Superb! 1952 Zeiss Ikon Contessa 533/24, FRESHLY SERVICED!

Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use

This is a Zeiss-Ikon Contessa produced in circa 1952. These cameras are jewels and rank among some of the finest cameras ever built. The fit, finish and performance is as good as the postwar Contax. If you’ve used one of these cameras before, than you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you don’t... then you’re in for a treat.

The Contessa uses normal 35mm film. It was an expensive luxury camera with a price tag that was considerably higher than the 6x9 Zeiss Super Ikonta C and even the Voigtlander Bessa II with a Heliar. Within the Zeiss-Ikon line the Contessa was only topped by the Contax IIa. And just like the Contax and the Leica, the Contessa has a coupled rangefinder never leaves you guessing about focus or distance. It’s bright, accurate and smooth and a real pleasure to use. Additionally the Contessa featured a simple built in selenium light-meter. It was uncoupled, which of course meant you had to manually set the shutter speeds and aperture to the desired values.

This 65 year old camera is in exceptionally fine condition. Additionally it’s been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. The coupled rangefinder image is easy to see and works well. The Compur shutter works smoothly and all speeds (B & 1 sec - 1/500th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along smoothly and the fast speeds are clean and snappy. The shutter speed and diaphragm are manual and easily set to any desired position.

This camera also works with a normal electronic flash. The flash will fire correctly at any desired shutter speed. (This is of course very convenient for flash fill.) Because of its age, the selenium light meter doesn’t work. However that’s no problem, just use a modern handheld meter or the classic sunny 16 rule.

The coated, Zeiss-Opton Tessar 2.8/50mm lens (a classic design with four element in three groups) is exceptionally clean and clear. There is no crystallization, separated elements, fungus or other problems. There are no scratches or cleaning marks and it’s capable of lovely photos with modern color and B&W films.

All in all, a fine classic camera that deserves to be used regularly. Load it with your favorite film and enjoy taking your new photographic companion for a stroll.