Couldn't pass the chance to buy this old Contax

[SwampDude]

Old and new cameras are fun and interesting, so this one caught my eye at an estate sale. The price was something less than $10, but I may have paid too much! I haven't tested functionality beyond the shutter, but it seems to work. Thought I'd consult the experts here to find out if getting this Contax thoroughly checked out is worth the effort. Please share any info or opinions you may have.

 

[dennybeall]

Looks to be in very nice condition..

 

[jcdeboever]

I bet that lens is sweet.

 

[SwampDude]

I bet that lens is sweet.

Are cameras like this one used by anyone for serious image making, or is their appeal mostly from an appreciation of photo equipment of the distant past?

My meager photography education started around 1970 with a Minolta SRT-101 match-needle 35mm, so I have a fair grasp of technical fundamentals. If this Contax is mechanically sound and can be tuned at a reasonable cost ($100) to make good images, I'd acquire a decent light meter and go back to the basics for fun.

Your thought that my Contax lens might be "sweet" makes me curious about how the camera was regarded when it was widely used. Were these cameras considered to be high quality? Any idea how old this model might be?

 

[jcdeboever]

Looks like a Zeiss Ikon Contax Iia. That was considered a premium camera back in the day. Excellent build quality, excellent lens. Unique focus dial. I seen one in super condition around $600 before.

 

[webestang64]

Zeiss = very nice lens.

Some info.... Zeiss Contax II and III

 

[dxqcanada]

Eh, $10 !!! That is a steal.
Many people actually do use old film cameras to take pictures ... they are not all just mantel pieces.

It appears to be a Contax II type model ... I am not familiar with them but I feel it was a very good camera.

If you don't like it ... I will offer you 200% of the price you got it for ... hmm, maybe even 300% !!!

 

[jcdeboever]

Yup, I would shoot it. I handled the one I seen in the camera shop, Dearborn MI. It was buttery smooth and felt solid in the hand. I actually was considering to buy it but the viewfinder was too small and I wear glasses. He said he would take $525 for it as I was walking out. I walked away but man it was nice. I bet that would have been a nice image maker. It was so clean and smooth, almost looked like it was hardly used. He said it had documentation of a fairly recent CLA. He bought it from the original owner's family after he had passed away. He owned several Contax models and I was the first person to see the collection up for sale. Every single camera was beautiful. He also had his wonderful Leica DRP, now that was going for some big bucks.

 

[Derrel]

Here is a good article to read on IIa and III htpps://cameraquest.com/conrf.htm

 

[dxqcanada]

I can just image how freaked out the people in the RFF group would be if they read the OP !!!

 

[SwampDude]

Zeiss = very nice lens.

Some info.... Zeiss Contax II and III

The article is quite informative, and I feel great about finding this camera for a giveaway price. It seems spending some money for reconditioning would be prudent and 'right' for the purpose of saving a nice old camera.

 

[SwampDude]

I can just image how freaked out the people in the RFF group would be if they read the OP !!!

Who are the RFF group people?

 

[webestang64]

Here is a good article to read on IIa and III
link... Zeiss Contax II and III

Fixed.....

Who are the RFF group people?

Rangefinderforum.com Portal - Rangefinderforum

 

[SwampDude]

I finally figured out how to open the camera, and the inside parts that are visible seem clean and in good condition considering the age (1940s). The shutter curtain and film backing plate show some sign of slight wear or discoloration from age. Some of the controls like the focusing wheel are stiff, but the camera may have been sitting more than 50 years without being used. The shutter seems sluggish. Overall, its in better shape than me, and our ages are about the same.

 

[greybeard]

Beautiful