r6lease plunger, and
lishten its fixing screw. The shudter will now remain open rintii thefixing screw is unlocked.

f

           HAI{DI.,ING THE CAMERA
   Loading
      Let us take it for granted that we have a 35 mm. film in
    a daylight cassette. Our first task is then to load the camera
    with film. This should be done in subdued daylight, or at
     least in the shadow of one's own body.
      l. Open back.
    2. Pull out rewind knob.
    3. Insert cassette with fllrn into film chamber.
    4. Push back rewind knob.
    5. Fix film end to take-up spool.
    6, Turn film transport knob until perforation en.
       gages in film transport sprockets.
    7. Close camera back.
    8. Turn exposure counter disc until the diamond
      mark shows to pointer.
    9, Wind ftlm transport knob to No. l.
    10. Set film indicator disc.
        l.  Pull down the closing catch, and the back can be swung open on
            its hinges.
  ,   2, Pull out the milled rewind knob, located outside the empty film
         chamber.
     3. Insert the cassette with the film into the empty chamber with the
         beginning of the film pointing towards the take-up spool.
     4. Push back the rewind knob so that its pronged end engages in the
          slotted hole ofthe cassette centre spool.
     5. First, turn the take-up spool in the opposite chamber until lts
            flat spring with a black tooth lies uppermost. Then pull the film
       end across the picture frame and fix it by pushing it under the
        spring and hooking the second perforation hole into the small
         black tooth.
     5. Turn the film winding knob until the perforation engages in both
         sprockets.
     7. Close the camera back and push up the closing catch to secure it.
     8. Press the index finger on the milled knob next to the exposure
         counter window and turn it in the direction of the engraved arrow
           until the index mark is opposite the second division before No. 0
       on the Contina la and lla. With the other models turn to set the
        diamond mark in the window opposite the pointer on the window
12     segment.

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                                     Digitally signed by mike butkus
                            DN: cn=mike butkus,
                             o=orphancameras, ou=29,             LOADINGmike butkus email=mike@butkus.org, c=US
                                Date: 2018.01.03 17:42:02 -05'00'





                                                                   fitt





  To.p.row: Open camera back (left), pull out rewind knob (centre), insert cassette   (right).
  second row: Push back rewind knob (left), fix fitm to take up spool (centre), wind  film transport (right).
  Third row: close cam:r? back (teft), set fitm counter: on contina la, ila (right),  on other models (centre).
  Bottom row: Wind film.transport.on contina  l, ll, contessa  (left), or on contina  ll   lla (centre), set film indicatoi (rrght).

F
     9, On the Contina la and lla wlnd the film wlth the winding lever
         (tensioning the shutter at the same time) and press the release.
       Repeat this once more. On the other models wind the
          film transport knob until you come to a definite stop. This will
         advance the exposure at the same time, and you are now ready to
        wind on for the first photograph.
    10. To remind you of the type and speed of the film you loaded into
        the camera, set the film type indicator disc so that the particular
        speed of either black-and-white or colour daylight (:colour on
        white base) or colour artlficial light (:6e1our on black base) points
         to the indicator.
   Holding
     The camera should be held as stead)r as possible, as the
    slightest shake, even if not seen in the original negative, will
   become visible in the enlargement.
   A particularly steady hold of the camera is necessary
   when working below l/100 sec. (see also page l8).
     To take horizontal pictures the camera is securely held
     in the palm of the right hand. The right thumb is placed on
    the back of the camera. The right index finger rests on the
    shutter release. The left hand grips the left hand side of the
   camera body. In the case of the Contessa, the left index
    finger actuates the milled rangefinder setting mechanism.
     The elbows should be slightly pressed to the body during
   exposure to secure greater steadiness.
    To take upright pictures, the camera is rotated by 90"
   from its horizontal position, the right hand gripping the
   camera from above with the right index finger on the
    release while the lower part rests in the left hand. In the
    case ofthe Contessa, the left index finger actuates the range-
          fi nder setting mechanism.
    When releasing the shutter, use finger pressure only;
    keep the hand and its grip on the camera steady. The actual
    pressing down must be done slowly and smoothly.
      For hand held slow exposures, rest the elbows or at least
    lean the body against some support in order to avoid shake.
     In an emergenq/ l/5 sec., and with a ver)r steady hand l/2 sec.,
    can be exposed in this way without noticeable camera shake.
14  A tripod is necessary when taking time exposures and it

