The Contaflex Super B was launched in 1963, as an update to the Contaflex line. The camera upgraded the old selenium meter to one capable of shutter priority and automatic exposure, with a read-out both on top of the camera and in the viewfinder. Additionally, the camera has a redesigned Zeiss Tessar 50mm f/2.8 optic that was much better than previous versions.
Like earlier Contaflex cameras, the Super B has a between-the-lens Compur leaf shutter, with a range between 1 second up to 1/500th. Additional optics for this camera included a 35mm f/4 (later replaced with a f/3.2 version), an 85mm f/4 (which was also later replaced by a f/3.2 version), and a 115mm f/4.
za/sd
Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super B
Today, we have a gem of a camera to tempt you with - this Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super B.
For starters, just look at it. While Zeiss Ikon's cameras in the 1950s and 60s didn't tend to have the curves of some of their German, Japanese and American competitors, they still knew how to make a camera beautiful. From the lovely mixing of chrome and black, to the elegant proportions of the camera, even down to the Zeiss Ikon font, the Contaflex SLR is a beauty to behold.
While this camera is certainly beautiful, the hype goes deeper than looks and into the design and functionality. This Contaflex used a behind-the-lens Compur leaf shutter, an innovation that Zeiss Ikon was already making famous by the time this Super B was released. It also has an excellent focusing screen - a horizontal split prism, surrounded by a micro prism ring, with that surrounded by a matte focusing screen. This is the type of screen that modern DSLR users often long to have installed in their cameras. The Super B introduced a non-TTL selenium cell meter, capable of shutter priority exposure but, like a lot of selenium cell meters of this age, the one on this Contaflex is sadly no longer working.
Additionally, the Super B has interchangeable front optics. While it comes with a redesigned Zeiss Tessar 50mm f2.8, you can swap that out for a 35mm f3.2, 85mm f3.2 or a 115mm f4 - not to mention a stereo attachment, if you can find it.
And our last argument? It's only $50. If that is not enough to tempt you, then we'll just have to wait til tomorrow and present a new camera.