Infinity Lock on Contax IIa

[notraces]

Hi,

I just picked up what appears to be a very nice sample of the Contax IIa. I ran a roll through and the negatives are outstanding. I didn't test out the higher speeds, but the low speeds are spot-on. The high speeds sound about right when just firing the shutter with no film.

Question - I removed the Zeiss Opton Sonnar f/2 that came with the camera to inspect it - it's in Ex condition. I can't remember when I used the camera to do my test roll if the lens locked when it reached infinity - but now the lens doesn't lock once it reaches that point. Should it lock? And if so - is it a big deal if it doesn't? That's about the only thing I can find on the camera that triggered a question. I can lock it manually by pushing down the pin once it reaches infinity and it stays that way until I press the button behind the focus wheel.

If it make a difference - it's a black dial with the serial number of Y60XXX.

Thanks much.

Bob Smith

 

[ZeissFan]

Very briefly ...

1) Remove the back and the lens, tension and release the shutter on the higher speeds (250, 500 and 1250) while holding the camera facing a light source. It's possible the high speeds are tapering. The shutter will release but the two curtains might be out of sync.

2) The lens should lock in the helical. The helical should always lock at infinity. Always. If it doesn't lock, the usual cause is built up grease on the arm that governs the infinity lock. It's not uncommon for this to become gummed up with old lubricant and not want to lock. Pushing the pin down with your finger confirms this. However, the infinity release (the small tab by the focusing wheel) should have some spring to it. A Web diagnosis is simply a lot of guesswork, so I won't add anything more.

3) The black dial bodies were the early versions of the IIa. They require an intermediate cable if you plan to use flash. The color dial bodies allowed a direct cable connection between the flash and the body. No IIa/IIIa ever had a real hot shoe.

Unless one has already been performed, any 50+-year-old camera will benefit from routine service.

 

[notraces]

Mike,

Thanks much. The higher speeds seem to be firing just perfectly. At least from what I can tell. The shutter was overhauled recently - and seems to perfect at all speeds - inclusive of 1 second.

I'm not overly concerned about the infinity lock not working - as long as it doesn't impair the camera's ability.

I've heard of one place to have a CLA done -- but it takes quite a long time. Who might you recommend that has a fairly fast turnaround? Something less than a month would be nice.

Thanks again.

Bob Smith
www.notraces.com

Very briefly ...

1) Remove the back and the lens, tension and release the shutter on the higher speeds (250, 500 and 1250) while holding the camera facing a light source. It's possible the high speeds are tapering. The shutter will release but the two curtains might be out of sync.

2) The lens should lock in the helical. The helical should always lock at infinity. Always. If it doesn't lock, the usual cause is built up grease on the arm that governs the infinity lock. It's not uncommon for this to become gummed up with old lubricant and not want to lock. Pushing the pin down with your finger confirms this. However, the infinity release (the small tab by the focusing wheel) should have some spring to it. A Web diagnosis is simply a lot of guesswork, so I won't add anything more.

3) The black dial bodies were the early versions of the IIa. They require an intermediate cable if you plan to use flash. The color dial bodies allowed a direct cable connection between the flash and the body. No IIa/IIIa ever had a real hot shoe.

Unless one has already been performed, any 50+-year-old camera will benefit from routine service.

 

[dexdog]

I've heard of one place to have a CLA done -- but it takes quite a long time. Who might you recommend that has a fairly fast turnaround? Something less than a month would be nice.

Thanks again.

Bob Smith
www.notraces.com

Several RFFers have used Eddy Smolov in NYC. Don't know where you are located, but if US or Canada, Eddy would be a good bet

 

[notraces]

I'm up in Toronto now -- I'll drop him a line. Thanks much.

Several RFFers have used Eddy Smolov in NYC. Don't know where you are located, but if US or Canada, Eddy would be a good bet