I loved your statement that this camera belongs in front of a lens being photographed as much as it does behind a lens taking photos. I have the Contina-matic II and the Contina 1C and they are both gorgeous cameras. Very, very complete manual. Thank you.
Great to see a Continamatic unboxing on RUclips! :o) ) I was given one of these in about 1974 by my dad when he bought his first SLR and I used it to take some photos that are beyond priceless. Little did I know that the hours that I spent delivering milk and working on farms to pay for film and development would be one of the greatest investments I have ever made. My original Continamatic III is lost forever, sadly, but I have got hold of four second-hand ones, none of which work. In every case it is the shutter mechanism which seems to be gummed up. I am going to either find someone to repair one or learn how to repair the Continamatic III myself, although the repair will be a huge challenge. I have no experience of working on mechanisms this fine, I learnt my chops on motorcycle engines. If anyone can do the repair for me, please leave me a reply after this comment! 4:40 I always assumed that the position with the word COLOR in white on a black background was for color reversal film, i.e. color slide film, but the Zeiss manual says that it is for artificial light color film. I may be wrong but I also assumed that this little dial is a reminder only, it is simply there to help you remember what type and sensitivity of film you put in the camera.
super helpful. this is my first 35 mm film camera (found for $12 at an estate sale!) and this is a great beginner video. somehow i still managed to load the film improperly my first few tries, but a guy at my local camera store helped my noob butt. thanks for the upload!
Thank you so much for the video! Can this camera shoot film indoors without flash in daylight? I was wondering because I heard it would turn out too dark.
Thank you! And yes if you have the correct film (fast film, like 800 ISO) and a long-enough shutter speed. A number of good smartphone light meter apps exist that can help you with those settings.
I've got one of these, thank you for the video, it's been very helpful in terms of figuring out how to correctly use the camera! One thing to note though, I think mine is the II and you are demoing the III -- based on the manual (the II and III share a manual), only the III has the "Locking pawl for interchangeable converter lens (for Contina III only)" mine does not have the interchangeable lenses. Other than that the differences appear very slight, the only other difference I can tell is that mine has a red dot between the 15 and 30ft marks on the focus ring, where yours has a red 15 on the focus ring for the "candid/snapshot setting". All of the images in the manual of the cameras are for the one you've demoed.
Hi, great video and useful, I habe a doubt regarding how to set ASA speed, numbers on the ring don't Match with film nowdays, how to set 100, 200, 400 oe 800 ISO, just guessing?
I'm completely new to film photography. Do you have any good recommendations on videos I can watch to help me learn how to take proper pictures? Thank you for this video! It's so in depth!
Not a specific video, but look for videos on things like the exposure triangle, how to take a properly exposed photo, and also videos that explain shutter speed and aperture.
I got it at a flee market and it was in good condition but light meter doesn't work. It's a range finder. The metering is really different. It seems that when you go in manual, you can adjust the aperture but it seems that the aperture you pick has a predetermined shutter speed and it's not de-coupled like in most cameras.
What makes the film advance lever be stuck in the resting stage? Found a Zeiss Ikon Tenax (automatic) in pristine condition at an antique mall. But, film advance is stuck and shutter doesn't fire. Please advise. Thanks.
There are a few reasons. It could be a problem with the internal mechanism or it could be that the shutter hasn't been tripped. Those are the two that come to mind readily.
I'm' hoping you can help. I bought a Zeiss Contessa, The shutter is cocked and everything locked up and cannot get the shutter speed to 500. I don't want to force the shutter to 500. What do I do? Thanks!
Hmm. First suggestion is to ensure that the shutter is fired. The speed should not be adjusted if the shutter is armed and ready to fire. If it still won't change into 1/500th, there may be an issue with the shutter preventing it from reaching that speed.
Stiff focus is due to old, solidified lubricating grease in the helical. So it should loosen with use but will always start with use each time you use it. Fixing that permanently means disassembling the focus helical, cleaning the old grease, and putting some new grease in.
Thank you for your video, it was very informative. I have this contina but my camera does not have the red button to change the lens, is it possible that my camera has not interchangeable lenses? did the manufacturer made a model with a 45 mm lens only?
