Contax IIa - shutter freeze

[johnwood]

Hi -
There have many threads regarding a full shutter jam at any set speed. I searched before posting, but could not find info regarding a specific condition my Scherer-serviced Contax iia acquired last week: out of the blue, it no longer winds/cocks/fires at anything less than 1/250. 250+, all is smooth as silk...below that speed, nothing moves a millimeter.
Tension issue? A ribbon tear?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I've sold off most my other cameras, and this was my daily carry around. Before I sink more $$ I want to see if folks might think this a big or small fix.
Thank you for your time!
j

 

[KoNickon]

Any sort of warranty from Mr. Scherer that you can call upon?

I have no other ideas for you, though as you know there are a lot of knowledgeable Contax folks here. But I think Henry ought to fix the camera for you gratis.

 

[johnwood]

Agree on both counts. Henry's service was in 2012, but I assume he'd still take a look.

 

[KoNickon]

I should add -- don't go mucking with it, which might void Henry's warranty.

 

[Gben]

Henry Scherer is fantastic at taking care of his customers. If he has overhauled a Contax for you and it ever has any problem again then he will be very happy to discuss it with you. He has the best reputation in the world for a very good reason. After you talk to Mr. Scherer you can do whatever you want, but you almost certainly will not have to do any more than that.

The other thing to think about is that because you own a Contax which has been "Schererized" it has a resale value higher than cameras out there that have never been through his hands, and if the time ever comes that your camera has to be sold then that receipt from Scherer is like having a pedigree for a pur-bred dog, you will get much more for the camera because of it.

Keep us posted..

 

[bobby_novatron]

Sorry to hear about your troubles with the Contax IIa, it's a beautiful camera. I should have never sold mine! Best of luck with getting the repairs you need. As mentioned, Mr Scherer would be a good place to start.

 

[Highway 61]

it no longer winds/cocks/fires at anything less than 1/250. 250+, all is smooth as silk...below that speed, nothing moves a millimeter.
Tension issue? A ribbon tear?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Slow speeds escapement problem. The slow speeds escapement is at play from 1/100 downwards on the Contax IIa. If the slow speeds escapement is jammed (broken spring, cam having jumped out of its shaft because of a broken circlip), the shutter just behaves as you describe. Not a difficult fix, the slow speeds escapement is readily accessible once the top cover has been removed.