cak@CS-Arthur.UUCP (12/05/83)
Wow! I have a modern version -- the Contaflex S. It sounds much the same, except that it has shutter-preference auto-exposure. The lens is wonderful (as are most Zeiss optics), but the built-in leaf shutter (top speed 1/500) means that only the front element is interchangable. The lenses you could get when the thing was new were limited (I think there was a 35, and 85, and a 135) but now they're pretty much non- existent. Well, I don't know how modern, actually; I bought mine in 1971, and I don't think they've been made since 1973. I don't use mine much any more (my F-1 is typically more useful), but it has served me quite well. Built like a rock. Cheers, chris
stank@uiucdcs.UUCP (stank ) (12/13/83)
#R:CS-Arthu:-63000:uiucdcs:20900005:000:817
uiucdcs!stank Dec 12 13:22:00 1983
Calling a Contaflex a "modern version" of an Exakta does a disservice
to both fine cameras. Exaktas had many unique and desirable features:
shutter speeds to 12 sec., built-in film knife, removable prism with
interchangable focusing screens, a large number of lenses from a
number of fine companies (ncluding Zeiss) and an accessory list big
enough to satisfy anyone's needs. The Contaflex had none of these, but
did have interchangable backs and (at least in the later models) auto
exposure. The Exaktas were not made badly (at least the ones I've seen),
but few cameras even today can rival the Contaflex's quality of constuction.
Then again, not many 35mm cameras rival it in weight either!
Hold on to your Contaflex, It'll probably outlast your current camera.
Stan Krolikoski