Thank you! There is not an adapter, unfortunately. The lens element that comes off is only part of the lens, not the whole lens. So it can't focus light without the parts of the lens that remain in the camera.
I have one of these lovely cameras. As near as I can tell mine is a somewhat less common version too. If you find one with a Zeiss Ikon Novar lens they are also very nice. I have shot with that lens both on my Contina and on my Medium format folding Nettars.
my zeiss' cocking lever wont cock i don't have film in it so i don't know if it's because of that and it also won't click and make the shutter sound obviously this is probably because i can't cock/advance. i'm unsure what to do about this is there something i can do? or is my zeiss broken and a decoration now.
If you're inside, there's likely not enough light for it to turn on. If you're outside in full sun, the meter is probably dead. These have meters that use a chemical reaction, not battery power, and when the meter runs out of the chemicals needed for the reaction they simply die. The meter is NOT required for the camera to work, so you can still take photos with it. You'll want to carry a light meter or use a light meter app on your phone.
@@DavidHancock no im talking about the tiny little circle. You turn the knob and the circle moves to align with the white line. The circle wont move, even if i turn the knob. The selenium works but i cant move the little circle
And lens cap of the right diameter would work. I don't recall this lens' cap diameter (but it should be online somewhere.) Then just look on eBay for the right cap and it should be around $1US.
Thanks a lot for your video and all the good explanation!!! I've just found out that we had such a camera in the family and I'm already excited to give it a shot. Unfortunately the advance lever on my camera is totaly blocked... Do you have any idee of what could cause that ? (I did press the shutter release but it does nothing)
Hi David! I recently acquired a Continamatic III myself but I seem to be having issues with removing the lense for cleaning as it seems stuck. Any idea why that could be happening? Also thank you so so much for the video, it was a huge help to figure out how to operate the camera!
Not all lenses are detachable. Only on certain models. If yours has the release button on the bottom and its sticking, then it might be incorrectly mounted or it might have gunk that's solidified and frozen it. If the latter is the case, it may be safest to get a shop to work on it.
Hi Bruna. Are you doing it right? You need to push the red tab in (towards the camera body) and then turn the front lens counter-clockwise to release it. Only push the red tab, never try to turn it, or it will break off. Some of the Contamatic IIIs that I have seen on Ebay have the red tab broken off, and in most cases that problem will be because someone who does not know these cameras pushed the tab in and then tried to turn the tab.
Unfotunately all the most popular Gauthier's shutters of these times like Pronto, Prontor SVS, Prontor 500 LKE etc. were engineered and built like clockwork mechanisms. The tiny piece of dust is enough to cause them stop working. And the first element that fails the most is selftimer. Almost all of my cameras have the same problem :)
I loved your statement that this camera belongs in front of a lens being photographed as much as it does behind a lens taking photos. I have the Contina-matic II and the Contina 1C and they are both gorgeous cameras. Very, very complete manual. Thank you.
Thank you!
Yes, these are fine little cameras! I'm getting the Contina III later this week , can't wait. Thank you for the very thorough tour !
Thank you!
Thank you for your video this was extremely helpful. Your content and production was extremely professional. Thanks again.
Thank you!
Thank you!! I found this Camera at my grandmas house and there were no instructions but now I know how I can use it!! Thanks a lot :)
Thank you!
Great to see a Continamatic unboxing on RUclips! :o) )
I was given one of these in about 1974 by my dad when he bought his first SLR and I used it to take some photos that are beyond priceless. Little did I know that the hours that I spent delivering milk and working on farms to pay for film and development would be one of the greatest investments I have ever made.
My original Continamatic III is lost forever, sadly, but I have got hold of four second-hand ones, none of which work. In every case it is the shutter mechanism which seems to be gummed up. I am going to either find someone to repair one or learn how to repair the Continamatic III myself, although the repair will be a huge challenge. I have no experience of working on mechanisms this fine, I learnt my chops on motorcycle engines. If anyone can do the repair for me, please leave me a reply after this comment!