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                                          HOLDING
                                                       Press_afficamera firmly                                          against forehead,


 Holding the Contina, la and lla (obovel, and the
 Contina  I and ll (below').                                tuck  both elbows
                                                             well  into your side





Holding the Contessa (below) ready for focusing       and stand with yourand releasing.                                       feet slightly aiart.
         tq,





Right: The Contina  l, ll, and Contessa are held in
the ever-ready case by spring-loaded hooks.

is also recommended for speeds from l/10 to I sec. A rigid
    tripod with ball-and-socket head can be employed to allow
    changing from horizontal to vertical position.
     The tripod bush on the Contina la and lla is in the camera
    bottom, on Continas  l, ll and Contessa  it is let intothe base-
   board and covered by   screw which must be removed
    before a tripod can be screwed^      in. The tripod bush on the
   35 mm. lkonta is let into the camera top plate opposite the
    film indicator disc and also protected by a slotted screw.
   The camera thus goes on the tripod upside down. This, of
    course, is of no consequence.

   Carrying
     However elegant it may be to carry the camera on a long
    strap hanging from the shoulder, this position is quite un-
    suitable for guick action. A better method is to carry it on
   a short strap around the neck, so that it lies on the chest.
   Opening the case and lifting the camera up to the eye is
   then a matter of seconds.
     The ever-ready case carries the camera ready for use; lt
   does not have to be removed when taking the photograph.
      It is secured to the Contina la and lla by a retaining screw in
    the tripod bush. The other models have a spring tensioned
   hook fitted to either side of the case. Lifting these hooks
   and passing them over the eyelets on the camera secures
   the iase to the camera body. At the same time turn the
    film winding knob on the case until its two prongs engage
    into the winding knob of the camera.
     The very firsi35 mm. lkonta cameras are not suitable for
    this partiiular type of ever-ready case; the film transPort
   knob has no holes to accept the prongs of the film winding
   knob of this case.

   Shooting
     The manipulations described here should be Practised so
16 that in timd they will become practicall), automatic. After
                              L

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  the camera has been loaded wlth film, as instructed on
  pages 12 to 14, proceed to:
     l. Op".n camera front (Contina l, ll and Contessa        only).
   2. Set aperture.
   3. Set exposure time.
   4. Set distance.
        Sig_ht subject through viewfinder.    t.   6. Release.
    !. Transport film for next exposure.   8. Close camera (Contina l, ll'and Contessa only).
   l. on the contina  l, ll, and contessa only: To open the camera front
     push the front opening button, on top 6r the biseboird, downwarJi
        a.tld. pu.ll the hinged-on=baseboard do*n until the opening r".r,"nrc,      clicks into place.
 2. set the apert-ur_e (or "stop") by turning the serrated rim behind the
     uppe-r part of_the shutter uirtii the indJcator points to the ip"rtr."
     required on the rear part of the scale on top of the shutter.
       _.       Tt," purpose of the-aperture  is to adjust tlie effective diameter of
    the lens. The aperture scale carries numbers such as 2.9, 3.s, 4, s.6,
                   chang-ing the aperture from    nurl"r io t6e hexi     9t ll' 16,22.     hig.her ore halves thJamount of right imi,Ja"ny  1.na ihus requires     twice as long an gxposure time, otheithirigs bein! equar;        thu       s.tep. 1.5 to 4). similarly, going to the nexi rowei aperture"*c"itndmber
    doubtes the light passed each time. In addition, the smailer the
     opening.(i.e. W!,en the lens is stopped down) the greater the depth
 3.-  ofSetfieldthe"eipo:r-.g.(page 53).  time accord]tlq to the shutter fitted to your    camera. Full details on pages l0-ll.
    How to determine thd eiposure time is explained on pages 59-61. 4. Set the distance from came." to ,uuj".i bti;;;;;ihl    rront ,"i,n
     of the camera lens, which has the distance niuies (in'reei or metres)
    engraved on it, to the indicator on the camer-a froni plate. in thui.rZ
     of the co-ntina  l, la, and lla the distance has to ue estimaiid or can be    measured             with th.e                         aid                               of                               a separate                                         rangefinder                                                       o- zoj, wtrl-fi    m?I.pg                                                      (see'   pager            attached                       the                         cameia                    to                                   accessoiy                                       shoe.
     With the contina ll the distance is ineasured with the buitt-in
     rang.gfi.nder (s_ee page 20) and the lens then sei io ttr"Cairtrn.".
     with the contessa the distance is measured with the built-in- '-'
5.-  Torangefinderview thewhichimage,automaticallyhold the 5ack-sightsetsthe lensclosd(seeto'tf,Epages zo-21,).Do not   attempt to.turn the camera to the right or left-, away frbm"v".the eyej   nor must            the eye                   be                    moved                           from                                 thJcentre                                                     dyepiece                                                    of the                                                             to ffnd,   the        limitation                   of the                            field                                of                            view.                                     This ..spying                                                     rourid'the                                                                   corner,,
     is deceptive, as only that section seen in ttid ie'ntre .itii!-"y"pill"  tI
CONT-B

