Zeiss Ikon Contina IIa

Scale-focusing compact camera from Germany.

A high quality popular-market camera

The Zeiss Ikon Contina IIa (527/24) is a viewfinder camera made in Stuttgart, Germany from 1956 to 1958 (McKeown, 1996). 527/24 is the model identifier, embossed in the leather on the left side of the back. ‘Contina IIa’ isn’t on the camera.

It’s a fixed-lens camera with no rangefinder. So you estimate the distance and set the lens for that (scale focusing). The lens is a 45mm f/2.8 Novicar-Anastigmat. It doesn’t carry the Zeiss name but it can deliver in the right situation.

There’s an uncoupled selenium meter inside the door next to the viewfinder window. To use it, flip up the door. The meter on mine doesn’t work, and that’s ok because I use a hand-held meter or the sunny 16 rule.

**Pacific Coast Highway at Sunset Boulevard**. Los Angeles. Zeiss Ikon Contina IIa, 45mm f/2.8 Novicar-Anastigmat, Tri-X, early 2000s.

Assessment

Matanle (1986) likes this camera, finding it ‘…a solidly built, heavy and reliable camera capable of fine pictures’. The Rollei 35 is another scale-focusing camera with a fixed lens of similar focal length and aperture. Because it’s smaller and has a higher-spec lens, I use the Rollei 35 more than the Contina.

There’s a variant, the Contina Ic that omits the meter. In its place, ‘Contina’ is written in stylish cursive.

**Getty Museum** Los Angeles. Zeiss Ikon Contina IIa, 45mm f/2.8 Novicar-Anastigmat, Tri-X, early 2000s.

Maintenance and repair

I haven’t had any maintenance done on this camera. The lower shutter speeds are a bit sticky so it could use a CLA (clean, lube, adjust).

References / further reading

Matanle, I. 1986. Collecting and Using Classic Cameras. London: Thames and Hudson.

McKeown, J.M. and J.C. 1996. McKeown’s Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 1997-1998. Grantsburg, Wis.: Centennial Photo. This camera is on p. 455.

Small, M.J. and C.M. Barringer. 1995. Zeiss Compendium: East and West — 1940-1972, West Sussex, England: Hove.