Photographica Pages

An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff

Zeiss Ikon Contina IIa and Contina- matic II

By the mid-1950's, most camera manufacturers were replacing their folding camera lines with rigid bodied ones. In 1956, the folding Contina II was replaced by the Contina IIa (527/24). The uncoupled rangefinder was dropped in exchange for a selenium light meter, covered by a hinged door. It was available with either a 45/3.5 Novar or 45/2.8 Novicar lens.

In 1958 the Contina was given a larger viewfinder, and a different meter cell that lacked the hinged door, and was fitted with the 45/2.8 Pantar lens. In some literature it was referred to as the Contina- matic II, but I don't know if it was ever known as anything else, or if the Contina IIa was referred to as the Contina-matic II as well. It was listed in the Zeiss catalog of May, 1960 under the catalog number 10.0613, priced at $79.00. It was likely discontinued later that year.

The Contina-matic was also marketed as an outfit including the leather case, and a Ikoblitz 4 folding flash unit that same year for $98.95.

The Contina IIa.

The Contina-matic II.