F
       whlle looking straight ahead, will appear on the nc_g?tiv9. The fleld          j        of view is exict foiphotographs taken at 9 ft. to l2 ft. distance. At
         infinity a trifte more'appeais 6n the negative than is seen throuSh the
        finder, and at 3 ft. to 6-ft. a shade less. The camera ls fitted with an                    1,
        optical direct-vision eye-level viewfinder (which in the_case of the                t
       Contessa is combined-in one eyepiece with the rangefinder) built
        into the top plate of the camera.
    6, To release ihe shutter, gentl), press the releaie button. Speeds from                              -'instintaneous"        li25 to l/500 sec. are              and can be taken with the
       cimera tr6td in the hand. lt is advisable to use the slower speeds of
        l/25 sec. and even l/50 sec. as sparingly as possible, as there is some
       d'anger of ierking the camera, ind even a slight ierk, six or eight
       diameters'enlarged,  results in unsatisfactory defi nition.
     7. Wind the film trinsport. On the Contina  l, ll, and Contessa.turn the
      knob in the directidn of the engraved arrow as far as it will go.
     8. On the Contina l, ll, and Contessa only: Close the camera by pressing
       the two milled strut plates inward it the same time pressing the
       baseboard upwards until it clicks into place.

   Unloading
    When the whole fitm has been exposed, the film counter
    will point 0o 36 (or to the appropriate number in cases
   wher-e a film of shoi'ter length hai been used, such as a colour
    film with 20 exposures). 1f the film counter has not been
    set, the fact that you cannot wind the film transPort any
   further indicates that all the film has been used uP. Do not
    force the winder  if you feel a resistance, otherwise you will
    tear the film out of the cassette. To unload the film:
         l.  Depress reyersing button and keep depressed
        during rewinding.
       2.  Rewind fllm into cassette.
       3. Open camera back.
       4.  Pull out rewind knob, remoye cassette'
       5.  Close Gamera back or reload.
   2. To rewind the film into its original cassette turn the rewind knob
      on the top of the Contina la anil lla, or underneath the base plate of
       the othei models, in the direction of the engraved arrow. When
       rewindlng is completed the resistance of the film ceases and the
       rewind k-nob turris freely. Make sure that the film is completely
      rewound by removing your finger from the reversing button..lf the
       rewind kndb can be t-uined freEly it is an indication that the film has
18    been fully rewound.

