Clear and nice review of a Contax camera made in the DDR ( GDR). The official code for the screw mount of this slr Contax D is : COA. Novoflex in Memmingen Germany is using the code named COA. Most companies say: Praktica screw, Pentax screw or M42 screw. The pitch of the screw of the thread of this Contax is 1. Meaning over a length of 10 mm there are 10 revolutions. All T2 adapters have a diameter of 42 mm and a pitch of 0,75 ( 3/4) Meaning over a length of 3 mm there are 4 revolutions. Taisei Kogaku in Tokyo Japan was the founder of Tamron optical works and the inventor of the T-mount and the T2-mount.
I just got back from a professional, a CLAd Contax F, which I aquired about a year ago. It looks exactly the same as your D Martin, no visible or other difference apart from the counter wheel, which on my version is slightly different in design but same in functionality. Another function that I notice, after winding the film with the knob, set the aperture, let's say to f:8 and looking through the viewfinder in order to focus, the image you see is dark. My repair man told me to turn the front ring on the front clockwise in ordet for the lens to open at f:2.8 so I can focus more easily, then, when you press the shutter, it closes at the preset aperture, f:8 in that case. I am looking forward to testing it with HP5 this week, and thanks a lot for the detailed description and nice pictures. Yiannis
There's just something so satisfying about the sound of a clockwork camera. Compared to a electrical shutter they just sound fabulously smug. Brilliant.
Another lovely review, Martin, thank you. I understand the Stevens focusing screen used in this camera follows the patent of Frank Herbert Stevens issued in 1932. It was used first in Thornton-Pickard cameras. Essentially, it’s the combination of the focusing screen with a condenser, increasing the brightness of the viewfinder image at the edges.
Bel filmato fatto molto bene, ho anche io una di queste macchine, matricola 164852, con molti obiettivi, ho imparato alcune cose che non sapevo, tanti ringraziamenti.
Wonderful photos, Martin. There is something magical about German lenses of that era (whether from West or East Germany), the photos they produce have an atmospere about them that is difficult to describe, part nostalgic, part serene!
Thanks for this enjoyable, in-depth review! Nice set of photos too! This model will most likely be the next addition to my small collection. I really enjoy using my Contax IIIa, which I recently had refurbished.
Martin everytime that when I look at your videos that I have to place everything down and WATCH It, today's video as your showing the Contax D camera as I too have not one but 2 Pentacon FM's with a Zeiss 50mm Biotar , and Steinheil Munchen Traveler 50mm 2.8 as when I got the first Pentacon that I had it camera fix but I noticed that the shutter was worn as I place a lupe, and shine a table light, and notice that light was going through, so in reading this online that the only way if I was careful that I get Liquid Opaque but Kodak discontinued the item, and so that I could use BLACK Fingernail Polish. As that had to get the blackest, darkest Nail Polish so I got a bottle, and apply it carefully. And it work. I took my Pentacon to Japan, and shot both color, and B/W film as they came out fine, and so I got another Pentacon with a Zeiss lens. And I also got a Vintage Praktina FX with also 3 lenses all Zeiss line, and also a Spring Motor drive in which that this dates way before Nikon F line. When I scan the images that they were beautiful, and sharp.. Thank You for your videos.. As I say this to you MORE MORE!
I was given a praktina 2a with a flexon lens ... very similar but also had a rangefinder viewfinder as well ..really intersting camera and amazingly quiet shutter .... the flexon lens is quite amazing....
A great camera and a great lens. Thanks for the video! I do not have this camera in my collection, but I have two types of Tessar 2.8 / 50 from around 1956, with different mounts (M42 and Exakta) and I use both - with my Praktica IV and Kine Exakta II and Exakta "zero". I also have an older version of the Tessar "red T" 3.5 / 50 for this very 1949 Kine Exakta II and they all produce really nice pictures!
My first 35mm was a Contax hand me down. Shot it for a few years as a 12 year old up to about 18 in the 1970's. Don't remember what it was but it had a 50mm i believe and it was silver :)
I've always wanted to shoot with a Contax D. I have a Praktica Super TL, which I picked up from a thrift store for $2. I'm not sure how it compares with the Contax D, but I remember feeling that it seemed a bit loose and clunky/junky. Your review was splendid!
@@frankzappa3834 I have a bottle of 510 from 2007. It looks like liquid tar now, but still produces the goods. Handle Pyro with extreme care. This should be printed on all Pyro based developers.
@@lensman5762 very nice to hear! Thank you for the insight. I’ve had Pyrocat go bad on me from my mishandling myself. Now it gets the same treatment as color developer!
