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Zeiss Ikon



Contaflex Rapid and Prima

The Rapid and Prima, along with the new flagship of the Contaflex line, were introduced in 1959. The Rapid and Prima, like the Super, featured the new interchangeable magazine back which allowed users to carry additional backs with different films, rather than multiple cameras. The same style back was introduced that year on the Contarex as well, although the backs are not interchangeable between systems. Also new on the Rapid and Prima were rapid advance levers replacing the previous knob winds, and a built in accessory shoe on top of the prism, something taken for granted today, but lacking on most cameras of that era.

Both the Rapid and the Prima are easy to spot. They are the only Contaflex models to have their name engraved on the front of the prism in script lettering.

The Rapid was product code 10.1261, and is rarely found. It is listed in the May 1960 catalog for $169, only $30 less than the Super, and essentially the same as the Super except lacking the built in selenium light meter. It was discontinued in 1961.

The Prima was a continuation of the Alpha and Beta, with a Rodenstock Pantar lens in a less expensive Prontor shutter. The Prima has a built in selenium meter like the Beta, but without the flip up cover. The product code is 10.1291, and it was marketed until 1965, and was the final model of the Pantar/Prontor Contaflex.

The Contaflex Rapid

 

The Contaflex Prima

 

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