II
     3. Open the cameri back as instructed on Page 12, No. l.
    4.  Pdll out the rewind knob (see page 12, No.2).
     5.  Ciose rhe camera back (see'page 12, No. 7), or'reload (see page l2).
   Rangefinder Focusing
   A rangefinder is an optical instrument to measure the distance
    between-the subiect to bd photographed and the camera.
      photographic iangefindeig worl< dn.the principle of combining.two
     distinct i-mages. Generally this is done by having two mirrors or prisms,
   one of whic-h remains stationary while dhe second one is pivoted. The
    angle through which the movaSle prism or mirror has to be turned to
     fus"e the dou,-ble image into one is uied to show the distance on the scale.
     ftrir  i. the principle-employed  jn tlre rangefinder built into the Contina  ll.
        it"  rangefinddr  bulli into the Contesia has two stationary prisms and
    combining-the double image into one is.effected .by two revolving    suppleme-ntary wedges. Tfr'is system results in high accu.racy. as the
    *ddg"t of the Contelsa must rotate through 60' to cover this distance'
    whil6 less accurate systems have only 30" movement.
     THE RANGEFINDER OF THE CONTINA ll. On looking through the
    eveoiece of the rangefinder one wlll see in the centre of the field a small
     Ui.isht rectansular iection, in which the vertical outlines of the subject
    aoo-ear doubl6. By slowly turning the rangefinder focusing ring on toP
       o'f tn" camera, the two images in ihe centre of the field will merge into
    a single one. Stop moving ihefocusing wheel when the two images are
          superimposed. The scale on thb.rangefin-der focusing wheel then
    shows'disiance"*".ily         accurately and automaticall)'. Set the lens (page 6) to
    the distance indicated by the rangefinder
    THE RANGEFINDER OF THE CONTESSA iS COMbiNEd With thc
    viewfinder and is automatically coupled to the lens. Looking through
    the viewfinder eyepiece one will iee a light circular Portion in the
    centre. lt is in this'circle that the image of the subiect aPPears double.
   On turning the focusing ring (around the lens mount) slowly, the two
    imases wiii merge into one. Stop when the two images are suPer-
    implsed and the-lens will be focused accurately on the subject.
     SEPARATE RANGEFINDERS. The Contina l, la, and lla have no
     built-in rangefinder. Users who are not g^oo.d at estimating distances.are
     advised to u-se one of the separate rangefinders available on the market,
                                                                These     farticularly when working-it shorteidistances (3.ft.. to Z9 ft.).    instruments are generallyhtted with a foot to slide into the accessory
    shoe mounted onlop of the 35 mm. lkonta. They are used the same way
     as the Contina  ll rangefinder (above). Be sure to acquire a rangefinder
    with the same calibraiion as the camera.  lf the camera is scaled in feet a
     rangefinder showing the distance in feet..is required,.if the camera  is
     scalid in metres, one giving a metre reading is needed.
     Th" orthodox way of foEusing described may be adopted for taking
20 photographs of subi6cts that are fairly stationaq/ or do not move at all.

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                             THE RANGEFINDERS

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        .X\



The rangefinder of the Contina ll covers distances by movine a mirror throuphabout 3'. lt shows two separate yigrys of t_he subject  iir a rectingular window (tZp
left). T_urn the setting knob (top right) untilthe t*o images me.gi into one (botiorh
left).. Then read the distanc-e haitei in the cut-out oi the seiting knob (bottom
right) and set the distance setting on the lens to the same figure.





                   The rangefinder.of the Contessa rotates two wedge
                                pris.ms through ab_out 60'.  lt shows two separate vieis
                              of the subject in the light centre of a circle (teft). Turn
                         the milled ring on the iront of the camera (cintie) until
                        adlustmgnt is necessarT, is the lens is automaticallyI{7I                          th.e two images merge into one (right). 'No frirther                          set to the correct distdnce.

For moving subjects a different method of focusing is more suitable.
      Set the iamera lens with the rangefinder to a distance at which the
     subject will be at a given moment, or focus on a spot which the subject
     actually has to pass. Watch the scene in the finder, and press the release
    button when the subject reaches the pre-focused point.
     With subjects liable to react self-consciously (e.g. children), set the
     lens and rangefinder to the distance you intend to photograph at, and
    then approach your subiect quickly, exposing as soon as the two images
     in the rangefinder coincide.
       Alternately, focus on some object which is the same distance from the
    camera as your real subject, but in a different direction.
     When the range  is found and set on the lens, swing round to Press the
    release button as soon as your subject comes into the field of view.
      See also page 55 for quick shooting wlth zone focusing methods.

  The Depth of Field lrdicator
     The Contina and Contessa carrY a depth of field indicator
   on the front of the shutter, opposite the distance scale on
   the lens mount. This shows at a glance how much of the
    subiect will be sharp.
     T6 read off the availa'ble depth, set the lens mount to the distance of
    the subject, and look for the distance figures opposite the index lines
    marked'with the apercure you are using. For instance with the lens set
    to l0 ft. and an apeiture of f8, thetwo lines marked 8on each side ofthe
     central triangulir index mark point to about 6{ and iust over 20 ft.
    respectively.-The sharp zone therefore extends from 6| to about 22 or
    23 ft. (see page 23).
      The-depih bf fieid indicator will also show the best settings to obtaln
    a given zone of sharpness. For instance, we may require a scene to be
    shirp from about 4 to l0 ft. In that case rotate the lens mount until a
    pairbf aperture index lines of the same number are opposite 4 and l0 ft.
     iespectiiely on the distance scale, and note the apefture _and distance
    setiing.              In our example this will be the case with the f  I I aperture            -     lines.  The central triangle mark will then be opposite about 6 ft.,
     indicating that the camera must be set to 6 ft. and the lens stopped
   down to f ll.       Different Contina models have slightly different distance figures on
    the scale, but the principle is the same in each case. See also page 17.

