Just bought Contax IIIa

[Heldur]

Hi, I am new to this forum and just want some thoughts on the Zeiss Ikon Contax IIIa I just bought. I bought it based on the attached photos for $100 USD. Decided to take a gamble just based on these three photos and no further information except it is working and in ´very good condition´the seller doent seem to know much about the camera and got the year of manufacture wrong by 25 years! Seller doesnt know English either (I live in a ´foreign´country) so I am guessing didnt do any research. I didnt want to ask too many questions but buy it before someone else.

It is hard to read the the markings on the lens but it appears to say Zeiss-Opton NR104??? (the rest of the numbers are not visible in the photo). In the other photo I can see 1-50, but not sure what else is written (could it be sonnar?).

I am waiting for delivery but wanted to get some preliminary thoughts from people who know about these cameras. Does it look like a good buy?
Many thanks for any replies!

 

[micromontenegro]

That's a Sonnar allright. I think you made a very good deal!

 

[ernesto]

yes, it is a good buy, and a good price too!
Ernesto

 

[raid]

The Opton sells for $150,and the IIIa for $200==> $350 combo

 

[Heldur]

Thanks for the replies, I cant wait for it to arrive so I can check it out, sounds like it could be a great buy if it is not damaged!

 

[Highway 61]

The mechanical condition of the IIIa will tell it all.

This can vary from still 100% functioning (although quite unlikely given the amount of dust and grime we can see on the body casting...) to not working at all with all shutter speeds being gummed-up and faded, passing by a shutter +/- working at slow and medium speeds but with faded high speeds.

Same with the lightmeter, it can work, or not. Based on my experience I can say that about 75% of them do not work any longer, if you want to use it you will have to replace the selenium cell element (very easy).

You may have some problems with the lens helical and the rangefinder alignment as well. The viewfinder seems to have lost its internal black paint baffling, cleaning the beamsplitter prism and painting its hidden faces back with flat black paint will be on order.

Nevertheless $100 is a very good deal, if the Zeiss Opton 50/1.5 Sonnar T is clean with no fungus or separation nor scratches etc, you got the combo for less than what a Zeiss Opton 50/1.5 used to sell for alone.

Depending on where you live you may be in the need of a repairer to service your Contax IIIa. The main problem is that the Contax was the underdog while the Leica was the mainly used rangefinder camera at the time they both were in production so that only a few repairers can deal with these beasts.

There is a famous website which is loudly advertised to be the only site of the only repairer for the Contax RF stuff on this planet, someone will mention it here eventually, but it's by no means the only place where you can send your Contax IIIa to for it to be deeply serviced.

Before you get it and when you get it you may want to read this to get the idea of what can be wrong with these cameras :

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-95.html

and this :

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-62.html

I write "used to" about the Sonnar retaining price because the vintage film market is beginning to crush, and I'm not as optimistic as other posters in that thread about the retaining market value for the vintage Contax RF stuff.

Most interesting thing is that the Zeiss Opton 50/1.5 Sonnar T is one of the finest 50mm lenses ever made for 24x36 film photography, it still can compare very favorably with modern lenses, so, use it extensively while you still can !

 

[Heldur]

The mechanical condition of the IIIa will tell it all.

This can vary from still 100% functioning (although quite unlikely given the amount of dust and grime we can see on the body casting...) to not working at all with all shutter speeds being gummed-up and faded, passing by a shutter +/- working at slow and medium speeds but with faded high speeds.

Same with the lightmeter, it can work, or not. Based on my experience I can say that about 75% of them do not work any longer, if you want to use it you will have to replace the selenium cell element (very easy).

You may have some problems with the lens helical and the rangefinder alignment as well. The viewfinder seems to have lost its internal black paint baffling, cleaning the beamsplitter prism and painting its hidden faces back with flat black paint will be on order.

Nevertheless $100 is a very good deal, if the Zeiss Opton 50/1.5 Sonnar T is clean with no fungus or separation nor scratches etc, you got the combo for less than what a Zeiss Opton 50/1.5 used to sell for alone.

