Cameras/Zeiss Contaflex IV and Canon Dial 35
Advertisement
Question
Hello, I hope this finds you well. I am trying to find some good information on two vintage cameras that belong to a friend of mine. One of the cameras is a Zeiss Ikon Contaflex IV, and the other is a Canon Dial 35. The owner only used each camera a couple times when they were new, and has had them well-stored for decades. Recently, the owner decided he might like to sell these items, but has no idea what, if anything, they might be worth. Is there any way that you could give me a little information on these cameras, their status in the world of photography, and what they might be worth? Both cameras appear to be in excellent working condition, and the Zeiss is enclosed in an original leather case with several accessories. Thank you for your time, and I will truly appreciate any information you might have.
Hello,
The Contaflex IV (catalog code 864/24) is a 35mm single-lens-reflex camera made by Zeiss Ikon of Germany from 1957 to 1959. It's a high quality machine, with a wide range of shutter speeds and a built-in exposure meter, plus it offers interchangeable front elements for a limited number of accessory lenses. It has no particular "status" among such cameras, except that it's the middle model in a long series of Contaflex cameras that were made. From a historical point of view, the earliest and the last are far more interesting. Zeiss Ikon sold zillions of these, so it remains quite common today. A truly excellent example would sell for around $100 in the collectible camera market.
The Dial 35 is a half-frame motorized 35mm camera made by Canon of Japan from 1963 to 1971. Although it was a big seller in its day, and especially popular among travelers, it remains more of a curiosity than a serious camera with any historical importance. The motors were notorious for failing. A truly excellent (working!) example might bring about $70 today.
These cameras frequently appear on eBay, so they're extremely easy to find. Realized value depends on condition, with a little extra added for significant accessories, and less than excellent condition is very hard to sell.
Best wishes,
David Silver
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | I truly appreciate the informative and timely response I received from you, Mr. Silver. Thank you for your time, and for sharing your extensive knowledge of photographic equipment! | ||
Related Articles
- Photographing Your Beadwork - Using a SLR or DSLR Camera
- Best Underwater Digital Cameras - Finding the Best Underwater Digital Cameras and Accessories
- Best DSLR Cameras - Find the Best DSLR Cameras for Under $2,000
- Best DSLR Accessories - Find the Best DSLR Accessories for Your DSLR Camera
- Considering Used Equipment - Photography
David Silver
Expertise
I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience
I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.