New question from a new user (and member)

[gabrioladude]

Let me start out by saying you have a most "interesting" group here.

I read some of the other threads and they are "colorful" for want of a better word.

but there is passion around the use of Contax cameras and certainly alot of knowledge...

should probably introduce myself

-live in Toronto Canada, but spend much time in BC also. If you have heard of Gabriola Island near Nanaimo, that is where my internet name came from.
-I do shot mainly digital (Canon 20D) and yes I read the "tired of technology" thread..
-but also shot film using SLR's (Canon Elan 7) and some manual focus Minoltas (X700 and SR1s)
-spend a little time in the darkroom but spend much more time in front of Photoshop
-have not really shot range finders before
-I landed here because I plan to put a few rolls of film through a Contax IIa (in mint condition) with a Sonnar 1.5. This camera was my fathers (now deceased) he didn't use it much but purchased it new in the early 50's in Germany. It has been in my sister's possession and I borrowed it since I am more into photography than she is. You might say I have it on "indefinite loan"

so my question:
I have done abit of "ebay browsing" and discovered that getting other lenses for the camera is not easy or cheap

what are my options?

for example there are other manual focus lenses more readily available I am thinking of M42 screw mounts etc. Can one use other lenses such as these with an adaptor. I suspect not because how would the viewfinder work?

I appreciate your input...

my actual name is Frank...

 

[Santafecino]

Frank--
I assume you are looking for rangefinder-coupled lenses in Contax bayonet mount. Zeiss lenses are expensive, and there are few others except RF Nikkors marked "C"--with one exception. Former Soviet Union (FSU) lenses built for the Kiev RF camera fit the Contax mount. You can use several 50mm lenses (but you hve one). You might want to buy a 85mm f/2 Jupiter-9 in Kiev/Contax mount or a 135mm f/4 Jupiter-11. FSU lenses are cheap. There is also a good FSU turret finder for 28-35-50-85-135mm lenses. You can't use the 35mm Jupiter-12 FSU lens, unfortunately, since its rear element won't fit into postwar Contaxes. The 28mm f/6 Orion is rare and expensive. So for wideangles you must look elsewhere. Good luck.
--Lindsay

 

[gabrioladude]

Lindsay thanks for the response

yes I would like Rangefinder coupled lenses

I am interested in wide as opposed to long
ideally a 28 or a 35

when I shoot with my Canon 20D I like to shoot landscape and nature type shots
I mainly shot Zooms

What I was hoping to do with the Contax is to do more street photography
when you have a 20D with a 24-105 zoom on it you are not very inconspicous
that is the beauty of the rangefinder
also I like the idea of getting more experience shooting primes

you mentioned the Nikkor, I had read that some Nikkor rangefinder lenses fit the Contax. Are you saying some do but others don't?

 

[Vics]

I have MY father's IIIa and Sonnar 50/1.5, so I'm right there with you. I use mine to shoot with a Nikon 35mm F2.5, as I have a Leica M3 with a 50 Summicron. As to other lenses, I think the easiest answer would be Cosina-Voigtlander. They have made many lenses for that camera mount, as well as a body with the same mount. Last time I looked, Steven Gandy at Camera Quest (RangeFinderForum is his site) had all of the Contax mount lenses by CV on sale at VERY attractive prices. Especially attractive to me would be the 21/4, which comes with all the caps, hood, and viewfinder! All this for under $400, if memory serves. Find a link to cameraquest near the left part of this screen.
Your repair guy is Henry Shearer at http://www.zeisscamera.com/. He only works on Zeiss cameras, and his site will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about your camera and a lot more. He overhauled mine back in 2003 and it still works perfectly!
Good luck and please post some pictures!
Vic

 

[gabrioladude]

thanks for the reply Vic I will check out your suggestion about the CV lens option

 

[newspaperguy]

Far be it from me to suggest that more gear should come later (My own cubbie is overflowing) but why not try you hand with that beautiful sonnar?

Seems to me that HCB did some great street photography with a 50mm lens.

Above all... enjoy.

Rick

 

[Santafecino]

Frank--
Yes; Nikkor RF lenses for Nikons are built to a slightly different RF standard focal length. The ones for Contax are marked "C". There is no practical difference for wide angles--you can use a 35mm Nikkor on either type.

The point about CV lenses is a good one--as long as you can get them. Their 35mm might be the cheapest good WA for Contax. Those Cosina Voigtlander lenses have a deservedly high reputation.
--Lindsay

 

[gabrioladude]

Far be it from me to suggest that more gear should come later (My own cubbie is overflowing) but why not try you hand with that beautiful sonnar?

Seems to me that HCB did some great street photography with a 50mm lens.

Above all... enjoy.

Rick

that is prudent advice...

I suspect I am like many photographers, when you can't go out and shoot, you dream about what the next piece of gear might be that you will acquire...

However I do enjoy "making images" and am satisfied with the progress I have been making over the last few years. And one of these days I might even get around to getting a Flicker (or some other web site) up....

in the recent past my photography has been directed towards "camera club" photography. But now that I have sufficient awards "under my belt" to prove to me that I can get a few decent shots I have come to the conclusion that this type of photography can be quite limiting, I want to stretch my creative horizons abit....

I appreciate the feedback I have received

...by the way did you see the beautiful Sonnar 85mm f2 on ebay (expiring tonight). I decided I wasn't going to bid..

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270189839556&ssPageName=ADME:B:DBS:CA:1123

 

[Vics]

I couldn't argue with Rick. The 50/1.5 Sonnar is an amazing lens, and one can do an awful lot with that focal length. Since you were asking about other, wider lenses, I just thought CV would be a good way to go. I LOVE my Nikkor 35/2.5 also, but that's probably a lot more money. But I do probably 90% of my shooting with my 50 on the M3.
Vic