Contax iia fun

[Mudman]

A while back I was wandering through a secondhand shop and found a Zeiss Contax iia color dial with Sonnar f2. After a trip to my repairman, it was in great working order. Here are a few of the shots that I liked the most. Need to get out and shoot with it again. Compared to my M3, the viewfinder isn't pleasant, but it is a lot of fun to use.

It's a very satisfying camera to use. Very accurate focusing mechanism, quiet shutter, lightweight compared to some of my other RF's and relatively inexpensive. I spent $250 (including CLA) on it and the lens. Compared to my leica gear, it's a steal.

 

[Pherdinand]

that's a steal even compared to Contax 🙂

 

[Mudman]

You know I really couldn't get a fix on what prices are for these cameras. They seem to be all over the place. In any event, it's a lovely camera to shoot with. Others can feel free to post there shots as well!

 

[Gregm61]

I think prices are all over the place because there are a lot of great-looking bodies that wind up needing a lot of work once you get them, and many are priced based only on cosmetics. "Mint", "rare", etc., seem to be on a lot of ebay ads for Contax cameras. I did not jump in on one for a long time because I either didn't see trusted sellers I have bought before offering one, or was outbid when they did.

Finally bought the "right" IIA Black Dial and have since added additional lenses and have a lot more fun shooting with this outfit than I do with my very nice digital outfit. Here's a folder with several files I have scanned with my new Plustek 8100 film scanner that were captured using Ilford FP4 or HP5 with the IIA and either the 50mm f2 Sonnar or 21mm f4.5 Biogon. Space limitations here really put a damper on me wanting to post images since they wind up being so small.

http://gmchappell.smugmug.com/Other/Contax-IIA-Plustek-8100-Image/

Hopefully by this weekend a very nice 85mm f2 Sonnar I just picked up will also be in the bag.

 

[Kevcaster]

Great pictures the 'scope image in particular jumps off the page.
In 1949 the Contax would have been the best of the best and if Zeiss had stayed on it and giving it lever wind and a couple of frame lines - no need for parallax correction yet - it would have given the M3 a run right up to the 60's. Even so, and as you say, a very satisfying camera to use; I agree.

 

[Mudman]

Thanks Kev. I need to go shoot another roll with it. Just got into a car accident (hit head on by a drunk driver) so it will probably be a few days before I can get to that 🙁 Feel free to share photos in the mean time though!

 

[wet]

Best wishes to you. Take the time off to plan your next outing!

 

[Kevcaster]

[/url]Carnaby Street by knjy, on Flickr[/IMG]


Contax lla with 50mm Sonnar

 

[Mudman]

Very cool catch there!

 

[Crazy Fedya]

Contax IIa is my favorite camera. Viewfinder could be better, but I love shooting with it. Good luck with your treasure. 🙂

Following are some images shot with 50/2 coated Sonnar.

 

[Mudman]

I love that last one Fedya

 

[Mudman]

Well I've fully healed from the car accident, and have a roll of ilford in the contax. Can't wait to see the results.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

A while back I was wandering through a secondhand shop and found a Zeiss Contax iia color dial with Sonnar f2. After a trip to my repairman, it was in great working order. Here are a few of the shots that I liked the most. Need to get out and shoot with it again. Compared to my M3, the viewfinder isn't pleasant, but it is a lot of fun to use.

It's a very satisfying camera to use. Very accurate focusing mechanism, quiet shutter, lightweight compared to some of my other RF's and relatively inexpensive. I spent $250 (including CLA) on it and the lens. Compared to my leica gear, it's a steal.

I'm pleased to hear you're mended now. Could you tell me please, what the colour film used in these images was? I'll take a guess at Provia 100F or Ektar 100 but I'd love to know. The shot of the viewing scope is a delight.
Cheers
Brett

 

[Mudman]

You nailed it with Provia! I've tried Ektar before and my results have always been hit or miss with scanning. I get more repeatable and easier results with slide film. When I do nail the Ektar, it looks great. I just have trouble with scanning it (probably partially due to my film scanner for medium format work).

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

You nailed it with Provia! I've tried Ektar before and my results have always been hit or miss with scanning. I get more repeatable and easier results with slide film. When I do nail the Ektar, it looks great. I just have trouble with scanning it (probably partially due to my film scanner for medium format work).

Thanks, good choice of film with the Provia. It has marvellous reciprocity characteristics for low light work, too. Personally, I think you are on the right track: Ektar is a negative film that tries to look like a transparency, with less dynamic range than some other C-41 options. If you are going to shoot a colour film that looks like a transparency, why not just use transparency? You can match the scan colour off the positive more easily, and, if you want to, you can project it. Something which is rather pointless with Ektar.
Cheers,
Brett

 

[oftheherd]

Well I've fully healed from the car accident, and have a roll of ilford in the contax. Can't wait to see the results.

I saw this when you first posted, but missed your post on the car accident. What a bummer! I'm glad you have fully healed. My wife was hit from behind about 20 years ago and still suffers badly from fibromyalgia. Looking forward to seeing more of your photos from the Contax iia.

 

[farlymac]

Well I've fully healed from the car accident, and have a roll of ilford in the contax. Can't wait to see the results.

Good to hear you're doing better. It's nice they design cars these days where you can survive such a wreck.

My Contax IIa is one of my favorites, and I'm glad you'll be enjoying yours again soon.

PF

 

[Mudman]

Roll is finished! Just need to get it processed. Just got a 35mm for it too (Nikkor 3.5cm f2.5), and can't wait to try that out with the camera as well.

 

[VisualDarkness]

Some of my favorites from my first developed roll from my camera.
Contax IIa + Helios-103 50mm F1.8
TMax 400 + D76 + TMax fixer + Epson v600

Wavy stairs by Andreas Sundell, on Flickr
Contax Copter by Andreas Sundell, on Flickr
Closed windows by Andreas Sundell, on Flickr
Secret bike shop by Andreas Sundell, on Flickr
Construction cranes by Andreas Sundell, on Flickr

 

[farlymac]

Some fine shots there, Andreas.

PF