Oh dear Mr Henson, are you an agent of temptation? I've been looking at these and the Pentacon variant for a while but have resisted the temptation so far. Now you go and set me longing for one again. I like the position of the shutter release on the front of the camera, it feels natural to me on some early Praktica cameras I have. It has to be said that there's something quite lovely about the manner in which those old Zeiss lenses render an image.
Thanks! I'm a curator working on project, and the photographer shot with an old Contax, in 1969. And there is an underexposed stripe on the right side of his frames. Do you know if there was a history of this happening? I think he had an S
@@martinhensonphotography They are still very nice .Martin . But I'am old school all the way and print in my darkroom on the beautiful fiber papers from Foma . I'am a moderator from a Dutch forum "Foto en Doka Forum" . I made a link on our forum from your review . I use a Kiev / Contax for my old school photography projects beside my Mamiya's .
@@mike747436 No it does not, you have to press it first, mirror locks up, then use the cable release after that, seems its a quirk of my camera, puts its value ;-)
Nice video, Sir. One question. Do you repair or fix your cameras yourself? If so, what approach did you use to learn repairing? Any input is much appreciated. I too have many vintage film cameras, but camera mechanics, none. Looking forward to learn repairing so that I can fix or do maintenance myself if need be... Thanks for posting wonderful video & the camera looks like in mint condition cosmetically...
Clear and nice review of a Contax camera made in the DDR ( GDR).
The official code for the screw mount of this slr Contax D is : COA.
Novoflex in Memmingen Germany is using the code named COA.
Most companies say: Praktica screw, Pentax screw or M42 screw.
The pitch of the screw of the thread of this Contax is 1.
Meaning over a length of 10 mm there are 10 revolutions.
All T2 adapters have a diameter of 42 mm and a pitch of 0,75 ( 3/4)
Meaning over a length of 3 mm there are 4 revolutions.
Taisei Kogaku in Tokyo Japan was the founder of Tamron optical works
and the inventor of the T-mount and the T2-mount.
I just got back from a professional, a CLAd Contax F, which I aquired about a year ago. It looks exactly the same as your D Martin, no visible or other difference apart from the counter wheel, which on my version is slightly different in design but same in functionality.
Another function that I notice, after winding the film with the knob, set the aperture, let's say to f:8 and looking through the viewfinder in order to focus, the image you see is dark.
My repair man told me to turn the front ring on the front clockwise in ordet for the lens to open at f:2.8 so I can focus more easily, then, when you press the shutter, it closes at the preset aperture, f:8 in that case.
I am looking forward to testing it with HP5 this week, and thanks a lot for the detailed description and nice pictures. Yiannis
There's just something so satisfying about the sound of a clockwork camera. Compared to a electrical shutter they just sound fabulously smug. Brilliant.
You can say that about all analogue photography, I guess. I have really gone off digital big time. Boring, boring, boring.
I had seen the images of these Contax Ds, but never saw one in action. Thank you. Lovely images as usual.
Another lovely review, Martin, thank you.
I understand the Stevens focusing screen used in this camera follows the patent of Frank Herbert Stevens issued in 1932. It was used first in Thornton-Pickard cameras. Essentially, it’s the combination of the focusing screen with a condenser, increasing the brightness of the viewfinder image at the edges.
Stevens focusing screens were also used in Exakta Varex and Exa cameras, I believe.
Bel filmato fatto molto bene, ho anche io una di queste macchine, matricola 164852, con molti obiettivi, ho imparato alcune cose che non sapevo, tanti ringraziamenti.
Hi Martin, you never let your fans down, great tutorial, of a Great Film Camera, keep up the good work , Stephen M
These are interesting, and beautiful milestone cameras! Thanks
Wonderful photos, Martin. There is something magical about German lenses of that era (whether from West or East Germany), the photos they produce have an atmospere about them that is difficult to describe, part nostalgic, part serene!
Martin, your video introduction is fabulous, really use of a hook, which worked for me. You present a good deal of information too.
Thank you
You sir, have an exceptional eye! Great shots! Groovy camera. Bauhaus would approve.
Thanks for this enjoyable, in-depth review! Nice set of photos too! This model will most likely be the next addition to my small collection. I really enjoy using my Contax IIIa, which I recently had refurbished.
Thank you again Martin for this very nice presention. Always a joy to learn about camera's from you. Have nice weekend.
Martin everytime that when I look at your videos that I have to place everything down and WATCH It, today's video as your showing the Contax D camera as I too have not one but 2 Pentacon FM's with a Zeiss 50mm Biotar , and Steinheil Munchen Traveler 50mm 2.8 as when I got the first Pentacon that I had it camera fix but I noticed that the shutter was worn as I place a lupe, and shine a table light, and notice that light was going through, so in reading this online that the only way if I was careful that I get Liquid Opaque but Kodak discontinued the item, and so that I could use BLACK Fingernail Polish. As that had to get the blackest, darkest Nail Polish so I got a bottle, and apply it carefully. And it work. I took my Pentacon to Japan, and shot both color, and B/W film as they came out fine, and so I got another Pentacon with a Zeiss lens. And I also got a Vintage Praktina FX with also 3 lenses all Zeiss line, and also a Spring Motor drive in which that this dates way before Nikon F line. When I scan the images that they were beautiful, and sharp.. Thank You for your videos.. As I say this to you MORE MORE!
