squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
I'm not seeing a lot of IIa's on eBay lately, just a lot of what seem to be hugely overpriced Buy It Now auctions that nobody goes for. What's the actual going rate for this camera, in working condition?
Good current price for Contax IIa?
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raid
Dad Photographer
I used to see the IIa or IIIa with a 5cm/2 Sonnar for about $300-$350.
A IIa with need for CLA/repair was often offered at $150.
A IIa with need for CLA/repair was often offered at $150.
jmkelly
rangefinder user
Working IIa with a 50/1.5 just went for $224 - if one was willing to risk a single-feedback seller.
W
wlewisiii
Guest
When I don't have an idea about a price, I like to use KEH. Given my budget, I look for what they want for (what they call) bargin rated gear. I then use that as the highest I'll pay because I usually can't afford more than that anyway 😱
Given where things are at I'd say $200 for a good one, no more than $125 if it needs a CLA. Glass for Contax is silly cheap right now so it's a good time to get on board.
Of course, I'm a cheap bastich & buy cheap but exquisite CJZ glass to use on my $40 Kiev 4a... 😉
William
Given where things are at I'd say $200 for a good one, no more than $125 if it needs a CLA. Glass for Contax is silly cheap right now so it's a good time to get on board.
Of course, I'm a cheap bastich & buy cheap but exquisite CJZ glass to use on my $40 Kiev 4a... 😉
William
squirrel$$$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.