  The Built-in Exposure Meter
    The Contina lla and Contessa have a bullt-ln photo-
    electric meter, which covers practically the same angle as
22 the camera lens.

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  I
                 THE DEPTH OF FIELD INDTCATOR (page 22)





    The depth of field indicator shows clearly how much of the subiect will be sharo at
     any given distance. Pairs of aperture nuhbers are engraved odposite the distance
      scale, to facilitate accurate and easy indication. Havirig focusei'the  lens correctly,
     read the distance figures lying opp6site the numbers oT the aperture you are soi;q
     to use. These will be the limits of the dgpth of field. For example, seiting thd leni
    to l0 ft. and using f 8 will give a depth'of field from 6 ft.3 in. io 23 fi. Larrer
     apertures reduce the depth of field so,that at the same distance, using f 4, ihe     depth of field would only'extend from 7ft. 5 in. to l3 ft. 9 in.

Jk,,,.*

1

                                             #
    To use the meter:
         l.  Set film speed.
       2.  Point meter in taking direction.
       3.  Set film indicator.
       4. Read off exposure time for any aperture.                                                           :i.'
      l. The film speed on cameras intended for the international market                             ,l
         is calibrated in ASA speeds, those for the Continental market in
      DlN. (The Contina lla has both.)                                                tr
      On iage 49 is a conversion table which allows conversion of the
      known speed of one rating into any other.
       To set'the film speed turn the indicator by its two knobs on toP
        of the disc until thb required speed number aPPears in the cut-out
        opposite the black index mark.
     3. The white indicator needle in the glass covered segment will move
       along the dial, and come to rest opposite one of the numbers with
       the eontina  lla, or on the Contessa opposite the white or black fields
       between the segment and the disc.
       On the Conti-na lla turn the setting ring with the black triangular
      mark to the figure in green or black corresponding to the Pointer
        reading.
       On the Contessa turn the milled ring with the indicator Point to
        face the white or black field leading to the index needle. In po91
          light, indoors, the indicator will only react if,the exPosure meter lid
       iiopened by pressing on the short rnetal stud fitted to the outside of
       the hinse on the lid.
                lf the reading has been taken with the lid closed, use the tleel       aperture scale of the disc, if the lid had to be opened use the black
         scale.
       On the hinge of the lid is a green dot which is only visible while
       the lid is closed. Consequently use the green scale when the green
       dot is visible.
     4. The aperture indicated opposite any of the exposure times on the
       meter gives the correct exPosure.
        The ireter of the Contina  lla carries two red figures beside the
                                                                                a        triangle index. These figures are filter factors. -When you use          filterl set the appropriate (or nearest) factor to the gree.n or black
       number as abov'e. This give-s direct ex-posure times with the filter.




24

CTOSE.IIP WORK
     While the Contina and Contessa cameras normally focus
   down to 3 ft., we can work at still closer distances with the
    aid of close-up lenses, making the camera suitable for photo-
   graphy of small objects such as plants, small creatures, for
   copying of books, documents and stamps, table top work,
    etc. The makers supply a series of such lenses.
    The Proxar                   m. covers subject distances from 39f to                  f:  I    l8 in.
    The Proxar f:Q.5 m. covers subject distances from 19*   to l2t in.
    The Proxar F:0.3 m. covers subject distances from
    l3* to 9{ in.
                                              distances from    The Proxar f:0.2 m. covers subject   7$ to 6$ in.
      All Proxar lenses are fitted in 28.5 mm. push-on mounts.
   Using the Proxar Lenses
     Mount the camera on the tripod, and approach the subfect
    until it appears the desired size in the viewfinder field.
   According to the dlstance, place the appropriate Proxar
    lens on the lens mount. Then measure accurately the dls-
   tance between the front of the Proxar lens and the centre
   of your subJect and look for this distance in the focusing
    table on page 27.
    No change of exposure time ls required with the close-up
    lenses.
    At full aperture the image will be slightly unsharp,
    particularly towards the corners. On stopping down, the
    definition is improved and will be normal at F8.
    The area reproduced when using these close-up lenses                                                T   does not fully correspond with the viewfinder lmage but is
    shifted In the direction of the lens due to parallax.
     The shift of the image is downwards towards the bottom
   when looking through the finder. The amount of image shift                                                        r    in proportlon to the picture area is given ln the followlng
26 tabte:                                     f
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