Outstanding photography! Very well done. 👍😁
I was given a praktina 2a with a flexon lens ... very similar but also had a rangefinder viewfinder as well ..really intersting camera and amazingly quiet shutter .... the flexon lens is quite amazing....
A great camera and a great lens. Thanks for the video!
I do not have this camera in my collection, but I have two types of Tessar 2.8 / 50 from around 1956, with different mounts (M42 and Exakta) and I use both - with my Praktica IV and Kine Exakta II and Exakta "zero". I also have an older version of the Tessar "red T" 3.5 / 50 for this very 1949 Kine Exakta II and they all produce really nice pictures!
My first 35mm was a Contax hand me down. Shot it for a few years as a 12 year old up to about 18 in the 1970's. Don't remember what it was but it had a 50mm i believe and it was silver :)
I've always wanted to shoot with a Contax D. I have a Praktica Super TL, which I picked up from a thrift store for $2. I'm not sure how it compares with the Contax D, but I remember feeling that it seemed a bit loose and clunky/junky. Your review was splendid!
This is the best video you’ve done yet in terms of presentation. Love it! Keep up the great work!
Thanks
Quick question, how long does 510 & Pyrocat HD keep good for?
@@frankzappa3834 I have a bottle of 510 from 2007. It looks like liquid tar now, but still produces the goods. Handle Pyro with extreme care. This should be printed on all Pyro based developers.
@@lensman5762 very nice to hear! Thank you for the insight. I’ve had Pyrocat go bad on me from my mishandling myself. Now it gets the same treatment as color developer!
Fantastic camera and fantastic photo’s
Thank you
Very gud. tanx
Oh dear Mr Henson, are you an agent of temptation? I've been looking at these and the Pentacon variant for a while but have resisted the temptation so far. Now you go and set me longing for one again. I like the position of the shutter release on the front of the camera, it feels natural to me on some early Praktica cameras I have. It has to be said that there's something quite lovely about the manner in which those old Zeiss lenses render an image.
Thanks, the old Zeiss lens are very nice
Beautiful intro
Thanks! I'm a curator working on project, and the photographer shot with an old Contax, in 1969. And there is an underexposed stripe on the right side of his frames. Do you know if there was a history of this happening? I think he had an S
Sounds like a shutter problem,
I liked your prints at the end from your review . Darkroom prints ? Peter from the Netherlands .
Thanks, no they are pigment ink prints from my Epson printer
@@martinhensonphotography They are still very nice .Martin . But I'am old school all the way and print in my darkroom on the beautiful fiber papers from Foma . I'am a moderator from a Dutch forum "Foto en Doka Forum" . I made a link on our forum from your review . I use a Kiev / Contax for my old school photography projects beside my Mamiya's .
@@rotfai45mm I understand as a darkroom printer myself for 40 years , circumstances changed the way I work and never regret that move, thanks
I have same this one, which was nice and rare. But viewfinder a little dark to me focus, do you know how to clean inside or change screen?
Sorry no I don’t, thanks
I've got a feeling the frosting is part of the pentaprism on the early ones.. and that from the F, they have a Fresnel.
Great down to earth review of a beautiful camera with superb results. Is the lens coated, Martin.
Thanks Tommy, yes it is, it’s a T star lens, which I think means coated
Wow, mirror lockup on such an old camera! I wonder if that’s part of the design, or just an accidental feature of the mechanics. Nice video.
Does seem a deliberate action., however you could be correct, thanks
@@martinhensonphotography It just occurred to me, does the same thing happen if you use the cable shutter release?
@@mike747436 No it does not, you have to press it first, mirror locks up, then use the cable release after that, seems its a quirk of my camera, puts its value ;-)
@@martinhensonphotography 😄
Nice video, Sir. One question. Do you repair or fix your cameras yourself? If so, what approach did you use to learn repairing? Any input is much appreciated. I too have many vintage film cameras, but camera mechanics, none. Looking forward to learn repairing so that I can fix or do maintenance myself if need be... Thanks for posting wonderful video & the camera looks like in mint condition cosmetically...
To be honest I can only do basic repairs mainly on lens, other than that I have them repaired professionally
@@martinhensonphotography ok, thanks for taking time to reply...
@@martinhensonphotography I am enjoying your videos
*presentation