4:40 I always assumed that the position with the word COLOR in white on a black background was for color reversal film, i.e. color slide film, but the Zeiss manual says that it is for artificial light color film. I may be wrong but I also assumed that this little dial is a reminder only, it is simply there to help you remember what type and sensitivity of film you put in the camera.
Thank you!
super helpful. this is my first 35 mm film camera (found for $12 at an estate sale!) and this is a great beginner video. somehow i still managed to load the film improperly my first few tries, but a guy at my local camera store helped my noob butt. thanks for the upload!
Thank you and nice find!
Thank you so much for the video! Can this camera shoot film indoors without flash in daylight? I was wondering because I heard it would turn out too dark.
Thank you! And yes if you have the correct film (fast film, like 800 ISO) and a long-enough shutter speed. A number of good smartphone light meter apps exist that can help you with those settings.
I've got one of these, thank you for the video, it's been very helpful in terms of figuring out how to correctly use the camera! One thing to note though, I think mine is the II and you are demoing the III -- based on the manual (the II and III share a manual), only the III has the "Locking pawl for interchangeable converter lens (for Contina III only)" mine does not have the interchangeable lenses.
Other than that the differences appear very slight, the only other difference I can tell is that mine has a red dot between the 15 and 30ft marks on the focus ring, where yours has a red 15 on the focus ring for the "candid/snapshot setting". All of the images in the manual of the cameras are for the one you've demoed.
Thank you!
And you're right. That is a III. I totally missed that. I've had that camera since 2010 and never realized it was a II and not a II.
Sixty years after Zeiss stoppped making them it's easy to confuse the different models... :o)
Hi, great video and useful, I habe a doubt regarding how to set ASA speed, numbers on the ring don't Match with film nowdays, how to set 100, 200, 400 oe 800 ISO, just guessing?
What numbers do you see on the film speed dial?
Thanks for sharing. Keep on!
Thank you!
I'm completely new to film photography. Do you have any good recommendations on videos I can watch to help me learn how to take proper pictures? Thank you for this video! It's so in depth!
Not a specific video, but look for videos on things like the exposure triangle, how to take a properly exposed photo, and also videos that explain shutter speed and aperture.
Awesome video as expected!!! Just got the Zeiss Tenax automatic. You wouldn't happen to have a review on that?
Thank you!
I do not have the Zeiss Tenax. I've never heard of it before. Is it similar to this one?
I got it at a flee market and it was in good condition but light meter doesn't work. It's a range finder. The metering is really different. It seems that when you go in manual, you can adjust the aperture but it seems that the aperture you pick has a predetermined shutter speed and it's not de-coupled like in most cameras.
What makes the film advance lever be stuck in the resting stage? Found a Zeiss Ikon Tenax (automatic) in pristine condition at an antique mall. But, film advance is stuck and shutter doesn't fire. Please advise. Thanks.
There are a few reasons. It could be a problem with the internal mechanism or it could be that the shutter hasn't been tripped. Those are the two that come to mind readily.
I'm' hoping you can help. I bought a Zeiss Contessa, The shutter is cocked and everything locked up and cannot get the shutter speed to 500. I don't want to force the shutter to 500. What do I do? Thanks!
Hmm. First suggestion is to ensure that the shutter is fired. The speed should not be adjusted if the shutter is armed and ready to fire. If it still won't change into 1/500th, there may be an issue with the shutter preventing it from reaching that speed.
thanks good video ..i have the contina with flap over light meter poss contina 11 my focus lense is very stiff would you have any ideas on this
Stiff focus is due to old, solidified lubricating grease in the helical. So it should loosen with use but will always start with use each time you use it. Fixing that permanently means disassembling the focus helical, cleaning the old grease, and putting some new grease in.
Thank you for your video, it was very informative. I have this contina but my camera does not have the red button to change the lens, is it possible that my camera has not interchangeable lenses? did the manufacturer made a model with a 45 mm lens only?
Thank you.
Yes, the Continamatic III, which it turns out is actually what I had, included the ability to change lenses. The II did not.
Love this camera!
