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Zeiss Ikon Contina I, II, III Reference guide
Reference guide for Zeiss Ikon Contina I, II, III. 76 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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- Brand
- Zeiss Ikon
- Model / document
- Zeiss Ikon Contina I, II, III
- Document type
- Reference guide
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 76
- File size
- 4.0 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
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- Not specified in catalog
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Page 2 · Read text
r
THE CONTINA SERIES
The Contina is a 35 mm. camera. lt was first called the
35 mm. lkonta, then renamed Contina, and later produced
in three versions, Contlna I without built-ln accessories,
Contina ll with uncoupled rangefinder, and Contessa wlth
photoelectric meter and coui'led rangefinder.
ln 1954 these models were replaced by the Contina la
and lla. llhe makers reasoned that the short-focus lenses
used give, bven at full aperture, sufficient depth of field to
make out-of-focus photographs unlikely. On the other hand
the wider use of colour-films demands greater exposure
accuracy. Consequently the Contina lla has a photoelectric
meter instead of a rangefinder, Otherwise models la and lla
differ from thelr predecessors in their bellowless rigid
construction and combined rapid film-wind and shutter-
tensioning.
ln 1956 a third model, the Contina lll. was added. This is
very similar to the Contina lla but fitted with the convertible
Pantar lens permitting tele-photo, wide-angle and stereo
attachments to be used.
At the same time the la and lla models were renamed and
are now simply called I and ll.
35 mm. IKONTA and OLD CONTINA I (discontinued). This is a
streamlined handy miniature camera for 35 mm.lfilm in standard cassettes
for up to 36 exposures I x !{ in. (24x36 mm.). lt is particularly small:
l*x2*x4l in. (4.2x7.2x 12 cm.) and weighs l5{ oz. (450 g.). The all-
metal body ls covered with leather, metal parts belng either chrome
finished or black enamelled. The lens panel with shutter is connected
to the body by short square bellows, and when closed these are Pro-
tected by the hinged baseboard. Double exposures are automatically
prevented, as are blank frames.
For viewing an optical direct vision finder is built into the camera
body. The lenl is pr6vided rvith "red dot" zone focui scttints. Mountcd
in a convenient positlon ls the shutter release and the film wind,
. located on the base of the camera, allows exposures in quick succcsslon.
All settings, distance, aperture and exposurc, can bc sccn from thc top
of the camera at a glancc. Depth of ficld scale, automatlc exposura
countcr, trlpod bush, accessory shoe, film lndicator and eyclcts for
Earrying strap are provlded.
Elther the ll ln. (4.5 cm.) coated Novar f3.5 in Prontor SV shutter or - 4 ttre t1 in. (4.5 im.) ioated 2eisr Tcssrr f 2.6 ln Compur shuttcr is fitted.
ib-..,,, ..View original page 2Page 5 · Read text
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I
I
1959 CONTTNA I, il AND ilt FEATURES
[4 ------
AboYe; The Contina lll shown against a I in, scale grid ,
fol tight: Top view of Contina 88
ll and lll with main control!.
Upqet centte right.' Front vi€w
of Contina lll (Contine ll is almost idcntical except for thc fl,-- 'Jl ebsence of the lens chrnging
catch),
Lower centte right: Bottom view F3
of Contina ll and lll (Contina I is identical except tor the
coupled aperture setting control), s?
Boatom tight: Front view of top
pan l. of Contiqa
feetures The and cont.oli il
rhown are:
Lensr L3,aperture control (link- www.butkus.us ed with exposure meter retting t0
on models ll and lll); L.1, aperture
L6, scale; lens changing cetch (on FI model lll only).
Focusing: front-cell focuring $8
mount F3, depth offield scele.
Shutter; 52, relcase button; L3
54, shutt€r speed scale; 56, light
value setting (model I only): 57,
synchronizint end self-timer
lever; S8, shutter speed rinS; 59, B7
Ilash socket; Sl0, cable release
sock'et in releue button. I8
Exposure metGr (on models ll
and lll): E2, meter cell; E6, film
speed setting; E7, meter needle;
ES, setting marker,
Viewfinder: Vl, finder window; $2 -- V2, ey€piec€.
Film and tensport: Tl, rapid
winding lever; T4, film counter; T6, film indicator (model I only); It T7, rewind knobi T8, reversing button. $
Body: 83, back lock; 87, ripod
bush; 88, accessory shoe. t3
Special: Zl, releasc lock for
exPo!ure s€tting.View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
Whcn llrst issucd thc 35 mm. lkont. w.3 rvaileblc wlth uncoetcd lcns,
the Prontor S shutter and also wlth a lf ln. (.t.5 cm.) Xcnar f 2.8 lcns.
After Autumn 1953 the 35 mm. lkonta was known as thc Contlna l.
