In Love with a Contax I..

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RanceEric

The name is Rance
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For the past few months I've been reading a lot about and searching for a functioning (or serviceable) Contax I camera. I absolutely love the look of the I. In my search, I've heard that the I (g) would be my best (only?) option. I want to actually shoot with the camera, so, as I've stated, would like to find a working body (or a body that is serviceable; I would like to have the body CLA'd regardless, eventually, but would prefer a working body to start). Does anyone know where one such body could be found? found for a decent price?
 
Vickko said:
I think it would be hard to find, and a bit of a hit or miss regarding working condition. They weren't all that reliable, if you believe Henry Scheerer.

But I'd start here: http://www.zeisscamera.com/first.shtml

Other choice is ebay, but, hit or miss there.

Vick
Click to expand...

Yeah.. That's the problem I'm coming across (horribly unreliable).. I was actually just looking on that site.. Does it actually have cameras for sale?

And I've been searching ebay as well, but, like you said, that's a gamble.. :bang:
 
Bad luck. The Contax I habit can become an addiction. It is said that the last version (four screws in the accessory shoe) is the most reliable...but then it is the last and the most developed in the series.

I have been using an earlier version for a about two years. True to form it died soon after I acquired it but has been resurrected. There have been no further problems. I have recently acquired another which currently works but I suspect will die shortly. A tape will probably give way.

I suspect that much of the camera's bad reputation stems from the fact that many have suffered in the hands of amateur repairers during their long lives. However anyone who can mend a Kiev properly should be able to cope with a Contax I though I doubt many parts are interchangeable.

What to buy? To be honest, whatever you buy will need a service sooner rather than later unless it has been done in the last few years. A complete camera in good cosmetic condition is worth the effort. Make sure the rangefinder image is good. Re-silvering these IS prohibitively expensive. A broken shutter is much easier to cope with.

Very nice camera and when working something to be very proud of.

Michael
 
Dralowid said:
Bad luck. The Contax I habit can become an addiction. It is said that the last version (four screws in the accessory shoe) is the most reliable...but then it is the last and the most developed in the series.

I have been using an earlier version for a about two years. True to form it died soon after I acquired it but has been resurrected. There have been no further problems. I have recently acquired another which currently works but I suspect will die shortly. A tape will probably give way.

I suspect that much of the camera's bad reputation stems from the fact that many have suffered in the hands of amateur repairers during their long lives. However anyone who can mend a Kiev properly should be able to cope with a Contax I though I doubt many parts are interchangeable.

What to buy? To be honest, whatever you buy will need a service sooner rather than later unless it has been done in the last few years. A complete camera in good cosmetic condition is worth the effort. Make sure the rangefinder image is good. Re-silvering these IS prohibitively expensive. A broken shutter is much easier to cope with.

Very nice camera and when working something to be very proud of.

Michael
Click to expand...

Thanks for your help! I figured I would have tp have it overhauled regardless.. but I would like to have less more to do 😉

Do you know where I can find a body? other than ebay? (I'm really hesitant to buy rangefinders there.. I had a bad experience buying a Nikon S3)
 
batterytypehah! said:
How deep are your pockets?
https://www.leicashop.com/vintage/zeissikon-contax-cameras-c-1040_104010.html
Click to expand...

Leicashop is a excellent source for collectibles. But if you want to buy equipment for use there, give them a call to make sure the thing you have cast an eye on is actually usable - their rating and pricing is collector biased (where original condition is a bonus and any repair is detrimental to the value).

Overall I would not count on being able to find a Contax I that does not need an overhaul, unless some collector or repairer explicitly lists a recently repaired one. Most are either in the same broken state they've been in ever since the late thirties, or they spent decades in a cupboard and will tear a ribbon as soon as you fire them.
 
Last edited:
I'd start by finding someone to service the camera first then find the camera. I'd know where to go in the UK and EU but not in the US. Ask around the various Russian camera specialists first and any well reputable established operation. Yes they will suck through their teeth, whistle and wonder why you are throwing away good money but persevere and see where you get. Once you have a repair person then you can happily buy any old junk off Ebay!
As others mention, Leicashop is truly excellent but over the top for a 'project'.

Michael

Michael
 
I have used Ken Ruth of Photography on Bald Mountain to repair Contax cameras. He is based in California. Give him a call and ask if he would work on a Contax 1
 
Just as an aside, if you haven't done so already, do a search here on Henry Scheerer. There are a number of us here who are less than impressed. I know if I bought another Contaxen he'd not be allowed near it.

Good luck in your quest. I've wanted a I as well but never had the appropriate coin.
 
Thanks, everyone for the help thus far! I was worried no one would respond to my post. haha

I think my lack of coin is making it a little harder for me as well.. I really wish I could find one at a camera show, so I can inspect it before buying.. Anyone happen to know of any camera shows on the East Cost? (Philadelphia, New York preferably.. I know it's probably a stretch, but can't hurt asking..)
 
I know of two, Photographica in Wakefield MA (spring and fall, www.phsne.org/shows.html) and 2nd Sunday camera shows in Wayne NJ (www.showsandexpos.com/cswayne.htm). Never made it to the NJ event myself. My guess is you won't easily find a Contax I at either event.

Note on some of the earlier posts: The correct spelling is Henry Scherer. Search the forum (with Google) and you'll find, let's say, a range of views on him.
 
batterytypehah! said:
I know of two, Photographica in Wakefield MA (spring and fall, www.phsne.org/shows.html) and 2nd Sunday camera shows in Wayne NJ (www.showsandexpos.com/cswayne.htm). Never made it to the NJ event myself. My guess is you won't easily find a Contax I at either event.

Note on some of the earlier posts: The correct spelling is Henry Scherer. Search the forum (with Google) and you'll find, let's say, a range of views on him.
Click to expand...

Great!! Can't hurt to check though.. I think I'll go to both.. maybe I'll get lucky
 
Typically, these will sell for about US$500. I have a very early model (no slow speeds). It's a good but not great camera. The controls are a bit loose, and the lens locking clip is too soft. Focusing is a bit rough. Having disassembled the camera, I would describe it as a bit crude for a German camera.

Last year, I picked a later version. Not sure which one, but at least it has slow speeds. It needs new shutter straps. But I can tell it's a more refined camera.

I believe Zeiss Ikon camera designer Hubert Nerwin was involved in the changes to the later Contax I models. In any case, I have to service this camera, and then I'll put it to use.

They're very 1930s, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. For sure, they're boxy, and some might be put off by the two viewfinders.
 
I WISH I culd find oe for $500.. Haha I absolutely love the look of the camera.. But they are, as been said, not-so reliable.. I hope to find a later model with slow speeds, since I shoot almost exclusively in low light.

I don't mind the separate VF/RF, I have a IIc that I shoot with often.
 
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