I got back my Contaxt IIIa Repaired!

[raid]

I am exited! I got back yesterday afternoon my $75 Contax IIIa. [not Contaxt]
It sounds like a new camera, and the shutter sounds unbelievably smooth and accurate by any standards.
With the Menopta lens [from Brian Sweeney], when it arrives, I will have a fully working [fully overhauled] and good looking Contax IIIa with FSU lens.

I wish I had some exotic lenses though. 🙄
Yesterday morning I sent back several Contax mount lenses to their owners... :bang:

My only hope is that Brian's Menopta will be a great lens. 😀

Raid

 

[dexdog]

Raid, congrats on the new Contax IIIa. Had I known that you were expecting it so soon, I would have been happy to let you keep my Contax lenses for a while. Have fun using the camera- I am sure that the Sweeney-ized Menopta will perform well.

 

[raid]

Raid, what was the problem finally ? I assume it was benign since you got your IIIa back very quickly (not a shutter pulling cords issue ?).

Enjoy your IIIa !

I avoided any of the well-known repair persons, and I got a complete camera overhaul quickly from "someone else". The shutter pulling cords were most likely messed up, and the shutter release was sticky and who knows what else was messed up in that camera. On the other hand, for $75 it was a good buy.

Raid

 

[raid]

Raid, congrats on the new Contax IIIa. Had I known that you were expecting it so soon, I would have been happy to let you keep my Contax lenses for a while. Have fun using the camera- I am sure that the Sweeney-ized Menopta will perform well.

Thanks, Mark. I really should not even think of getting expensive lenses for this camera since it would be a needless duplication of Leica mount lenses.
Eventually, getting one "exotic" 50mm will keep me happy.

Raid

 

[xayraa33]

you will be surprised at how good that Menopta/ Helios 103 lens will preform Raid.
you might partner it with that repaired IIIa for a long time, even after a bevy of Zeiss glass tryouts.

 

[raid]

you will be surprised at how good that Menopta/ Helios 103 lens will preform Raid.
you might partner it with that repaired IIIa for a long time, even after a bevy of Zeiss glass tryouts.

xayraa33:


I am looking forward to take photos with such a basic set-up. I hope that what you and others have said about the Helios/Menopta lens is really true for all such lenses.

Raid

 

[darkkavenger]

Glad to hear this Raid, and you will see, a Contax IIIa with a nice 50mm isn't just a basic set-up. It's just the necessary thing to travel lightweight and with a great combo 🙂

 

[raid]

Hi Max,

The "basic"part I meant was the minimal set-up. If the Meopta turn out to be sharp and reasonably contrasty, I may be set.

Raid

 

[darkkavenger]

Having owned an Helios-103, I can reasonably think you'll be pretty happy for a starter lens 😉

 

[arbib]

I have a PreWar Contax III that needs a shutter repair (broken Cog). I have gotten a $180.00 quote from Essex NJ, But the $75.00 sounds better.
Would you share your repair person for USA RFF'ers ?? You can PM me if you want to.

 

[xayraa33]

the $ 75 was the price of the non working camera, not the cost of the repair.

 

[arbib]

the $ 75 was the price of the non working camera, not the cost of the repair.

Oh...My bad. the repair of my Prewar IIIa is next years project. I still have a Canon QL17 that needs repair first. Thanks.


The Contax IIIa is a Heirloom from my dad, who was given it from his dad, who bought it new in 1936 or 37. (it is a 1936 though, and my grandfather had a factory update from the old flash socket, to the now standard socket done year or two later, which was offered through Zeiss back then).

I do intend to give it some use once I get it fixed. It has a nice 50mm F/2 CZJ coated collapsible lens on it.

 

[raid]

Actually, I also paid $75 to get the Contax repaired.

Raid

 

[arbib]

Actually, I also paid $75 to get the Contax repaired.

Raid

Great deal all around !!

 

[steamer]

The Contax IIIa is a Heirloom from my dad, who was given it from his dad, who bought it new in 1936 or 37.

If it is that old then it is a III not a IIIa. (Just noticed you called it a III in your first post.)

 

[ferider]

Congrats, Raid ! This will change your mind (done with the 35/40 tests !!!!).

Cheers,

Roland.

 

[raid]

Congrats, Raid ! This will change your mind (done with the 35/40 tests !!!!).

Cheers,

Roland.

Thanks, Roland. What will it change my mind about?

The repairman is Eddy Smolov.


Cheers,

Raid

 

[raid]

I have a PreWar Contax III that needs a shutter repair (broken Cog). I have gotten a $180.00 quote from Essex NJ, But the $75.00 sounds better.
Would you share your repair person for USA RFF'ers ?? You can PM me if you want to.

It is Eddy Smolov. Someone at PN was kind enough to recommend him to me. Mention my name to him when contacting him.

Raid

 

[ferider]

Thanks, Roland. What will it change my mind about?

No more lens tests for a while ... going out and shooting with a new
camera 🙂

You know I admire the huge amount of work you put into the 35/40 test.

Roland.

 

[raid]

Yes! No more lens testing.
What a relief, Roland.

I got in the mail today the Menopta lens.
It looks great. Thank you Brian.


Roland, what gave me the energy each day to do the lens testing were the encouraging and positive comments on RFF.


Raid