Both camcras are, ofcourse, handlcd ln the same way and we shall thcrc.
forc rcfer ln thls 8uldc to lt as thc Old Contlna I only.
CONTINA l, lntroduced ln 1954 as the Contlna la to replace the Old
Contlna l, shows a departure ln body deslgn from lts predecessor. The
lens ls fitted ln a short rigid tube stolldly to the front ofthe body doing
away with bcllows and the necessity to open up tho camera. A rapid film
wlnder transports the film by one frame and also automatlcally advances
the exposure.counter and tenslons the shutter. Double exposurcs as
well as blank frames are lmposslble.
An optical direct vision finder ls bullt lnto thc top of the camera
body, the lens has red-dot zone focus settlngs. Other features are e
body release, depth of field indicator, trlpod bush, acc€ssory shoc, and
film lndicator.
The lens is the coated lf ln. (,1.5 cm.) Novar f 3.5 in a Prontor SVS
shuttar. The complete Contina measurcs 2f x3xS ln. (5.8x7.5x 12.5
cm.), welSht 17 oz. (470 g.l.
An alteinative model, lhtroduccd in 1958, ls slmilar to the model
above, but has the lf in. (4.5 cm.) Novicar f 2.8 lens ln Prontor SVS shutter with litht value scale,
Late ln 1958 an lmproved Contina I was introduced, with brlght-llne
finder, .15 mm. Pantar f 2.8 and top-plate with film-type indicator.
THE OLD CONTTNA ll (orlglnally iust the Contlna, now dlscon-
tlnued) incorporates all features of the old Contlna I, and ln addltlon
has a rangefinder bullt lnto the top of the camera. Thls measures, ln a
matter of a few seconds, the exact dlstance from the sublect to whlch
the lens has then to be set. The camera measures lfx3Sx4f ln.
(4.5 x 9.2 x l2 cm.) and lts rvelght ls 2O| oz. (580 g.). The same lenses and
shutters are fitted to thls model as to the 35 mm. lkonta and Contlna l.
CONTINA ll, lnroduccd ln l95l as the Contlna lla to replace the old
Contlna ll, ls of the sam€ constructlon as thc Contlna I (see above), but
has a photo-electric exposure meter bullt lnto the camera top. The lens
is the coated l* ln. (4.5 cm.) Novar f 3.5 or Novlcar f 2.8 ln a Prontor SVS shutter. The dlmenslons are 2f x3|x5 ln. (5.8x8.1x 12.5 cm.).
Weight 18{ oz. (530 g.).
Late in 1958 an improved Conrina ll was introduced, with bright-line
finder,45 mm. Pantar f2.8 and exposure meter coupled to aperture
settlng.
CONTINA lll, lntroduced ln 1956, ls of the same constructlon as the
Contlna ll (see above). The lens ls the convertible lf ln. (4.5 cm.) Pantar
f2.8, the front element of whlch can be removed and replaced by a
telcphoto or a wid+angle unlt, or th6 st€reo attachment. The shutter
ls a Prontor SVS wlth lilht value scale. The dlmenslons are 2-frx 3$x
8 5 ln. (6.,tx8.5x 12.8 cm.). Welght 22o2. (640 g.).
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Late in 1958 an improved Contina lll was introduced, wlth britht-lino
flnder and exposure meter coupled to aperture setting.
CONTESSA. This model (discontinued) incorporates all the features
of the 35 mm. lkonta and has a built-in rangefinder which is coupled to
the lens. When measuring the distanceto the subject with the'range-
finder the lens ls automatlcally set to this distanci. A photo-electlic
e_xposure meter is also incorporated lnto the camera body, indicating
the correct exposure time required for any class of subjecd.
The Contessa measures lf x3$x4| in. (4.5x7.7x12 cm.) and
weighs l8{ oz. (530 g.). A coated l$ in. (a.5 cm.) Zeiss Tessar f 2.il lens ls fitted in a Synchro-Compur shutter.
_ Models supplied up to 1952 were fitted with a Compur shutter with flash contact.
The Lenses
The lenses of the Contina I and ll and Contessa are nor
I nterchangeable and conseq uently neither telephoto nor wide
antle lenses can be used. The only optical supplementary
equipment available consists of converging meniscus lenses
which allow the camera to be set to n-ear-er distances than
would be possible with the unaided lens (see page 68).
(4.5 cp.) NQVAR f 3.5 is athree-lens air-spaced anastigmat. fHE lf in. It has a good standard of definition over the entire nigative field even
at full apertqre, and is gradually improved when stopped down to f 8.
It ls suitable for all general work and, because of its wide aperture, lt can
be usefully employed for taking photographs of fast m6vlng subjects
ln poor light.
