Zeiss Contaflex Prima - front controls re-assembly advice sought

[Knjy]

I obtained a Contaflex Prima with a Prontor shutter in premium condition in a 'box of Zeiss' from our local auction house. It is in pristine condition but had a slow shutter. Normally I would not invest time in this as I am unlikely to use it much and they sell for coffee money. I had a look inside previously and apparently re-assembled it incorrectly. During a recent short illness I thought I would pass my time opening it up and having a look around again. The speeds are all perky now and I need help to get it back together in the correct way - it is a complicated set of interfaces - shutter speed, aperture, inter-connected EV type system, auto diaphragm and so on.

Any help in the form of pictures showing assembly positions of the various front rings gratefully accepted. This is the Prontor shutter version.
The various rings in order of assembly are:
ASA dial coupled to the meter
The master control ring that connects to the aperture and shutter rings
The cogged washer that provides drive to the other rings
The aperture ring
The geared idler ring
The shutter bezel
Retainer

Phew!

On, the much appreciated in these forums, Zeiss build quality. This Contaflex was extremely well made, the fit and finish is faultless, the design very clever indeed, the Prontor does not give anything away in build quality to contemporary Compur designs - that are different in operation - but component quality looks indistinguishable. The ubiquitous dust specs in the viewfinder point to a poor choice of material for the prism cover tape, that said it may have been cutting edge in 1967, was simple, compact and light. I can find no other build criticisms. So this begs the question of how the economics were altered by fitting a Pantar lens line. I guess it had a big enough effect to justify the re-engineering, stocking costs and marketing.
It may also have been a loss-leader, sold at cost to entice users to Zeiss products, in which case the user got a good deal.

 

[Brett Rogers]

I've repaired many Contaflexes but have always stayed with the various models equipped with a Tessar lens and Compur shutter. Have only ever handled one Pantar model briefly, so I can't offer specific advice. The Pantar lenses were manufactured for ZI by Rodenstock. Interestingly the additional telephoto and wide angle Pantar lenses may also be fitted to certain Contina models, something that does not apply to the Pro Tessars for the Tessar Contaflexes which do not fit any other type of camera. From what I have seen online the Pantar lens is an acceptable performer but definitely not up to the Tessar, particularly those fitted to the last models.

Regarding the re-assembly of your Prima, I suggest you try Rick Oleson's site to see if he has some notes. I'm fairly sure Rick actually favours the Prima model himself. He's extremely helpful so if he has worked on a Prima he is likely to have some suggestions and is worth a try. You could also search the archives for the Classic Camera Repair forum over at RFF, there's a fair chance there will be a hit or two about the type in them.
Cheers
Brett

 

[Grytpype]

I appear to have stripped my own Prima (since sold) in 2005 just after I bought my first digital camera, so I do have a few pictures, but looking through them I am not sure any would be of use to you.

However I did make some notes, and I appear to have noted how the rings engage with each other, as well as the order of assembly. If you think this would be useful, PM me your email address and I will send you the text file.

Steve.