A questionable Ebay item

[JOE1951]

Hello

I found this item on ebay: 7508789778

It certainly isn't a IIa as someone has already questioned, and the russian lens should ring a few alarm bells, although it's not impossible for a russian lens to be mounted on a Contax

But, is it just me or does anyone else think the Contax logo on the camera just seems so photoshopped!

I'd hate to think someone is going to bid on this thinking it's a legit Contax.

 

[rover]

I would want to see the serial number and markings in a photo. I think that it surely isn't a IIa based on the width of the RF window. The IIa window would be more centered as it has a slightly narrower BL than the II, and for that matter Kiev. If it is a Kiev it is an early one without the PC socket on the front of the camera.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

It looks alot like a II, definately not a IIa, the base looks longer than a IIa as well!

 

[JOE1951]

Hi

Yes, I know it's not a IIa, because I own a IIa and a Kiev. I guess I'm looking at the logo. As far as I can recall, I don't think the logo on the front of Contax were ever painted black, just embossed into the chrome, I could be wrong.

Note that the camera back has the Zeiss Ikon leather embossing!

As Rover stated, I'm going to ask for the a pic of the body serial #'s

Note that serial numbers on Kievs and Contax IIa's are on the accessory shoe. None apparent on this model

This seems really sketchy

 

[JohnM]

It looks like a II to me - it either is or it is a very close replica.

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

It is defintely not a IIa. The base plate looks like a II. The rewind knob does not have the film speed dial on top of it like a IIA. The wind knob does not have the frame counter like on a IIa. There is no flash synch on the back plate to the right of the view finder like a IIa. It just plain looks Russian to me.

Franky say, "Don't buy it!!!!"

Wayne

 

[Honu-Hugger]

It looks like a legitimate II. Zeiss did paint the letters in black on these cameras, and there are two variations of the engraved "Contax" script. Here's a II to compare it with, this one has a 50/3.5 Tessar mounted (any excuse for a "Camera and Coffee") 😀 Hmmm, a little espresso doesn't sound too bad right now!!!

 

[JOE1951]

It looks like a legitimate II. Zeiss did paint the letters in black on these cameras, and there are two variations of the engraved "Contax" script. Here's a II to compare it with, this one has a 50/3.5 Tessar mounted (any excuse for a "Camera and Coffee") 😀 Hmmm, a little espresso doesn't sound too bad right now!!!

Ahhh, expresso does sound good! Definately better than the mud I usually force myself to drink.

Thanks for the informative comment, and your camera looks nice!

I did email the seller for pic/info on the serial# to see what they say. I'll be satisfied if they include my question and their answer on their page!

Regards