THE l* in. (4.-5 cm.) NOVICAR F2.8 is a three.lens air spaced anastig-
lnat ln spite of its wide aperture (particularly for a thrie-component lens) it offers a good standard of definition even at full aperture and
gradually improves when stopped down to f8. lt is suitable for all general work and also, on account of its very wide aperture, for photo-
graphs ln very poor light or unfavourable conditions.
THE l* in. (4.5 cm.) TESSAR F2.8 is a four-lens anasrigmat with the
front component air-spaced, while the back component is cemented.
The Tessar is accepted throughout the world as perfect optical equip-
Ir ment. lts definition is very good even at full aperture, covering the
negative fully and evenly illuminating to the corners; the lens yields
il; lmages-ol_g1ea9 brilliance. The best performance of the Tessar is given
[1 alound f 5.6; the correction remains undiminished at smaller aperturet.
The Tessar is particularly well corrected for colour. At f 2.8 it passes
50 per cent.- more light than the Novar F3.5. Whlle its field of applica-
il tlon ls similar to that of the Novar, its speed permits instantaneous
til exposures in very poor light, indoors and ln artlficial light.
ll,
i
dView original page 7Page 9 · Read text
THE lf in. (4.5 cm.) XENAR F2.8 butlt tnto some earlier 35 mm.
lkonta camer.ur, is of the same construction and performance as the
Tessar f 2.8.
The l| in. (4.5 cm.) PANTAR F2.8 is standard on the latest Continas
I' ll and lll. lt is a three-element anastigmat giving good definition over
the whole negative, reaching maximum shaipneis-at f 8. lt is suitabre
foryeneralrvork, while its speed is useful in poor light.
On the Contina lll it is cbnvertible; the iear p#t:s built into the
shutter, the front element is interchangeable with special units con-
verting it to a tele-, wide-angle or stereo lens (page 53 and 56).
All these lenses cover an angle of approx. 50o and can be
focused down ro 3 fr. (Contina lt-l4ft.,sbine 35 mm. lkontas to
2ft: 6 in.). The aperture can be stopped down to f 22 and the
scale of reproduction, at the shortest distance, is-l : 15.
The Contina and Contessa lens mount accepts 27 mm.
screw-in filters (page 82) and close-up tensei (page 69),
produced by the makers.
Coated Lenses
. The latest development in improving the performance of photographic lenses is a process generally called coating or blooming. lt c'onsisti of the
application of a microscopically fine coat of inorgani- substance on the
glass surfaces. This considerably reduces the light reflection at glass-air
surfaces in the lens. The gain wlll be fully appreclated if it is-under-
sto_od that, for example in a Tessar, the iosi-of light due to surface
reflection is in the region of about 35 per cent., a figure which can be
reduced to about 5 per cent by coating.-
a g?i4!n the s.peed of the lens, which may in actual practice . Apart from be 50 per cent. (half a stop), lts main importance lies-in the elimination
of the scattered light--which impairs th.e contrast of the lmage. This
resutts in a more brilliant negative, especially in the shadow regions
where the tones are most subdued and'so biilliance and contrast are
most needed.
The Contina, Contessa and latest 35 mm. lkonta have factory-coated
lenses. With the older 35 mm. lkonta cameras, which may have un-
treatedtreated lenses,lenses, thethe coatlng-coatlng cancan bebe undertakenundertaken byby reliablereliable optical maou-
facturers through most photographic dealers. The fact that a lens is
coated can be in the lens the reflection of, let
us say, a lamp. will appear distinctly coloured, as a rule a rather
deep blue with a tlnge of red.
Lenses which were coated orlginally by the factory used to be marked
.l0^ wlthtras nowa redbeenT nextdiscontinued.to the manufacturer's name on the lens; this markingView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
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The Care of Lrenses
The treatment and care of lenses is a matter of lmportance. Due to
its chemical composition, optical glass of high quality is susceptible to
the influence of moisture, and for this reason touching the glass with the
fingers should be avoided. Since complete protection is impossible, the
lens surface should be cleaned occasionally with a clean, ioft chamois
leather. Coated lenses should be cleaned with a fine camel halr brush
gently used, or by carefully wiping them with a piece of cotton wool
moistened with spirit.
The Lrens Hood
This is a tube, as a rule made from metal, placed oyer the _
front of the lens to protect it from light comlirg from ourslde
the actual picture area. There is no picture which could not
.be improved in clarity and brilliance by the use of a lens
hood. The wider !h9 aperrur€ of the leris the more impor- tant is the use of the lens hood. The light coming irom
objects outside the actual picture area will touch the lens
and reduce the brilliance of the picture considerably. This
applies not only to photographs taken against the'light-
when the lens hood becomes indispensible-but alio to
sunshine in general.
