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Photographica Pages
An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff
Zeiss Ikon Contessa 35 (533/24)
The initial model of Contessa was based on the Ikonta 35. It is a drop bed, self erecting folding camera,
with coupled rangefinder of the rotating wedge style used on the Super Ikontas, and an uncoupled
selenium meter. It has a double exposure prevention system that will not allow the shutter to operate
unless it has film winding through it (or unless you trick the camera). It was fitted with a 45/2.8 Tessar in
Compur-Rapid until 1953, when the shutter was changed to Synchro Compur.
It was introduced in 1950, beating the Retina IIIc to the market by four years. It was a much more
elegant camera than the Retina. It was discontinued in
1955.
Zeiss re-introduced the Contessa 35 in 1960, even using the same Zeiss number as the previous
model. It was a completely different design, with a rigid lens.
Although it had the selenium meter, it lacked the rangefinder. It was discontinued in 1963.
![](zeiss/contessa/open.jpg)
![](zeiss/contessa/closed.jpg)
The folding Contessa open and closed. The lettering is worn from the front door on this example, which
is common.
![](zeiss/contessa/gray35.jpg)
An unusual gray Contessa 35, one of small number with gray leather.
![](zeiss/contessa/gray35a.jpg)
![](zeiss/contessa/48132.jpg)
An unusual aftermarket accessory. The Omnica bag is normally found for system cameras in a larger
size.
![](zeiss/contessa/open.jpg)
![](zeiss/contessa/closed.jpg)
The folding Contessa open and closed. The lettering is worn from the front door on this example, which is common.
![](zeiss/contessa/gray35.jpg)
An unusual gray Contessa 35, one of small number with gray leather.
An unusual aftermarket accessory. The Omnica bag is normally found for system cameras in a larger
size.