Zeiss Ikon/Voigtlander/Contarex Carl Zeiss HOLOGON (10.0659) ultrawide camera w/ 8/15 (15mm f/8.0) & other Hologon Ultra-wideangle lens variations - Part III

Overall, the built quality of the camera presents a strong German tradition. Majority of the construction are made of metal. Except for the shutter which is made of fabric, but the rugged body construction should provides years of use, even under heavy duty usage. The tripod socket at the camera base section should also be highlighted. Unlike traditional cameras, the tripod socket has been given extra care to accommodate the companion accessory, a vertical camera grip. The device works like a pistol grip of the old days. This was designed primarily due to its extraordinary wide field which may present some practical issue during actual field shooting. Although this seemingly not not entirely posing a big problem as 15mm ultrawideangle lens is considered as quite acceptable by modern standard as special application lens for ultra-wideangle photography, but it was really "something" back in the early '70. To give you a rough idea, it is almost like expecting a new age photographer handles a 6 or 8mm fisheye lens for the first time shooting on the field at or beyond 180° with their digital SLR. So, excitement of owning such a lens type one thing, finding good usage of it can be another issue. The hand grip which works along with cable release that plugs onto the camera shutter release button, was partially one of the selling element for the camera. Depends on individual preferences, I would find it adding more weight and make the camera more cumbersome to operate Whatever it is, citing the camera may present many new shooting experience for many, Zeiss had thoughtfully included it in as standard accessory. Well, such combination may not work for my shooting habit but it serves its purpose as shooting and handling aid for those who may struggle. Personally, I know it can be fun to imagine shooting ultra-wideangle lens on a rangefinder camera. But as experience calls, handling an ultrawide lens is not that easy as you thought it is supposed to be. One of the trick is always have to ensure object/subject of interest rests perpendicular to the film plane. You can take advantage of the perspective distortion to emphasize dimension and scale. Shooting landscape may not be the most ideal choice as distant scene may looks smaller than actual size but you can compensate by careful placement of subject matters on photo composition to create comparison. The Zeiss Ikon HOLOGON ultrawide camera handles film interchanging like a conventional rangefinder camera where you unlock and remove the film back from the base section. The film take up spool has a bright orange slides and it looks similar to the "magic slide" quick film loading design deployed on the Pentax oldies or the old Canon Pellix QL method. The main purpose is to ensure and facilitates quick film loading. The film back, according to literature can be "interchangeable" with other magazine backs found in the Contarex system. But I have no idea what other options are. I will leave this section for any constructive input from surfers who may be more familiar with the Contarex system accessories. There are a few standard accessories which seemingly made them uniquely only designed for the HOLOGON ultrawide camera. This even extends to a simple accessory such as the body cap. The body cap is made of metal with leatherette exterior covering but it has an internal thread. The IS57 cap as Zeiss termed it, probably may not be able to find as they are not sold separately or individually. Next is an optional optical filter with metallic outer ring, it has a circular graduated coated property. Designed for compensating light fall off when using slow speed ASA film type in broad daylight. The S57 filter is also internally threaded. All known Zeiss Ikon/Voigtlander/Contarex HOLOGON (10.0659) ultrawide cameras that rolled out of the respective assembling plants in Germany are believed to be only being made in black finishing only. Typically, the camera has the "Hologon ultrawide" model name that located at the top, front section of the camera. On the right hand side, top front section and just underneath the multitasks shutter release/film advance lever section, you will find a Zeiss IKON logo. Some may bear "Zeiss Vertrieb" signifies the batches which were assembled in Oberkochen, after the Stuttgart facilities had been shut down. The total production in all configurations of the Hologon Ultrawide model stands at approx. 1400 units. stands Ref:- ZEISS Compendium, 1940~1972 by Charles M. Barringer / Marc James Small.   IF yours collection differs from the showcased model, consider to send good images for me to complied into another showcase. I am not a historian neither a very serious collector, other than helping me to rectify any mistakes found in the content of this pages - please don't send me mails relating to this. A more useful manner is, I would strongly encourage you to interchange your thoughts among other fellow enthusiast via the alternate | Message Board | for lenses | Message Board | RF cameras. Enjoy. Below is a mini photo showcase for those who may have the interest for this collectible set. It is quite complete with all papers and standard accessories. One interesting area is the many papers that often mention "Vertrieb" and use the combined name of Zeiss Ikon/Voigtlander. But I would think this is a Stuttgard made Hologon. ---->>> Standard accessories supplied with the HOLOGON ultrawide camera Index Page | Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five previous | Next | 4/6 Carl Zeiss T* HOLOGON 8/15 in LEICA M-mount For other issues, you may use the relevant | Message Board | lenses | Message Board | RF cameras NOTE:- Basic visual references only for some of the popular series, other combinations/variations may exist. | Leica/Leitz | Contax/Zeiss | Nippon Kogaku-Nikon/Nikkor | Seiki Kogaku/Canon |   Credit: Image courtesy of Mr. Peter Coeln from LEICA Shop®, Austria who also operates a popular Westlicht Auction House as well as some of the primary Images courtesy of camera$@EBAY® who also operates an EBAY STORE. Both online trade centres can find many used RARE pieces of Nikon, Leica and other old classic photo equipment, ALL images appeared herein belongs to the respective contributors and are copyright © 2008. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.