Any opinions on Zeiss Ikon Contax D vs. Icarex 35S TM?

[decimusmaximus7]

I am looking for a Zeiss Ikon branded SLR in m42 mount. It seems like my 2 choices are the East's Contax S or D, or the West's Icarex 35S TM.

Any opinion as to which has the best usability, reliability, etc?

Thanks

[rbelyell]

hello
i just sent you a PM.
tony

[iangreenhalgh1]

If your budget is limited you could buy a Jenaflex which is PB mount and add a PB-M42 adapter. The Jenaflex will be much cheaper than either a Contax or a Icarex and is a much more modern camera, much lighter to carry.



http://www.praktica-collector.de/229_Jenaflex_AC-1.htm

[decimusmaximus7]

Thanks for the suggestion, I may consider that one in the future as well.

[trifox]

[decimusmaximus7]

Thanks for sharing. I always love hearing family histories. My first was a Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super B. It has recently broken down on me so I thought as a replacement I should get an m42 mount, that way, I could share the lenses with my Sony a77 and Minolta 7000.

[dof]

[Attila]

I had/have both in multiply copies, I am not fond of either of them. I sold already ICAREX cameras, much more advanced and trustworthy than old Contax D or S. Old Contax D and S basically worst edition of Praktica or Zenit. Easy to brake it to find a good working one a little magic , most of them has light leaks on curtain even if otherways works. Really not related to Contax ... at all. I still have a mint Contax D and some used bodies.

So let's say same bad words against ICAREX , I can't not my favorite , but reliable and works. One of my copy was stored in swamp , got lot of fungus , dust , but works even after such a bad storage. Easy to brake plastic battery cover, so handle it carefully.

My M42 camera suggestion is any newest Praktica VLC x or PLC x or MTL5B all usually works like charm without any issue. I had may 50+ due I sold lenses hard to find any non-working one.
My favourite is Fujica 801, small advanced one and cheap.

[Minolfan]

[decimusmaximus7]

I forgot about the SL 706. Does anyone have one or know of one they'd like to sell?

[Elmar Lang]

Hello,

I have to say some good words about the Contax-S.

It was the "family camera" until my father, in 1980, bought a new Yashica SLR. The Contax-S was a present of his parents in 1952 or '53. He used it also in very difficult situations/environment. When I was a child and a boy, I always remember him (when in "photo-mood") with the Contax-S suspended at his neck. It never had a problem.

It's now on my bookshelf, in its leather ever-ready case: it still works perfectly.

With the Italian Rectaflex, the Contax-S was the first reflex camera with built-in pentaprism so, it has all the limits of a new concept. In any case, it's a pleasure to use one, understanding that we are holding a 1948-49 state-of-the-art SLR.

The Icarex-TM is heavy and noisy, but it's a fine, reliable camera. I agree though, that a 42x1 Praktica equipped with Zeiss Jena lenses can be an extremely fine choice.

Best wishes,

Enzo

[mmelvis]

Also take a look at a Pentacon ZI in an m42 mount, same camera as the Contax D at a lower cost. I am not sure why they do not sell at the same price but you can get a good deal.

[Orio]

[std]

Yes Pentacon ZI is the same camera:
http://captjack.exaktaphile.com/praktina/Contax-Pentacon%20Cameras.htm

[Elmar Lang]

Dear Orio,

the Pentacon "ZI" (meaning "Zeiss Ikon") existed, and it was one of the first cameras, based on the Spiegelreflex-Contax, after the legal fight started between the two Zeiss firms.

It bears the "Ernemann-Turm" logo on the pentaprism, where the earlier Contax-S had the Zeiss Ikon one. Under the "Turm" there was a little, engraved "ZI". After that last attempt, the Zeiss of East Germany ceased the use of the "Zeiss Ikon" name.

Back to the topic, all the Jena SLRs of the Contax family can be very good cameras, in my opinion well worth the costs to check/repair it: it's extremely compact, especially when equipped with the very fine CZJ Tessars, either 2,8 or 3,5. Usually, these cameras come with the excellent Biotar 58/2.

Best wishes,

Enzo