Contaprox and the Nikon Zf

 One of things I like about the new Z-mount, mirrorless cameras is their ability to mount many different vintage lenses and still retain infinity focus.

 

Here is an example. Zeiss-Ikon offered a number of different options for closeup work with their Contax rangefinder cameras. Since photographers seldom think of a Contax as a camera for closeup work, these accessories are rare and seldom seen. One such accessory is the Contaprox, sold for use with the Contax IIa and IIIa in the 1950s. It came as a kit in a faux leather box complete with an extension tube, a ground glass and focuser. The lens is a 50mm f3.5 Tessar offering a focus range from infinity to approximately 1:2 reduction. To use it on a Contax, one mounts it on a tripod, focuses with the ground glass, removes the glass and mounts the camera on the lens, calculates the exposure compensation, if going really close, then takes the picture.

However, on a Nikon Zf, all is easy. I mount the lens on a Nikon S converter tube, set camera controls to manual, focus and shoot. I do not have to concern myself with exposure and handheld shots are easy.

 

Lamb's ears in bloom

Dancing Columbine

Milkweed in bloom