The lens hood for Contina and Contessa is a 28.5 mm. oush-on tyoe
hood and can also be slipped over a filter or close-up lens when fitteO'5n
the camera lens. The 3 in. (7.5 cm.) Pantar uses a 60 mm. screw-ln lens
hood. No lens hood can be used with the l{ in. (3 cm.) wide-angle Pantar.
The Shutters
The latest Contina ll and lll employ Prontor SLK shutters,
coupled_ to the exposure meter; pr6ceding -llshtmodels and the latest Contina I have SVS shutters with value scale.
Other Continas have the earlier SVS, and ihe old models
I and ll, the Prontor SV or Synchro-Compur shutters. Early
35 mm. lkontas were fitted with Prontoi S shutters. Con-
tessas originally had a Compur with flash contact and later,
a Synchro-Compur.
The shutter requires tensioning in the old Contina l, ll and
Contessa before exposure while those of the current
Contina I and ll and of the Contina lll are automatically
tensioned on advancing the film with the rapid winding levei. 11View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
The shutter release of all models is actuated by the easlly
accessible shutter release knob.
All shutters are synchronized for flash photography; on
the Prontor SLK, SVS, SV and Synchro-Compur the flash
synchronization can be adjusted to work even with fastest
speeds (see page 86).
THE PRONTOR SVS, SV AND S SHUTTERS haveelghtspeeds: l,l/2,
ll5, ll'l0, 1125, U50, l/100 and l/300 sec., and a B setting for tlme
exposures, as well as a built-in delayed action release.
Operating the shutter requires these actions; setting the speed,
tensioning the shutter (on the old Contina l, ll and Contessa), and
releasing it.
To set the shutter, turn the outside milled ring until the red lndex
mark on the rim points to the speed required. The engraved figures
1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, l00 and 300 stand for l, l 12, l /5, l/10, 1i25, l/50, l/100
and l/300 sec. respectively.
To tension the shutter, pull the tensioning lever, immediately behind
the milled setting ring of the shutter, anti-clockwise as far as lt will go.
On Contina I and ll the shutter is automatically tensioned on trans-
porting the film.
To release the shutter, press the large protruding release knob
gently downward.
A delayed actlon release (also called self-timer) ls bullt lnto the
Prontor shutter which permits the photographer to appear in the photo-
graph himself. To use the delayed action release. set the camera ln the
usual way and mount it on a rigid support, preferably 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. Thls is the
lever with a red dot in lts centre on the lower part of the shutter rim.
On pressing the shutter release, the shutter opens after a delay of
hls approximately 8 seconds,' giving the photographer time to take place ln the picture.
On the Prontor SV the synchronizing lever (see page 87) must be
set to X when the self:timer is used.
THE PRONTOR SVS WITH LIGHTVALUE SCALE of earlier Continas
It and lll and latest Contina I has 9 speeds: a, I12, | 14, I 18, !/ I 5, l/30, l/60,
l/125 and l/300 sec., as well as a B setting.
LIGHT VALUES. On the side of the shutter rim a range of numbers is
engraved in red from 3 to 18 which represent light values for correct
exiosure. Each light value corresponds to a range of shutter speed-
apirture combinations, but is covered_ by a single s-ettir-r81 The built-in
elposure meter of the Contina lll is also calibrated in light values; thc
reiding can thus be transferred directly to the shutter.
To slt the shutter to the measured light value, press in the small
12 scrrated projection on the diaphragm ring and hold-lt securely in thlsView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
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THE LIGHT VALUE SHUTTER
On Prontor SVS (left), set the light value found with the meter opposite the
right hand arrow. On Prontor SLK (right), set film speed (ASA or DIN) on the
underside of the rear ring against the appropriate arrow (or filter factor) on the
middle ring. This is coupled to the exposure meter. Align the meter needles byil turning the middle ring.
This setting, and the light value on the SVS corresponds to a range of shutter
speed-aperture combinations. The one in use is shown against the left-hand
arrow on the SVS and the red mark on the speed ring ofthe SLK shutter.
ll
m
il
Wlth a glven light value (e.g. ll), settlirg a fast speed automatlcally opens thc
aperture, while stopplng down automatlcally sets a slow speed to keep the ex-
posure constant. To alter the exposure for different light conditlons slmply change
the light value settings (extreme right). See also page 12.
L-View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
position. Then rotate the milled shutter speed ring with the other hand
until the required light value on the red scale comes opposite the red
triangular mark.
It should be noted that light values and stops may be set to the inter-
mediate half-way positions, but not shutter speeds. This latter sltuotion
may arise if you reach the beginning or end of the aperture scale while
changing the shutter speed, and must be avoided. The interval between
l/125 and l/300 sec. represents lj stops.
To set the shutter speed and stop independently, without using the
light value, depress the serrated proiection for both aperture and speed
setti ng.
