Re: Leica RF Competitors

[photology@juno.com (Thomas P Myro)]

>This exchange has shown that we are both familiar with Zeiss and 
>Leitz.
>Let's return to my original question.  Would you please compare the
>features and design philosophies of Contax and Retina rangefinder 
>cameras
>with those of Leica cameras?  To get this discussion rolling, Contax
>cameras have a vertical running focal plane shutter and Retina's a 
>leaf
>shutter.  What were the reasons for these design choices when 
>horizontal
>focal plane shutters were fairly standard during that time?  The leaf
>shutter greatly limited Kodak in its offering of interchangeable 
>lenses,
>which could have been very profitable accessories.  A more versatile 
>camera
>could have increased their film sales. 
>
>Glen Robinson
>Glen Robinson
>
>
There are several reasons for the shutter & rangefinder differences.
Zeiss Ikon had a lot of experience in vertical travelling double
roller-blind types of shutters (i.e. the early Ernemann designs and the
Miroflex, in particular)  The shutter was made of metal for the Contax
simply to improved durability and speed.  

I don't believe that in 1925, any shutter design could have been called
"standard".

Retinas were designed and produced by the former Nagel Cameraworks. 
August Nagel was a superior camera designer, who at one time, I believe,
worked at the Contessa Nettel Cameraworks (later to become part of the
Zeiss Ikon amalgamation.

There are a few "sterling" examples of Nagel Works Cameras produced
before the purchase by Kodak.  I don't believe any of them used any type
of focal-plane shutter.

The Compur shutter line was a very reliable "safe" design to use, and
could be purchased ready-to-go, in a variety of sizes, for many cameras
of the day.

The Compur shutter always lended itself well, also, to the "folding"
camera concept, leaving lots of room inside the body for folding, and,
the Retina was, at least originally, a folding camera.

Lastly, lets not overlook the Kodak Ektra, a US produced rangefinder with
interchangeable lenses, which, I supppose, we need to consider a Leica
Copy.
This camera had a horizontally travelling focal plane shutter, much as
the Leica.
EKC was trying to cover all the bases, as always, but the camera was
expensive, and, alas, failed in the marketplace.  I have a friend who
still uses one regularly, though, and it was a superior image-maker.

As far as the difference in rangefinders, Zeiss Ikon has always preferred
their "rotating wedge" style, long base rangefinder, the longer base
providing just a little more accuracy than either the Retina or Leica SM
rangefinders, both of which were much shorter based.


That's what I know,

Thomas P. Myro
Photology@juno.com