squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
I'm not seeing a lot of IIa's on eBay lately, just a lot of what seem to be hugely overpriced Buy It Now auctions that nobody goes for. What's the actual going rate for this camera, in working condition?
raid
Dad Photographer
I used to see the IIa or IIIa with a 5cm/2 Sonnar for about $300-$350.
A IIa with need for CLA/repair was often offered at $150.
A IIa with need for CLA/repair was often offered at $150.
jmkelly
rangefinder user
Working IIa with a 50/1.5 just went for $224 - if one was willing to risk a single-feedback seller.
W
wlewisiii
Guest
When I don't have an idea about a price, I like to use KEH. Given my budget, I look for what they want for (what they call) bargin rated gear. I then use that as the highest I'll pay because I usually can't afford more than that anyway 
Given where things are at I'd say $200 for a good one, no more than $125 if it needs a CLA. Glass for Contax is silly cheap right now so it's a good time to get on board.
Of course, I'm a cheap bastich & buy cheap but exquisite CJZ glass to use on my $40 Kiev 4a...
William
Given where things are at I'd say $200 for a good one, no more than $125 if it needs a CLA. Glass for Contax is silly cheap right now so it's a good time to get on board.
Of course, I'm a cheap bastich & buy cheap but exquisite CJZ glass to use on my $40 Kiev 4a...
William
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
Keh is where I usually look too, but it doesn't look like they have any IIa's at the moment...
That $225 sounds awfully nice!
That $225 sounds awfully nice!
ZeissFan
Veteran
That was an excellent deal. Prices for cameras seem to rise and fall for no particular reason.
About six years ago, when I bought my first Contax IIa, prices were high, and I paid $300 for a Contax IIa and a prewar f/1.5 Sonnar. That seemed to be the average price.
However, in the past year or so, I've bought two Contax IIa's -- one with an f/2.0 Sonnar and the other with an f/1.5 Sonnar -- and I paid less than $225 for each.
EBay sellers such as Arsenall, Kevinscameras, Camera$ and certain other sellers who ask absurdly high prices for their gear have had the overall effect of pushing up prices, I think.
I think the price range that Raid stated is about right, although there are still deals to be had on eBay. You just have to look harder. Last year, I bought the barn door Vitessa with the f/2.0 Ultron for $49 -- admittedly, the seller marked it as "Yoighander."
Last week, I bought the prewar Zeiss turret finder for the Contax II for $67. That was a very nice pickup, as these generally go for twice that amount.
About six years ago, when I bought my first Contax IIa, prices were high, and I paid $300 for a Contax IIa and a prewar f/1.5 Sonnar. That seemed to be the average price.
However, in the past year or so, I've bought two Contax IIa's -- one with an f/2.0 Sonnar and the other with an f/1.5 Sonnar -- and I paid less than $225 for each.
EBay sellers such as Arsenall, Kevinscameras, Camera$ and certain other sellers who ask absurdly high prices for their gear have had the overall effect of pushing up prices, I think.
I think the price range that Raid stated is about right, although there are still deals to be had on eBay. You just have to look harder. Last year, I bought the barn door Vitessa with the f/2.0 Ultron for $49 -- admittedly, the seller marked it as "Yoighander."
Last week, I bought the prewar Zeiss turret finder for the Contax II for $67. That was a very nice pickup, as these generally go for twice that amount.
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
Well, alls I'm looking for is a body, and not very intensely--so I am happy to wait around until a deal comes along.
batterytypehah!
Lord of the Dings
I paid $129 for my color dial IIa, body only, this past May. I was the only bidder. Seller was unfamiliar with Contaxes and the auction photos were poor, so I did take a bit of a chance there. Worked out fine for me. Focus wheel is stiff and shutter won't close on T. However, all speeds from B on up are fine, so this doesn't bother me. User condition but not bad at all.
I found out too late that there are no affordable wide angle lenses for postwar Contax bodies. You're looking at $200 and up (way up), while you can pick up a J-12 for a prewar Contax (or any Kiev) for under $50, if you're willing to buy from FSU countries. Something to keep in mind if you like to shoot wides.
I found out too late that there are no affordable wide angle lenses for postwar Contax bodies. You're looking at $200 and up (way up), while you can pick up a J-12 for a prewar Contax (or any Kiev) for under $50, if you're willing to buy from FSU countries. Something to keep in mind if you like to shoot wides.
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
I will probably just shoot 50's and up--I've got wides covered in M-mount and on my Pentax.
As often seems to happen, an RFFer stepped up to the plate and sold me his extra IIa, so I'll know soon how I like it!
As often seems to happen, an RFFer stepped up to the plate and sold me his extra IIa, so I'll know soon how I like it!
raid
Dad Photographer
If in need of a CLA, just send the camera to Eddy Smolov. He has many years of experience, and few people can match his low repair cost.