Depending on where you live you may be in the need of a repairer to service your Contax IIIa. The main problem is that the Contax was the underdog while the Leica was the mainly used rangefinder camera at the time they both were in production so that only a few repairers can deal with these beasts.

There is a famous website which is loudly advertised to be the only site of the only repairer for the Contax RF stuff on this planet, someone will mention it here eventually, but it's by no means the only place where you can send your Contax IIIa to for it to be deeply serviced.

Before you get it and when you get it you may want to read this to get the idea of what can be wrong with these cameras :

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-95.html

and this :

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-62.html

I write "used to" about the Sonnar retaining price because the vintage film market is beginning to crush, and I'm not as optimistic as other posters in that thread about the retaining market value for the vintage Contax RF stuff.

Most interesting thing is that the Zeiss Opton 50/1.5 Sonnar T is one of the finest 50mm lenses ever made for 24x36 film photography, it still can compare very favorably with modern lenses, so, use it extensively while you still can !

Thankyou so much for this generous amount of information!. When the camera arrives I will post more info.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Congratulations on your new purchase. I have a Contax II, not quite the same but similar, with a pre war uncoated 50/1.5 Sonnar. Even uncoated I love what it is giving me with colour print film. I think you will be very happy with it. As Highway 61 has pointed out, there is a sticky on where to get these cameras repaired if need be. You are in for a real vintage experience and hope you enjoy it.

Bob

 

[ZeissFan]

The prewar and postwar Contaxes are different to the point that none of the parts are interchangeable (that's the parts in the camera, not the lens, accessories, etc.).

While I like the integrated light meter of the IIIa, I think it adds too much weight to the camera. It's not a problem if you're using it here and there, but you notice the weight of the camera after it's been hanging from your neck from a few hours.

The postwar f/1.5 Sonnar is one of the finest lenses in photography (to echo what others have said). And your camera and lens look to be in good condition.

I think that you'll enjoy the camera immensely.

 

[wlewisiii]

Welcome to the Contax club. I've a pre-war Contax III and enjoy using it very much. I'll mostly just agree with what's been said. And while I'm not sure the market is quite as dire as Highway 61, the decrease that has been happening allows you to buy world class glass for peanuts.

If your camera does need service, I'd suggest Eddie Smolov in Brooklyn, NY. Excellent work for a quite low cost.

Don't forget the inexpensive FSU lenses for the Kiev (ie Contax) mount. Some screaming good deals there as well.

Enjoy!

William

 

[Pherdinand]

are you in Iceland, heldur? (your name sounds like)

I had a iiia with a sonnar 50/1.5 very similar to yours.
It was a great camera. It is really a precision mechanic instrument and once you learn to use it (no big deal except dont put your finger in front of the rangefinder window), it does what you want him to do, and it does it very well...
You will like it.
If unsure about the shutter accuracy shoot a roll of slide film and use a good light meter for the occasion - and get it repaired if necessary. It is worth it.

The rf alignment of the contaxes is actually difficult to mess up, unless the whole rangefinder system is falling apart.

The lens is excellent, as long as it is clean.

 

[Heldur]

are you in Iceland, heldur? (your name sounds like)

Not quite lol, I live in the historical center of Quito in Ecuador. The camera will be great for photographing this great preserved colonial city...when it arrives...hopefully this afternoon!

 

[Heldur]

Contax III arrived! Exicted!

Contax III arrived! Exicted!

I just got the contax III in the mail and took some pics (sorry about the quality took it with my gfs cheap digital) . The shutter is working but seems to stick at some speeds. Everything seems in excellent condition except for the leather case falling apart a bit, it has a lens cap which is worn. The lens looks great on the outside but inside the elements I can see what looks like a delicate white spiderweb so I am guessing thats fungus! so advice appreciated!

I cant see any fault with the case except the metal slightly worn around the eyepiece, no other scratches, 3 of the famous bumps in the leather - generally just needs a clean.