On the shutter speed ring there are three separate scales:
Red fgures: This is the light value scale, running from 3 to 18. To set
the light value on the Prontor SVS shutter, proceed as already explained.
Silver figures: These are the shutter speeds, with the revised timings
already explained, viz. l, 2, 4,8, I 5, 30, 60, I 25, etc. These values represent
fractions of a second , e.g. 2: l/2 sec., 60: l/60 sec.
Green figures; This is not a setting scale, but is used for calculating timei
exposures. With the shutter speed ring set to B, and the light value
scale to one of the lower values 3 to 6, the green figure indicates the
length in seconds of the exposure reguired, and what stop to use.
lf for example the light value is set to 3, any of the following combina-
I 6. tions may be used : 4sec. atf 5.6, 8sec. at F8, I 5 sec. at f I l, or 30 sec. at F
The shutter has a built-in delayed action release which does not reguire
tensioning. To use it, set the synchronising lever to V by moving the
black lever on the underside ofthe shutter and observing the cui-out
window behind the aperture/speed indicator on top of the shutter.
THE PRONTOR SLK SPECIAL shutter on the latest Contina ll and
lll has the same speed range as the Prontor SVS. ln addition, it has a film
speed indicator (see page 73) with allowance for filter factors (see page
83).
To set shutter speed and aperture: first turn the film speed ring until
the correct speed is against the appropriate index mark (marked in
DIN and ASA). The aperture ring is coupled to the built-in exposure
meter and is set as described on page 74. Aperture and shutter speed
are now interlocked as with the Prontor SVS. All you need do to set
an), shutter speed, is to turn the shutter speed ring until the desired
speed is opposite the red index mark. The aperture will adjust itself
to the corresponding correct lens opening.
An auto-lock device prevents movement of the combination beyond
the limits of poorest and brightest light in which pictures can be taken.
The green figures (4 to 60 secs.) are not exposures timed by the
shutter. They are intended for calculating the exposure time when
the shutter ring is set to B, as with the Prontor SVS shutter with light
value scale (above).
The shutter has built-in delayed action which works like that in the
t4 Prontor SVS.
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THE SYNCHRO-COMPUR and COMPUR-RAPID shutters have nine
speeds: l,l12,l15, lll0, 1125,l/50, 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-Compur and recent Compur-Rapid shutters differ only
ln their flash synchronization (see page 88).
Again three actions are necessar)r; settint the required speed, tenslon-
ing the shutter, and releasing it.
To set the shutter, turn the outside milled ring until the arrow head
points to the speed required. The engraved figures 1,2,5, 10, 25, 50,
100,250, and 500 stand for l, l12, ll5, l/10, 1125, 1150, l/100, l/250, and
I /500 sec. respectively.
To tension the shutter, pull the tensioning lever on top ofthe shutter
in a clockwise direction as far as it will go.
To release the shutterr pr€ss the large protruding release knob gently
downward.
Thespeeds from I to l/10 and l/25 to l/250sec. range continuously
and may be set to an), in-between value, i.e. a setting between 50 and 100
gives an exposure of l/75 sec. On the other hand no intermediate
speeds between I sec. and B nor between lll0 and l/25 or between
l/250 and l/500 sec. can be set.
When turning the outside milled ring of the shutter from l/250 to
l/500 sec. a reslstance is felt which is due to the additionalspring 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 of the old Contina l,
ll and Contessa requires tensioning in the usual way. On releasing, the
shutter will remain open as long as the release button is pressed down and
closes as soon as the pressure on the release is removed. For such time
exposures the camera must be mounted on a firm support such as a
tripod. lt is usually safest to release the shutter with the help of a cable
release to avoid shaking the camera. This release is screwed into the
cable release socket of the shutter.
To give long time exposures-where the shutter ls to remain open
for longer than one can conveniently keep the release depressed-a
cable release with locking screw should be employed. To make the
exposure set the shutter to B, depress the cable release plunger, and
tighten its fixing screw. The shutter will now remain open until the
fixlng screw is unlocked.
l5View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
HAIIDLING THE CAMERA
Iroading
Let us take it for granted that we have a 35 mm. film ln
a davlisht cassette. 6ur first task is then to load the camera
witti fiTm. Thls should be done ln subdued dayllght, or at
least in the shadow of one's own body.
l. Ooen back.
2. Pdll out rewind knob.
3. lnsert cassette with film into fllm chamben
4. Push back rewind knob.
5. Fix fllm end to take.up spool,
6. Turn fllm transpolt 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 film traniport knob to No. l.
10. Set fllm indicator disc.
l. Pult down the closing catch, and the back can be swung oPGn on
Its hlnges.
2. Pull oit the milled rewlnd knob, located outside the empty film
chamber.
