The Zeiss Ikon Contessa series started in 1950 and got various upgrades and re-modelings up to 1971. The early models were folding type, others made after 1960 were compact type. Zeiss cameras were very well made - even the cheaper versions, like the Contessa LBE.
There are several variants of the models.
Contessa LBE c.1966 Images by Süleyman Demir (Image rights)
Contessa S-310[]
Contessa S 310 image by Paulo Moreira (Image rights)
Produced in 1971
Viewfinder
Shutter: Prontor 500 S
Automatic with aperture priority
CDS cell, on the right of the lens
Electronic shutter Prontor 500 S. Synchro flash X at all speeds or, specifically with the 1/30 of second
Speed: 4-1/500
Viewfinder, very comfortable and luminous, remind the selected aperture (on top) - the speed determined by the camera (on the right) and the distance of focusing by pictograms (on the left).
Lens Carl Zeiss Tessar 40mm f/2.8 4 elements in 3 groups, considered for its optical high-quality
Minimal focusing distance 90cm
Shutter release w/ cable releasesocket, accessory shoe, indicator of battery and exposure counter, on the hood.
Simple cocking, by lever. In absence of battery the cycle of the cocking is not complete.
Supply by 4 batteries PX6245 or adaptations.
Backcover removable
Placed in the sole, one finds a crank of rewinding largely dimensioned as well as the key of locking of the back
A mechanical indicator of advance of film is present at the back of the camera
Very rare
Contessa S-312[]
Rangefinder (similar to S-310 except rangefinder)
Produced in 1971
Lens: f2.8 40mm Tessar
Shutter: Prontor 500 S
S-310 and S-312 were made by Voigtländer. After the merger of the two companies they came to the market under the Contessa S-31x.
