Contax IIa with CZJ 50 f2

[back alley]

i thought that about the m3 also but then sold it.

even though the lla is not an m mount, it seems more related to the zi and just feels like part of the family already.

 

[harry01562]

My feeling is that this is one of those classic "cameras for a lifetime." For me, these also include the M3 and Rolleiflex.

I agree on all 3 counts above. I avoided the Leica mystique for years, although I owned a IIIc way back in the early 50's (stolen, sad). When I bought my M3, I discovered what all the talk was about. Just a nice camera.
I've owned Contax off and on for years, and now have probably too many. Also own 2 Rollei's, and the 2.8F is a solid keeper.
I'd also put the Canon 7s into that group. A very solid camera, just a tiny bit below the M3 in overall usability, but it mounts the 50/0.95 without mods.
We are blessed with some fantastic tools.

Harry

 

[back alley]

what a sweet camera this contax lla is!!

i took it out today, worked a half day and had a doctor's appointment in the p.m.
as is my habit either before or after the docs i hang out in the university area and shoot pics.
i took the lla today.
so very very sweet, using the tiny pilot meter, camera on the luigi wrist strap, very nice indeed.

joe

 

[dexdog]

Joe, I am happy that you like the IIa. It is indeed a fine camera in my estimation. Also, it makes a big difference if you have an example that has been overhauled, especially by Henry Scherer. I am always amazed at how smooth a camera works after an HS overhaul. A fine camera that uses great Zeiss lenses. IMHO, it is as usable/lovable as the Canon P, or more so.

BTW, I would be glad to loan you a post WW2 Carl Zeiss 50/1.5 Sonnar free of charge for a few months if you are interested. IMO, there is little difference in performance between the post WW2 1.5 and 2.0 Sonnars, except for the slight difference in speed.

 

[back alley]

it is different from the canon p.
this may sound sexist but the canon was a more manly camera, rugged and good looking.
the contax is pretty though not delicate, maybe more like a precision instrument. hard for me to articulate.
your offer is very generous and i may take you up on it later on, if that's ok with you.
you are the second person person to say that the 2 is similar to the 1.5 and if that proves to be true then i will be more than happy, as it's that look that i'm after. and i'm ok with an f2 fifty.
i should have some scanned negs by the end of the weekend to look at and hopefully something to post.
joe

 

[FrankS]

i should have some scanned negs by the end of the weekend to look at and hopefully something to post.

Looking forward to this! Very glad you're happy with the camera.

 

[Joerg]

Joe,

any pics to share yet?


Ciao

Joerg

 

[back alley]

yeah, i posted them awhile ago, somewhere here.

 

[Joerg]

Joe,

Sorry I meant pics taken with the camera ;-)

Any chance to see a 1.5 Sonnar vs ZM Sonnar comparison?


Ciao

Joerg

 

[back alley]

Joe,

Sorry I meant pics taken with the camera ;-)

Any chance to see a 1.5 Sonnar vs ZM Sonnar comparison?


Ciao

Joerg

me too, pics from the lla with czj 50/2 are in my gallery and i think i posted them in a seperate thread too.

i was also thinking of a cz/zm 1.5 show down...

joe

 

[Joerg]

OOOPPPPSSSS!
have to learn to do my research better ;-(

Thanks

joerg

 

[back alley]

the cz 50/1.5 lens arrived today!
that was a heck of a long trip cross country!!

it looks pretty good, some weird long marks inside, almost looks like a reflection of the aperture blades, same shape, but i'm not sure.
it is cleaner than the czj 50/2 as there are no cleaning marks on the 1.5. and the cosmetics are lovely.
but the 2 is plenty sharp so no matter.
it's a touch shorter then the 2 and a bit more stocky, wider.

i'm a happy contax owner.
joe

 

[Joerg]

Joe,

let the fun begin....

Congrats!
The 1.5 is really a fun lens!
Maybe, not that I am in anyway trying to hassle you.....😉 , you can post some comp pics of the two 1.5 Sonnars.

Ciao

Joerg

 

[xayraa33]

congrats Joe, it might be your favorite high speed 50.... with tons of classic vibe.

 

[back alley]

joerg, i was thinking the same thing.
not a test but a side by side shootout on the weekend.
the temps are supposed to go into the plus side of the scale on friday!

it's amazing. x-33, i went from no sonnars to 3! though i will likely sell the 50/2 as soon as i try out the 1.5

i wonder if this 1.5 has front focus issues too?

joe

 

[FrankS]

While you are in comparing mode Joe, take identical shots with the f2 and f1.5 Contax Sonnars at f2.

 

[back alley]

While you are in comparing mode Joe, take identical shots with the f2 and f1.5 Contax Sonnars at f2.

work work work!

no tripod frank!
just my normal shaky hand held.

 

[rover]

New toys are always fun. Enjoy, I can't wait to see the results from your walk with the boys.

 

[Pherdinand]

hey - you got yourself a contax?? how did i miss that?
it's a great little hefty camera, right? I enjoy shooting with it alot, even with the finger-killing wind knob, just i wish the results would be a bit more consistent.

 

[back alley]

i've only been able to manage one good outing with it but yeah, it's a hefty little thing. i was mightily impressed with the 50/2 czj lens and look forward to the 50/1.5 as well.