Filmwasters

Which Board? => Main Forum => : hookstrapped June 04, 2025, 10:28:21 PM

: Help identifying old rangefinder, circa 1952-53
: hookstrapped June 04, 2025, 10:28:21 PM

I was wondering if anyone can help identify an old camera

(https://imageproxy.viewbook.com/4672/b18e2509f3a84572e5f2bf681d678d90_hd.jpg)

(https://imageproxy.viewbook.com/4672/db559d7e6186c04039f33f92c891ffde_hd.png)

I assumed it was a Japanese camera since this is my dad in Japan in 1952 or 1953. But the camera it resembles the most is a Contax iiia, with the viewfinder and rangefinder windows, self-timer, and light meter. But I don't think my father could afford a Contax. This is the only pic of him with a camera from these years I have, and then I realized his camera was used to take the picture. Maybe this camera belongs to a Navy buddy that he was just using that day.

: Re: Help identifying old rangefinder, circa 1952-53
: Bryan June 05, 2025, 04:59:10 AM

It looks like a Contax IIIa.  I wax thinking it could be a Kiev 4 but the rangefinder window on the left is too small.

: Re: Help identifying old rangefinder, circa 1952-53
: Pete_R June 05, 2025, 10:54:55 AM

Agreed, Contax iiia

: Re: Help identifying old rangefinder, circa 1952-53
: Francois June 05, 2025, 03:56:24 PM

Most probably some Contax. There weren't many cameras with a flip-up cover for the exposure meter.