Just bought Contax IIIa

First test photos with Contax

First test photos with Contax

I didnt have too much of an idea what I was doing with this first test at using the Contax. I am not a photographer or not much about photography but was pleasantly surprised how they turned out. This might become addictive.

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Looks like you're off to a very good start! Keep it up!

Good light,

William
 
if it works... use it...

but otherwise send it to Eddy Smolov in New York (and not to the other guy otherwise you will have back only year later, work done is perfect but overpriced)...
My technician in Belgium is good too... but it's a bit too far..

and now you have to find a biogon 35 (post war) and a Sonnar 85/2 ... ;-) contaxophilia is really addictive (I've 11 contaxes on my shelf...)
 
"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"

That was the exact problem mine had. I sent it to someone to repair, and within one roll, the problem came right back. Cost me $200. Then I sent it to Henry and Voila! It's perfect!
Vic
 
Evolution of the contax IIIa

Evolution of the contax IIIa

I bought the Kiev 4 case and transferred the ziess ikon logo from the original. The leather is a slightly lighter colour but it transferred ok. The leather on the Kiev case is really soft and strong, the original contax case was very brittle and worn. Now I also have room to connect neck strap directly to the camera. Just need to put on snap button so the two pieces can seperate.
 

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Classic Sonnar images! Thanks.
The camera and lens will open the door for you to spend more money on more lenses for the camera. Also, a IIa is also "needed" soon. Better save some money.
 
Heldur said:
and looking at your photo I want to visit Caracas!
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The Opton is the better lens, but the pre-war Sonnar can give you a different looking image and it is cheaper than the Opton. If you have the 50/1.5, try the 50/2. If you have the 50/2, get the 50/1.5.

Brian Sweeney will send me a I-61LD in Contax mount. Why not?!
 
Heldur said:
I bought the Kiev 4 case and transferred the ziess ikon logo from the original. The leather is a slightly lighter colour but it transferred ok. The leather on the Kiev case is really soft and strong, the original contax case was very brittle and worn. Now I also have room to connect neck strap directly to the camera.
Click to expand...




Hello Heldur,
-------------- WARNING---------------

DO NOT use a neck strap directly on your Contax 111a,if you do you may find that your Contax will hit the deck.The neck strap islets on the Contax 11a and 111a are held internally within the Contax body and are each fixed with one tiny screw that offers very little support for the weight of the camera body when used with a neckstrap.Always use the Contax with the ever ready case to support the camera.
Regards,
 
Heldur said:
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.
Click to expand...

Henry's waiting list is now running 2 years. The camera that I sent him in late 2006 is now in the top 10!
 
wlewisiii said:
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
Click to expand...

Henry does a lot more than a simple CLA - he performs a tear down and rebuild. I consider his work under-priced. As do the other 100 people waiting for service.
 
M2user said:
Hello Heldur,
-------------- WARNING---------------

DO NOT use a neck strap directly on your Contax 111a,if you do you may find that your Contax will hit the deck.The neck strap islets on the Contax 11a and 111a are held internally within the Contax body and are each fixed with one tiny screw that offers very little support for the weight of the camera body when used with a neckstrap.Always use the Contax with the ever ready case to support the camera.
Regards,
Click to expand...

Thanks, actually the leather strap on the original case broke and the camera nearly hit the deck but I caught it on time!
 
Heldur said:
Thanks, actually the leather strap on the original case broke and the camera nearly hit the deck but I caught it on time!
Click to expand...

The straps in old cases MUST be replaced before using, even if they look OK. The body eyelets fixings are quite fragile, but can be used if you're careful. I have done so for decades. The big no-no is using just one, as in a wrist strap. That is asking for a broken Contax.
 
wlewissiii opines:
" 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. "

I have extensive experience with Henry too. There is a right way to overhaull (not just CLA) these fabulously complex and delicate instruments. Henry does EXCELLENT work. Any camera he outshops is undoubtedly BETTER than when it left the Zeiss factory more than 50-years ago. I've seen nothing from this fellow - cameras or lens repair that is not TOP NOTCH.

That's my experience with Henry.

Good work costs good money.

Paul
 
Paul C. Perkins said:
wlewissiii opines:
" 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. "

I have extensive experience with Henry too. There is a right way to overhaull (not just CLA) these fabulously complex and delicate instruments. Henry does EXCELLENT work. Any camera he outshops is undoubtedly BETTER than when it left the Zeiss factory more than 50-years ago. I've seen nothing from this fellow - cameras or lens repair that is not TOP NOTCH.

That's my experience with Henry.

Good work costs good money.

Paul
Click to expand...

I wholeheartedly agree with Paul & Robert!
Henry is a pleasure to deal with and delivers outstanding quality. Besides his regular services he is very helpful!

Ciao

joerg
 
Joerg said:
I wholeheartedly agree with Paul & Robert!
Henry is a pleasure to deal with and delivers outstanding quality. Besides his regular services he is very helpful!

Ciao

joerg
Click to expand...

Well, some of us don't. I, for one, have a Contax IIIa serviced by HS, and a II by another expert (at far less $). Don't have a single problem with the II, whereas the IIIa has suffered from: a) incorrect screws in the front plate; b) red lens aligning dot paint that peeled at the first use; c) "new" meter cell that died after two years (compared to 50+ for the original); d) ASA/DIN dial with a mind of its own. This camera had NEVER malfunctioned in the previous 50 years. I was also dissapointed at the cosmetics.

And yes, I happen to know the full history of this camera, as it was bought new by my father and given to me some years later. I assure you it was far better when new, and even just before the "overhaul".

I also concur with William in the "drivel" part.

Everyone has his own opinion, but for me, "never again"
 
micromontenegro said:
Well, some of us don't. I, for one, have a Contax IIIa serviced by HS, and a II by another expert (at far less $). Don't have a single problem with the II, whereas the IIIa has suffered from: a) incorrect screws in the front plate; b) red lens aligning dot paint that peeled at the first use; c) "new" meter cell that died after two years (compared to 50+ for the original); d) ASA/DIN dial with a mind of its own. This camera had NEVER malfunctioned in the previous 50 years. I was also dissapointed at the cosmetics.

And yes, I happen to know the full history of this camera, as it was bought new by my father and given to me some years later. I assure you it was far better when new, and even just before the "overhaul".

I also concur with William in the "drivel" part.

Everyone has his own opinion, but for me, "never again"
Click to expand...

Surprising, as I've owned 2 cameras overhauled by Henry (IIIa CD, IIa BD) and both function perfectly. Did you contacted him about your problems?
 
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