So I am very happy with the camera. I dont know much about them and have never used a rangefinder , Iwas originally thinking of selling it but now I have a copy of the instruction manual I think I will keep it and use it.
Not bad for $100? advice appreciated on the lens too, thanks for any comments.

 

[Heldur]

well didnt get any replies so I just out it in for a CLA. Being in Ecuador I figured to post it to the US and back on top of the CLA would set me back $200 or more so I searched around and found an old camara technician that said he would clean the lens (get rid of the fungus) and take it apart to service. He had another later contax in the workshop but I had my aprehension. He assured me he had decades of experience but with the Contax III I dont know. anyway, this is Ecuador and prices are way low...will cost me $60... heres hoping

 

[Vics]

Well, if it doesn't work out well, I'm sure Henry Sherer http://www.zeisscamera.com/ can help you out and get rid of those "Zeiss bumps" on the back. Henry is costly but my camera still works perfectly after five years of pretty hard use since he did his complete overhaul.
Enjoy your Contax! Vic

 

[Heldur]

Thanks Vics, I just go it back- the lens is very clean and I just took a roll of film and sent it in to develop.

The shutter fires properly at ALL speeds now, but only 90% of time on first click (during those times it doesnt fire straight away I need to press the release a few times and then it will fire). The light meter still doesnt work but thats ok for now.

I am not complaining because it cost $60 all up. If I was in the US I would consider sending it to Henry Sherer, however.

 

[wlewisiii]

I am not complaining because it cost $60 all up. If I was in the US I would consider sending it to Henry Sherer, however.

Don't. If you want, send it to Eddie Smolov in New York instead. $75 for the repair plus shipping (which can be rediculous from Central & South America, I realize). Henry is an overpriced gent who appears to actually believe the inaccurate drivel posted on his web site. Eddie will get you just as good a job for much less money - and yes I speak from experience.

Regarding your sticky release, look at this page:
http://www.elekm.net/zeiss-ikon/repair/start.html

If you remove the top of the wind on knob, you'll probably find that the spring load for the release has been miss-assembled. If that's the case, it's very very easy to fix as Mike's page shows.

If I can help, feel free to PM me.

William

 

[Heldur]

Don't. If you want, send it to Eddie Smolov in New York instead. $75 for the repair plus shipping (which can be rediculous from Central & South America, I realize). Henry is an overpriced gent who appears to actually believe the inaccurate drivel posted on his web site. Eddie will get you just as good a job for much less money - and yes I speak from experience.

Regarding your sticky release, look at this page:
http://www.elekm.net/zeiss-ikon/repair/start.html

If you remove the top of the wind on knob, you'll probably find that the spring load for the release has been miss-assembled. If that's the case, it's very very easy to fix as Mike's page shows.

If I can help, feel free to PM me.

William

Thanks for the advice, $75 seems reasonable, but the postage would be about $30 each way.

 

[Highway 61]

The shutter fires properly at ALL speeds now, but only 90% of time on first click (during those times it doesnt fire straight away I need to press the release a few times and then it will fire).

What you have is a "color dial" IIIa and the shutter being reluctant to release is quite a common bug on these late models - the culprit is a new design of the shutter release mechanism which Zeiss modified to comply with the X flash synchro. Instead of a basic catch they fitted the "color dial" IIa and IIIa with a thin sliding mechanism so that releasing the shutter also made the electric contact for the X synchro. Accumulated grime on this part very often makes it become quite dependable.

Nothing to do with the spring under the release button. And Mike's page, linked by William, regards the Contax II which is a very different model. 😉

As far as it still works through 90% of the first attempts to trigger the shutter, take it easy. That said it may get worse, and then a service will be on order. The parts that will need cleaning are all under the main shutter and RF platine so that a total teardown of the camera is required.

It's normal for a IIIa lightmeter not to work any longer - the selenium cell is dead. No big deal if you have a handheld meter or shoot negatives not slides.

 

[wlewisiii]

Nothing to do with the spring under the release button. And Mike's page, linked by William, regards the Contax II which is a very different model. 😉

Oops! :bang::bang::bang: Missed that "a" completely. Sorry about the misadvice Heldur.

William