It's an awesome little camera.
thank you for your review. I have a sony miror less camera. Is there an adapter for this lens to be mounted to my sony a6000?
Thank you!
There is not an adapter, unfortunately. The lens element that comes off is only part of the lens, not the whole lens. So it can't focus light without the parts of the lens that remain in the camera.
David Hancock Thanks
I have one of these lovely cameras. As near as I can tell mine is a somewhat less common version too. If you find one with a Zeiss Ikon Novar lens they are also very nice. I have shot with that lens both on my Contina and on my Medium format folding Nettars.
Nice! I don't know if I knew about the Novar version.
my zeiss' cocking lever wont cock i don't have film in it so i don't know if it's because of that and it also won't click and make the shutter sound obviously this is probably because i can't cock/advance. i'm unsure what to do about this is there something i can do? or is my zeiss broken and a decoration now.
Sounds like it needs a professional repair. I'm not 100% certain who is repairing Zeiss cameras now. Try Photo.net's forums.
The little circle in the meter doesnt move for my camera, what is the problem? And do we need the meter for the camera to function properly?
If you're inside, there's likely not enough light for it to turn on. If you're outside in full sun, the meter is probably dead. These have meters that use a chemical reaction, not battery power, and when the meter runs out of the chemicals needed for the reaction they simply die. The meter is NOT required for the camera to work, so you can still take photos with it. You'll want to carry a light meter or use a light meter app on your phone.
@@DavidHancock no im talking about the tiny little circle. You turn the knob and the circle moves to align with the white line. The circle wont move, even if i turn the knob. The selenium works but i cant move the little circle
Oh. Got it. So you'e adjusting the shutter speed and or aperture and the circle is not moving no matter what settings you choose, correct?
@@DavidHancock yes
@@Fay-or3yo That sounds like a mechanical problem, unfortunately.
Hi! do you know where the batteries go? and or where to open it?
This model doesn't need batteries. The light meter is powered by a chemical reaction.
hi i was wondering if there is a lens cover for this camera? or if you can buy one that would fit?
And lens cap of the right diameter would work. I don't recall this lens' cap diameter (but it should be online somewhere.) Then just look on eBay for the right cap and it should be around $1US.
Thanks a lot for your video and all the good explanation!!! I've just found out that we had such a camera in the family and I'm already excited to give it a shot. Unfortunately the advance lever on my camera is totaly blocked... Do you have any idee of what could cause that ? (I did press the shutter release but it does nothing)
Thank you! As for the advance lever, that could be a mechanical issue that requires repair.
Hi David! I recently acquired a Continamatic III myself but I seem to be having issues with removing the lense for cleaning as it seems stuck. Any idea why that could be happening?
Also thank you so so much for the video, it was a huge help to figure out how to operate the camera!
Not all lenses are detachable. Only on certain models. If yours has the release button on the bottom and its sticking, then it might be incorrectly mounted or it might have gunk that's solidified and frozen it. If the latter is the case, it may be safest to get a shop to work on it.
Thank you, I'll be sure to take it to a specialty shop :)
Hi Bruna. Are you doing it right? You need to push the red tab in (towards the camera body) and then turn the front lens counter-clockwise to release it. Only push the red tab, never try to turn it, or it will break off. Some of the Contamatic IIIs that I have seen on Ebay have the red tab broken off, and in most cases that problem will be because someone who does not know these cameras pushed the tab in and then tried to turn the tab.
What kind of film do I need for this camera, where would I be able to find film for it it?
Any 35mm film will work in this camera.
Thank You! dig your Channel!
Thank you!
Unfotunately all the most popular Gauthier's shutters of these times like Pronto, Prontor SVS, Prontor 500 LKE etc. were engineered and built like clockwork mechanisms. The tiny piece of dust is enough to cause them stop working. And the first element that fails the most is selftimer. Almost all of my cameras have the same problem :)
Yeah, old self-timers are very prone to problems.
Jay K My book came out in 2011, I think. I'm not sure where it says it's 75 years old. And it's set in 1997.
I think that’s a III.
That's a distinct possibility.
@@DavidHancock I'm jealous because I have a model II. No interchangeable lens.