Contax I CLA?

[DennisM]

I inherited several vintage cameras a few years ago and have had several CLA'd and which I now use. However, I've hesitated to do so with a Contaflex I since I'm not familiar with the camera and consequently don't know how easily they can be put in operating condition and how usable they would be if so restored, assuming that the repair person I regularly use is capable of and willing to perform a CLA. Mine is a later model I from the shutter speed sequence. The camera is in good shape, and I cock the shutter and fire it; and set apertures and speeds. I'm assuming that I can use an Ilford B&W film cartridge spool as a film take up spool. In short, should bother with a CLA?

 

[dexdog]

I would get the camera cleaned and lubed if you plan to use it. It is about 80 years old, and I am surprised that the shutter fires; maybe it had been cleaned and lubricated in the past. Anything that fits in the place where the film take up spool goes should work as long as it engages the triangle-shaped teeth on the wind mechanism.

 

[Dralowid]

Contaflex I or Contax I (as in your heading)? If the latter I would think hard about spending money on it however attractive it might seem...but then your repair person may well decline to work on the Contax I anyway.

By comparison the Contaflex is pretty straightforward.

 

[dexdog]

Contaflex I or Contax I (as in your heading)? If the latter I would think hard about spending money on it however attractive it might seem...but then your repair person may well decline to work on the Contax I anyway.

By comparison the Contaflex is pretty straightforward.

good point- the shutter on the Contaflex is much simpler to service than a Contax 1

 

[newst]

Mike Eckman, podcaster and online camera reviewer, writes about his recently CLA'd Contax 1 here https://mikeeckman.com/2022/08/zeiss-ikon-contax-i-1932/ and identifies the individual who still does such work.

 

[Pál_K]

Mike Eckman, podcaster and online camera reviewer, writes about his recently CLA'd Contax 1 here https://mikeeckman.com/2022/08/zeiss-ikon-contax-i-1932/ and identifies the individual who still does such work.

A very long article, but full of information and well worth reading.

 

[Erik van Straten]

I have a working Contax I on wich I am very proud, it is a v3. I would love to have a working v1 (no long speeds).

gelatin silver print (nikkor 50mm f2) contax 1 v3.

Erik.

 

[twokiddad]

I had Oleg Khalyavin @ OKVintage Camera in Bratslava, Slovakia repair/CLA my Contax I and lens. €285 + s&h. Turnaround to/from the US was approx 6 weeks total.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

Contax 1 vs Contraflex 1 are two very different cameras with distinct values and qualities. IMHO if it is a Contaflex 1 not worth the CLA however if it is a Contax 1 a rare camera, though with drawbacks as compared to a Contax II it is certain a thing to consider (CLA). It is easy to discern by going online and looking at the prices for each.

 

[johnf04]

Contax 1 vs Contraflex 1 are two very different cameras with distinct values and qualities. IMHO if it is a Contaflex 1 not worth the CLA however if it is a Contax 1 a rare camera, though with drawbacks as compared to a Contax II it is certain a thing to consider (CLA). It is easy to discern by going online and looking at the prices for each.

Now you tell me - I had Chris Sherlock overhaul my Contaflex 1 a couple of years ago...

 

[Steve Bellayr]

As they say in the Godfather: "Forget about it" Enjoy

 

[Erik van Straten]

I have a working Contax I (serial number V37084). It is great to have one and to use it from time to time.

gelatin silver print (sonnar 50mm f1.5) contax l

Amsterdam, Linnaeusstraat, 2023

Erik.