Contax Cla Serious Question .

[dee]

Hi Contax people .

Serious question .

I never expected to own a Contax , but now I am anticipating one with an old stock Kiev meter cell and Kiev shutter ribbons .
Everything else is as bought , presumably original , I was told by the USA vendor that it had not been used for years when the shutter ribbons broke .

How much does this seriously compromise the authenticity of this pre-war camera ?

How would repairer otherwise source these elements ?

It won't alter my dee'light in this camera - just having a working III meter is a joy , but I am curious .

Goddess , I should have stuck to pretenders !

Thanks dee

 

[ZeissFan]

How much does this seriously compromise the authenticity of this pre-war camera?

Not at all. If you wanted authenticity, you would track down the original 50- to 70-year-old shutter ribbons and use those. Of course, it's likely those would be in poor condition. Same goes for the selenium cell.

Just use the best-available replacement material.

How would repairer otherwise source these elements?

For the shutter ribbons, you can use material from a fabric store or pay extra for OEM-grade straps. The material from a fabric store will work just fine. For the selenium cell, often (but not always) the problem is oxidized contacts and not always the cell. However, I've seen posts here and elsewhere regarding replacement cells, and I would have no problem using those.

Although it's nice to have a working meter, it's not always essential. Handheld meters are fine.

 

[dee]

Thanks ZeissFan - I am suitably reassured .
Having used a Kiev 4 with new working meter cell , I find it convenient for most lighting conditions - and I love using old meters anyway !
de