3. lnsert the cassette with the film into the empty chamber wlth thc
beginning of the film polnting towards the take-up:Pool.
4. puih Uac-t the rewind knob so that its pronged end engages ln thc
slotted hole ofthe cassette centre spool.
5. First, turn the take-up spool ln dhe opposlte_chamber untll lts
flat spring with a blacli tooth lies upper_most. .Then.pull thc film end icros-s the picture frame and fii-it by pushing it under thc
spring and hooking the second perforation hole into the small
black tooth.
6. Turn the film winding knob until the perforation engages ln both
sprockets.
7. ilose the camera back and push up the closing catch to secure lt.
8. Press the index finger on ihe milled knob next to the exPosurs
counter window anii turn it ln the direction of the engraved arrow
untit the index mark is opposite the second dlvlsion before No. 0
on the Contina l, ll and lli.-With the older modelsturn tosetthe
dlamond mark ln the wlndow opposite the Pointer on the wlndow
16 tGtment.View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
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:ittilrffiLOADING
.ii:iii:i:ii'lr-truru#turu
Top row: Opcn camGna back (left), pull out rewind knob (ccntrQ, insert cir$ette
(right).
Second row: Push back rewlnd knob (left), fix film to take up spool (ccntrQ, wind
film transport (right).
fhird row: Close clmera back (lcft), set film counter: on Contlna I, ll and lll
(rrgh0, on older models (centre).
8rlttom row: Wlnd film transport on old Contina l, ll, Contessa (rcF{, or on Contine
I, ll (centrQ, set film lndlcator (r,ght).
@NT-BView original page 16Page 17 · Read text
9. On Continas l, ll and lll before 1958, operate winding lever (winding
film, advancing exposure counter and tensloning shutter) and prcss
. the release twice. On older models wind,the transport ltnob until
it stops. You are now ready to wind on for the first picture.
10. To remind you of the type and speed of film loaded, set film type
indicator disc so that the speed of elther black-and-white or
daylight colour (:colour on white) or artificial light colour
(:colour on black) is indicated.
On models ll and lll the film speed adjustment of the exposure
meter replaces the film indicator (see page 74).
On the Continas with SLK shutters, film speed should be set on
the shutter at this stage (see page 72).
Holding
The camera should be held as steady as possible, as the
slightest shake, even lf not seen ln the original negative, wlll
become visible in the enlargement,
A paftlcularly steady hold of the camera ls necessary
when workinS below lla25 sec. (see also page 22).
To take horizontal pictures the camera is securely held
in the palm of the rlght hand. The right thumb is placed on
the back of the camera. The rlght index finger rests on the
shutter release. The left hand grips the left hand side of the
camera body. ln the case of the Contessa, the left lndex
finger actuates the milled rangefinder setting mechanism.
The elbows should be slightly pressed to the body durlng
exposure to secure greater steadiness.
To take upright plcures, the camera is rotated by 90'
from lts horlzontal posltlon. the rlght hand grlpplng the
camera from above wlth the rlght lndex finger on the
release while the lower part rests ln the left hand. ln the
case of the Contessa, the left index finger actuates the range-
fi nder setting mechanism
When releasing the shutter, use finger prcssure only;
keep the hand and its grip on the camera steady. The actual
pressing down must be done slowly and smoothly.
For hbnd held slow exposures, rest the elbows or at least
lean the body agalnst some support ln order to avoid shake.
18 ln an emergency l/8 sec., and wlth a very steady hand l/4 sei.,View original page 17Page 19 · Read text
can be exposed in this way without notlceable camera shake.
A tripod ls necessary when taking time exposures and lt
is also recommended for speeds from l/8 to I sec. A rlgid
tripod with ball-and-socket head can be employed to allow
changing from horizontal to vertical position.
The tripod bush on the Contina l, ll and lll is in the camera
bottom, on old Continas l, ll and Contessa it ls let into the
baseboard and covered by a 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 indlcator disc and also protected by a slotted screw.
The camera thus goes on the tripod upside down.i 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 positlon is qulte un-
sultable for qulck action. A better method is to carry lt on
a short strap around the neck, so that lt lies on the chest.
Opening the case and lifting the camera up to the eye ls
then a matter of seconds.
The ever-ready case carrles the camera ready for use; lt
does not have to be removed when taking the photograph.
It is secured to the Contina l, ll, and lll by a retaining screw ln
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 case to the camera body. At the same tlme turn the
film winding knob on the case until its two pronts engage
into the winding knob of the camera.
The very first-35 mm. lkonta cameras are not sultable for
thls partliutar type of ever-readl case; the film transport
knob has no holes to accept the prongs of the film winding
knob of this case.
