Contax IIIa CLA vs. Amadeo Adapter vs. Bessa R2C?

[jdvf]

A while ago my father gave me his Contax IIIa equipment. Beside the camera it includes some nice lenses (Biogon 4.5/21, Sonnar 1.5/50, Tessar 3.5/50 and Sonnar 4.0/135). Now I would like to use the lenses, esp. the Biogon but also the Sonnar 50. Unfortunately the IIIa needs to be CLA'd and its lightmeter to be repaired. So, I am thinking about which way to go:

1. IIIa CLA: The most obvious option. Would allow me to use all of the four lenses. But compared to "modern" rangefinder cameras the viewfinder is small.
2. Bessa R2C: For sure the Bessa is much advanced compared to the Contax. But this is not cheap: Cameraquest is selling it new for $599. They are hard to find used. Another con: As I already own two M-Mount cameras (ZI and CLE) I would like to avoid buying and using another RF body.
3. Amadeo Adapter(s): In theory my most preferred option. According to jonmanjiros compatibility list the 50s should work. But what about the Biogon? Does it interfere with the rangefinder mechanism of the ZI or the CLE? Even if I remove the rear element collar? Amadeo offers also an uncoupled version for wideangle lenses. He writes "Wideangle lenses as Biogon's and Planar's can´t be used on Leica M bodies than have lightmeter as M5, M6, M7 and M8, because the big rear part of these lenses are to big for these bodies." and explains it here. So, no chance to use the biogon with one of my M-Mount cameras?

Any hints regarding option 3 would be welcome. Concerning option 2: What about the R2S? Contax lenses with 50mm and below should work fine with it, shouldn't they?

Greg

 

[Paul T.]

I have used the Sonnar with the adapter; it's OK, but it's a compromise. I would tend to think with several Contax-mount lenses, you should have a dedicated camera, and get the IIIa serviced.The viewfinder is not great but it's still a pleasurable camera to use, as much so as the R2C.

I used my Sonnars on both an M3/R-D1 with adapter, and on a 1951 Kiev 2. I actually found the Kiev more pleasurable, I enjoy using the little focusing wheel and the solidity of the camera, I think you'll find the same with the Contax. For the 21mm (a wonderful lens) you won't be looking through the viewfinder much anyway.

 

[ray*j*gun]

I have a IIIa and a IIa and they are wonderful to use! I would highly recommend that you get the IIIa serviced and use the lenses on the camera they were designed to support.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

It's the Camera that your Father used and gave to you.

Get it Cleaned and Repaired.

On the light meter: try "wiggling" the plastic window up front. I've "fixed" my own IIIa and one for a dealer that way. The contacts were dirty, a "wiggle" restored it.

You can always buy an adapter. But using your Dad's camera, priceless.

Regarding the R2S and other Nikon S-Mount cameras, the 50mm F1.5 Opton can be shimmed to correct most of the focus error. Used without adjustment, the results at F1.5 will be poor.

 

[xxloverxx]

I say do a CLA on the IIIa. I like the Contax design (I only have a Kiev 4) because:
It has a long RF base, which means more accurate focusing (even on a small, dim VF) - something that'll be useful for a 1.5 lens
Operation with one hand is possible (I don't find it very easy, but if I had to, I could)

It's a classic piece of equipment, very well built, and it even has a bit of history to it. You might be emotionally attached to it.

 

[jdvf]

Thanks a lot for your helpful advices. You convinced me to CLA the camera.

It has been family-owned for three generations since my grandfather bought it nearly 60 years ago. And the first pictures of me have been shot with it 40 years ago.

I will post some pictures from the first roll after the repair.

Greg

 

[spyder2000]

Good decision to maintain and use the IIIa! The light meter is no great device, so if repairing that portion is troublesome, just leave it as-is.

You'll need an external finder if you don't have one, and except for focusing, it resolves the small viewfinder too.

 

[r_drIIIa]

Enjoy! The IIIa is very nice to use. For color, I find Kodak's Ektar 100 to be a good match for cameras of that era and the results are very good. I'd recommend a good hand-held meter for exposure readings. It may be advisable to have a qualified service & repair person also take a look at the lenses when the CLA is done on the camera, especially if they have not been used in some time. The iris leaves can be damaged if not in condition to be used yet.

 

[jdvf]

Sadly just a few months after the last post my father passed away. Yet another reason to get the camera serviced, because it will always remind me to him.

As I am still ranked at 100+ on Henry Scherer's waiting list I was looking for a R2C as interim solution. I just got one for a decent price. Now I can shoot some rolls with the Zeiss lenses.

I can't wait to see how the 21 Biogon performs. The head bartender recommended to remove the rear element collar. Is there anything to pay attention to when removing the collar?

Thanks,
Greg

 

[stong]

Similar story: I had my fathers's iia serviced by H. Scherer months before my dad passed away. I am glad I did since I have vivid memories of him taking photos of me in the 60's. I added a 35mm biogon to use with it.

 

[ZeissFan]

By the way, that should be an f/4.0 135mm Sonnar. An f/2.8 version didn't come along until much later for the Contarex.

And I agree with the others about getting the camera serviced.

 

[Vics]

When my Dad passed away, I ended up with his IIIa and Sonnar 1.5/50. It was non-op, so I sent it off for a full overhaul. That was 2003, and the camera and lens are among my best cameras still. I use it quite often. I havde the Amadeo adaptor, and sometimes shoot the Sonnar on my M3, but it's more fun on the Contax. I actually like the focus wheel! I always feel as if Dad is looking over my shoulder when I use my Contax!

 

[jdvf]

By the way, that should be an f/4.0 135mm Sonnar.

Thanks, Mike. Corrected. I mixed it up with my 135 C/Y Sonnar.

Greg