Post by John Farrell on Oct 16, 2024 2:08:39 GMT
This is a Contaflex III, sold from 1956 to 1959. It came with the two lenses shown - Japanese accessory tele and wide angle lenses, which screw into the filter thread.
I was surprised to find that the shutter works correctly on all speeds. Focusing was very stiff, but I cheated, and loosened it up with a couple of drops of oil on the helix (visible inside when the lens is focused to its shortest distance). Unfortunately, the front of the front lens element has marks in its coating. I may yet give it the toothpaste treatment.
Altogether, the camera was in much better condition than I expected. It had the manual and box with it, and the box has a price sticker - £98/7/6 - that's about NZ$5000 today.