Shooting
The'manipulatlons described here should be practlsed so
20 that in tlme they will become practlcally automatlc AfterView original page 19Page 20 · Read text
I'
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I
ii the camera has been loaded wlth film, as lnstructed on
II pages 16 to 18, proceed to:
i
Open camera front (old Contina I, I I and ContessaiII l.
r only).
Set exposure time.IirI L 3. Set aperture. ,4. Set distance.
subject through viewflnder.I 5. Sight
I 6. Release.
rl 7. Transport film for next exposure.
Close camera (old Conti na l, I I and Contessa only).Ii 8.
t,t l. On the old Contina l, ll, and Contessaonly: To open the camerafront
I push thc front opening button, on top of-the baieboard, downwards
and pull the hinged-on baseboard down until the opening mechanlsmt$' cllcks into place.I
t,lk 2. Set the exposure time according to the shutter fitted to your
lr; camera. Full details on pages ll-14.
To set the aperture (or "stop") on early models turn the serrated
rim behind the upper part of the shutter until the indicator points
to the aperture required on the rear part of the scale on top of the
shutter. See page 12for details of aperture setting on SVS shutters,
and page 74 for SLK shutters.
The purpose of the aperture ls to adiust the effective diameter of
the fens. The aperture scale carrles numbers such as 2.8, 3.5, 4,5,6,
8, I l, 16, 22. Changing the aperture from any number to the next
hlgher one halves the amount of llght passed (and thus requlres
twlce as long an exposure time, other things belng equal; except the
step 3.5 to 4). Similarly, going to the neit lower aperture number
doubles thc llght passed each time. ln addition, the smaller the
openlng (1.e. ylen the lens ls stopped down) the greater the depth
of field (psge 57).
Set the distance from camera to subiect by turnlng the front rlm
of the camera lens, whlch has the distance filures (in-feet or metres)
engraved on it, to the indlcator on the camera front plate. ln the case
of the Contina l, ll and lll, the distance has to be estimated or can
be measured with the aid of a separate rangefinder (see page 66),
which may be attached to the camera accessory shoe.'
With the old Contlna llthe distance ls measuied with the built-in
rangefinder (see page 66) and the lens then setto that distance.
Wlth thc Contessa the distance is measured with the bullt-ln
rengefinder whlch automaticatly sets the lens (see pages 65-66). 2lView original page 20Page 21 · Read text
5. The latcst Continas have a direct oplcal finder with bright line
frame which appears projected on the subject field, outlihing its
area, The Contlna lll has an inner frame indicated by small angles
showing the field of the 75 mm. Telephoto Pantar f 4 (see page 53)
To vicw the subject, hold the eyeiiece close to the eye. Do not
try to find the limits of the field of view by turning the camera
s_ideways away from the eye, which must be cdntral et the eyepiece.
Only the view seen strailht ahead through the centre of the eye-
piece, appears on the negative. The field ls exact at dlstances of
9-12fit. At infinity, slightly more appears on the negative than in the
finder, at 3-6 ft. a shade less.
6. To retease the shutter, gently pre$ the release button. Speeds from
l/30 to l/500 sec. are '-instintaneous" and can be akeir with the
camera hcld in the hand. lt ls advlsable to usc the slowcr spccds of
l/30 sec. and even l/60 sec. as sparingly'and as possible, as therE ls some
danger of ierking the camera, evbn a sllght ferk, slx or clght diameters cnlarged, results ln unsatlsfactory definitlon.
7. Wind the film transport. On the old Contlna l, ll, and Contessa turn
the knob in the direction of the engraved arrow as far as itwillgo.
8. On the old Contina l, ll, and Contessa only: Close the camera by
pressing the two milled strut plates inward at the same tlmc prcsing
the baseboard upwards until it clicks into place.
The underside of the distance setting ring of some Contlna models
carries a second scale, calibrated in metres on cameras with a feet
scale, and in feet on cameras with a metric focusing scale. Thls second
scale should always be ignored: it is lntended to change over the
calibration of the camera, but needs an expert mechanic with special
tools to do it.
Unloading
When the whole film has been exposed, the film counter
will point 0o 36 (or to the appropriate number ln cases
where a film of shorter length has been used, such as a colour
film wlth 20 exposures). lf the film counter has not been
set, the fact that you cannot lvind the film transport an),
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 reversing button and keep depressed
during rewinding.
