Contax IIaand IIIa: Two Beauties

[xayraa33]

Would such lenses be shimmed for the Nikon S mount, and then we would have to hope that at smaller apertures, using a Contax we will not see any serious focusing problems?

These wider CV lenses do not have to be shimmed when made for a Nikon S mount as Nikon's backfocus was the same as the Leica camera.
dept of field on these wide CV lenses cover any error when used on a Contax or Kiev rf camera.

 

[raid]

These wider CV lenses do not have to be shimmed when made for a Nikon S mount as Nikon's backfocus was the same as the Leica camera.
dept of field on these wide CV lenses cover any error when used on a Contax or Kiev rf camera.

This is good to know. Then there are several possibilities for adding a wide angle lens. I will take my time and wait for a nice one.

 

[raid]

These wider CV lenses do not have to be shimmed when made for a Nikon S mount as Nikon's backfocus was the same as the Leica camera.
dept of field on these wide CV lenses cover any error when used on a Contax or Kiev rf camera.

I saw a difference [when using wide open] with the Nikkor 50mm/1.1 that was supposed to be in Nikon mount but I got better results with a Contax adapter.

I recall how much I liked the performance of your Prominent Nokton. It gave very pleasing results overall.

 

[robin a]

Raid,Nice Pair..............Robin

 

[raid]

Raid,Nice Pair..............Robin

Robin,

This sounds like someone staring at someone's boobs!

 

[MISH]

I started out a big Leica fan and aquired my IIAs by chance but there is something about them that really grows on you and I am now looking at a long term relationship. As your pictures show if nothing else they are great looking cameras...... Yes, they are a "nice pair"

 

[raid]

I started out a big Leica fan and aquired my IIAs by chance but there is something about them that really grows on you and I am now looking at a long term relationship. As your pictures show if nothing else they are great looking cameras...... Yes, they are a "nice pair"

There is something special about the IIa and IIIa. Maybe it is because there are fewer Contax RF models than Leica Models. It gives these two models additional class somehow.

 

[MISH]

Class

Class

Yes Raid class is the right word, when shooting with the IIA my class goes way up (my wife is trying to figure out a way to make it permanent) I do love a underdog but something about this system that really suits me and these days when I go to grab a camera my hand seems to be pulled to the Contax(and when using my M3 my finger seems to be always searching for that focusing wheel) maybe over the holidays I can have one of my digital kidstake a picture of my kit and post it( I know, I had dreamed of film kids but they turned out to be digital)

 

[raid]

I will defiinitely take the IIa with me on my next trip. Using only the 5cm Sonnar with the IIa will make it a pleasure to take photos.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

You best bet for a wide on the Contax IIa or IIIa is the Nikkor 3.5cm F2.5. The Prominent adapter is for the 50mm lenses only, which use the internal mount. I found the Nikton was better suited for the Nikon RF when using this adapter: it is built to the Leica Standard according to my test roll. I've used the Nokton with the Prominent->Nikon S-Mount->M-Mount Adapter on the M3.

 

[raid]

Brian,

I may get a Contax adapter one day just to use the Nokton on a Contax camera since the Prominent is not easy to use.

As for a wide angle lens, the cheapest way out would be a J-12 in Contax mount, but a Nikkor sounds more interesting.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Prominent not as easy to use... You should take one apart some day...

They are really neat cameras. King of Quirks. Double set of shutter blades. I have two, and repaired the RF in one of them. Adjusting the RF is not straightforward. The lenses make it worthwhile.

And yes, easier to use the Nokton on a Nikon. But then the wide-angle and telephoto's would not have anywhere to go.

 

[raid]

I have the 50mm and the 35mm lenses for the Prominent. Both are quite sharp and give me nice results.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

You have a Prominent and do not list it in your "Main RF Cameras"!!!

Aren't you glad that I've brought this oversite to your attention...

 

[Chris B]

A J-12 with Contax mount will not work on a Contax IIa but will on a Contax II. I ended up getting a Kiev 4am for the J-12 after returning the lens twice to Ukraine seller before figuring out the problem , thanks to this forum. I'm still looking for a good wide angle for my Contax IIa that won't put me in the poor house.

 

[raid]

You have a Prominent and do not list it in your "Main RF Cameras"!!!

Aren't you glad that I've brought this oversite to your attention...

Brian,

It really slipped my mind. I better change my list. Thanks for reminding me here.

 

[raid]

A J-12 with Contax mount will not work on a Contax IIa but will on a Contax II. I ended up getting a Kiev 4am for the J-12 after returning the lens twice to Ukraine seller before figuring out the problem , thanks to this forum. I'm still looking for a good wide angle for my Contax IIa that won't put me in the poor house.

I have been reminded of this little problem more than once! :bang:
The J-12 (LTM) is now on my Zorki 5.

 

[David Murphy]

Raid I agree. The post-war Contax's remind me of M3's in fit-and-finish as well as operation. I could recommend the 3.5cm F2.8 Biogon lens -- a lens of simply stunning build quality and performance, even uncoated examples. The first time you touch one you'll understand completely why they command big money. It's unquestionably superior to the J-12 (which I own because I'm poor and its a decent lens). I've not had the required bank balance to own a 21mm Biogon, but I have little doubt the same comments would apply.

 

[raid]

Raid I agree. The post-war Contax's remind me of M3's in fit-and-finish as well as operation. I could recommend the 3.5cm F2.8 Biogon lens -- a lens of simply stunning build quality and performance, even uncoated examples. The first time you touch one you'll understand completely why they command big money. It's unquestionably superior to the J-12 (which I own because I'm poor and its a decent lens). I've not had the required bank balance to own a 21mm Biogon, but I have little doubt the same comments would apply.

Hi David,
Did I get the IIIa from you?
As for the Biogon, it will not fit my IIa or IIIa cameras.
Maybe, one day when I suddenly have plenty of money, I will buy a Contax II (without "a') and the Biogon. Realistically, I may not do this at all.
The only hope is Santa Claus or a garage sale with a Biogon in it.

 

[dexdog]

As for the Biogon, it will not fit my IIa or IIIa cameras.
Maybe, one day when I suddenly have plenty of money, I will buy a Contax II (without "a') and the Biogon.

Raid, the post-WW2 35/2.8 Biogon marked either Zeiss-Opton or Carl Zeiss will work on your Contax IIa. The post-WW2 Biogon from Carl Zeiss Jena is the pre-war design that the J-3 is copied from.

Raid, I would be happy to lend you a Biogon if you are interested in trying one out on the IIa.