Dating Contax T3

[rajat]

Hello,

I'm considering buying a T3 in excellent shape. I found one online.

I've heard the suggestion that I should get a "late model." What constitutes a late model? Is it something I need to look up with the serial number? Or should I try to find a date of manufacture? If I go by the date, what would be considered a late model? Any help would be greatly appreciated! 🙂

 

[Rico]

A T3 of any vintage should suffice, and all can be serviced. The only consideration is a design flaw where the single tooth on the takeup spool could break, thus thwarting automated film loading. The later copies had two teeth, while early copies were updated for free on request. Mine has one tooth, and I merely tension the film before loading - no problems!

 

[DougFord]

[FONT=&quot]I have one of the earlier models, single toofed and all. 🙄[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]The thing has held up well so far. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]It was purchased used, about 5 years ago. I’ve only run 36 exp film through it, since purchase and without issue.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]However, If I were to buy one today, I would probably look for one that had two teef. 😀[/FONT]

 

[micromoogman]

I have the one tooth-model. And most are of that breed. No big deal, if it ever will wear down so much that it doesn't load, I'll just drill a small hole, or rather two, and fasten two tiny metal screws there instead. The screws should be without "heads". I have seen this mod and it works.

 

[rajat]

Thanks!

Thanks!

Thanks everyone!

I ended up buying it, it's one of the 9500th ones made. Says so on the warranty card 🙂

Hopefully it'll hold up well!