a2 L Rewind film into cessetto.View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
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SHOOTING AND UNLOADING
ro is lotol
1r I t:a I ti 16r
ilI Upper row: (Old Contina l, ll and Contessa only: open camera front-left). Set
I exposure (and aperture, Prontor SLK and SVS Lirht Values-centre), ser aperture
(ofd previous.shutters-right). Lower rdr: Set distance (t-eft), vi'ew and ffiMffisvS and rgleqe (centre),.wind film for next expirsure (right), (contina t, ll, t'll:'t'op triantle. old Contina l, ll, Contessa; bottom triangl;):
dw
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UPPU!.-rg-wl-To unload,- d_epress reygrs!ng button for rewinding on Contina l, ll,
and lll (lcft) and on old C6ntina l, ll, Contessa (ccntre), rewlnd-film with Contina
I, ll and lll (right). Lower row: Rewlnd film witli old Contina l, tt, Contessa (left),ruruffiopcn emera beck. (cantrQ removc qrssettc (rtght).View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
3. Open camGra back.
4. Pull out rewind knob, remoye cassette.
5. Close camera back or reload.
2. To rewlnd the film Into lts orlglnal cassette turn the rewlnd knob
on the top of the Contlna l, lland lll, or underneath the base plate of
the older models, ln the dlrection of the engraved arrow. When
rewindlng is completed the resistance of the film ceases and the
rewind khob turns freely. Make sure that the film is completely
rewound by removing your finger from the reverslng button. lf the
rewind knob can be turned fre-ly it ls an lndication that the film has
been fully rewound.
3. Open the camera back as instructed on page 16, No. l.
4. Pull out the rewind knob (see page 16. No. 2).
5. Close the camera back (see page 16, No.4, or reload (see page 16).
24
.View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
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CHOOSING AND HAIIDIING THE FII,M
The film for the camera ls the standard perforated clne
film, 35 mm. in width, as also used in the majority of other
35 mm. cameras. lt may be obtained as:
STANDARD DAYLIGHT CASSETTES. These are the
simplest form of film packings. The ready-cut and trimmed
films for 36 exposures (or 20 exposures on colour) are
supplied in cassettes (also called cartridges), which can be
loaded in daylight into the camera.
DARKROOM REFILLS are lengths cut and trimmed for
36 exposures and have to be loaded into a cassette in the
darkroom (see page 29).
DAYLIGHT REFILLS are cut and trimmed lengths for
36 exposures which are wound on to a centre spool (as used
in the cassette) and covered with a black paper leader strip
to allow the loading of a cassette in daylight (see page 29).
BULK FILM is supplied in lengths of 18 ft. to 200 ft., and
is the most economical way of using film. A suitable length
is cut off to be loaded into a cassette in the darkroom
(see below).
Safelights
With darkroom refills, or bulk film, you have to load your
cassettes in the darkroom. )
In the case of panchromatic films (see page 30) only a dark
green safelight may be used, but it is always safer to work ln
complete darkness. This is not difficult. lt is, however,
advisable to practise filling with a dummy film first in day-
light before stafting the darkroom work.
Handling, Winding and Trimming the Film
When handling the actual film paftlcular care must be
taken not to touch its emulsion (matt) side. Always handle
It and wind on to the centre spool of the cassette, by holding
the film by either side of its edge, preferably between
thumb and lndex finger. ?.5
LView original page 24Page 25 · Read text
At the same time, it is of no less importance that the place
ln which the loadlng ls done should be perfectly dry, ilean
and free from dust. Only a clean, spotless negative wlll
produce clean prints.
When using bulk film for loading cassettes, the edge of
the work-bench can be marked with notches or drawing-
pins to indicate various lengths, let us say for 12, 24, t6
exposures of film. This considerably simplifies the measuring
of film tengths in the darkroom.
TENGTH OF FlUil REQU,RED FOR ANf NU/I4BER OF EXPOSURES
Number Length of Number Length of Number Length of
of Film of Film of Film
Exposures Reguired Exposures Required Exposures Required
in. cm in. cm. in. cm. ril*30 t4 3t* 80 27 5t t30 2 13* 34 t5 84 28 s2* t33 3 15 38 a6 333+ 88 29 54 137 4 16* 4t t7 36+ 92 30 55* t.fl s 17* 4s t8 37t 96 31 57 l,ts 6 re* 4e t9 3e+ t00 32 s4 r48 t03 33 60 t52 7 20t s3 20 M 82256 2l 42 34 6t* t56 e 23* 60 22 43t 407ilt 35 63 t60 r0 2s* u 2t 45 il4 36 64* tU il 26t 68 24 46+ il8 37 66 t67 t2 28* 72 25 48 t22 38 67* a7a f3 30 76 26 4e* t26 lncluding trimming
Film ends are best trimmed with the aid of a speclal
film trimming template. At the beginnlng of the roll of film
make the wedge-shaped cut for the centre spool and measure
offthe required length of film. At the end of this make the
curved cut for the take-up spool. The curved cut must not
go through a perforation hole.
When doing this iob with a good template it leaves ar
the same time the correct cut fior the take-up spool on the
remaining film on the roll, so that about 4 in. of film are
saved on every strip. When trimmint film wlthout aView original page 25From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
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