Contax iiia and other items

[S Tom S]

I inherited a Contax iiia rangefinder. My Dad had it for over 30 years and I know never used it as he was not a photographer of any kind. He may have received it as a gift many years ago. I have tried getting comparisons on eBay and other links but it is almost impossible as so many of these cameras have scratches and lots of wear and tear and this equipment just does not show any signs of this. Plus prices are all over the place, even in the sold listings.

Here is what he left me:

Contax iiia with Color Dial F29707. Like new no dings, scratches, bubbles, etc. essentially no signs of wear. Package includes Carl Zeiss Nr 1444782 Sonnar 1: 1,5 f= 50mm lens; a Zeiss-Opton Nr 92590 F Sonnar 1:4 f = 135mm telephoto lens; a Mint in Box Torpedo 438 Zeiss Ikon rangefinder (instructions name it a “Multipe Finder”); and a book “Handbook of Photography” by Henney and Dudley c. 1939 printed during WW II according to wartime rationing requirements; Contax iiia instruction booklet (wear and tear).

I need the valuation for two purposes. First is insurance who requires it when I told them I thought the package was worth in the vicinity of $1000. Second if it is worth a decent value I would want to sell it to an enthusiast who will put the camera to good use. Any assistance in helping me determine how to price this honestly and fairly is greatly appreciated.


Thank you all for any help you can give me.


Tom

 

[Brian Legge]

The best way to price is to search ebay items in similar condition which actually sold. Or list them here in the classifieds (or on ebay) for sale and see what people are willing to pay. 🙂

 

[farlymac]

You can also check this site. http://collectiblend.com/Cameras/

PF

 

[Boris Stupak]

In mint condition I would guess the whole package was worth about $600 - $800 or even a little higher. People still buy these to use, and the Sonnar 1.5 lens is in demand these days.

But condition makes a huge difference in price. If you do not know how to correctly evaluate condition of lens glass, camera condition, etc, you need to find someone who does. Even if it looks mint to you, the internal glass in the lens might be hazy, and there could be multiple things wrong with the camera.

 

[steveyork]

My sense from following ebay for a few weeks is that the market is thin in both supply and demand.

The equipment is no doubt valuable for sentimental reasons, but I'm not sure it approaches that $1000 mark.

But, like you mentioned, ebay's not always the best indicator.

 

[Frontman]

Funny, I picked up almost the same kit yesterday. It arrived in a box as I had bought it sight-unseen for $120. I expected that I would need to do a lot of work to get the camera working. To my surprise the camera and lens were among the nicest I have come across, the camera operates perfectly, and the lens was flawless. I think these old Contax cameras are far undervalued or appreciated.

Yours is certain to have some value, but don't be surprised if you get less than you expected for it.

 

[NeeZee]

keep in mind that not having been used for decades is a good thing for a camera's outer appearance but often not so good for the mechanical inside. i agree you should have the camera and lenses checked by an expert.

 

[S Tom S]

I went to a highly regarded camera shop, Camera West, with locations in Rancho Mirage and Walnut Creek. Spent over an hour while they analyzed the camera and this is the result:
1. RATED A 9: Contax iiia with Color Dial F29707. With Carl Zeiss Nr 1444782 Sonnar 1: 1,5 f= 50 mm lens; Everything in excellent working order with a very slight haze that will not affect photo quality
2. RATED 8: Zeiss-Opton Nr 92590 F Sonnar 1:4 f = 135 mm telephoto lens; a little more used but lens is exceptional with a very slight haze that will not affect photo quality
3. RATED 9+: Near Mint in Box Torpedo 438 Zeiss Ikon rangefinder. They advised it is more rare because it is black as opposed to larger number made in silver (instruction booklet name on the cover is “Multipe Finder” but inside it is a Multiple Finder);
4. NO RATING: “Handbook of Photography” by Henney and Dudley c. 1939 printed during WW II according to wartime rationing requirements;
5. NO RATING: Contax iiia instruction booklet (wear and tear)

But if anyone can now price this with me I would appreciate it. It's all over the place

 

[splitimageview]

Did Sean give you a valuation?

 

[someonenameddavid]

Basically it is worth whatever someone will pay for it. Contax cameras were luxury items but dont have the cachet that Leica has, so most people would not pay the $600 an M3 would achieve. I purchased a IIIa with a 1.5 sonnar and 35/2.8 Biogon for $200: I would not have paid $400. I picked up a pre-war 135 sonnar for $10.

David

 

[Brian Legge]

$200 was a great deal. I have an iia with a Russian lens on it. Nice but makes me want a proper setup even though it doesn't get enough use to justify it. Its a nice solid camera.

 

[splitimageview]

$400 would be a bargain price for that kit, assuming excellent condition. The Biogon alone, if it's clean. 🙂

 

[S Tom S]

I worked with Kayla who conferred with the owner gave me a valuation of $185 or $225 store credit while telling me they have no demand for this camera. Last request was three years ago. But from what I am hearing here is this camera and the components, despite the great ratings really has no value. EBay is just no help but really $200 for this set up tells me I am very out of touch and I should just put the thing on my living room bookshelves as a conversation piece to tell the story of my Dad and how he acquired and never used it. Thanks for all your time everyone. I really appreciate it.