Significantly damaged Contax T3 worth the risk?

jaredangle

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An ebay seller is offering a Contax T3 for $150 – still working (shutter and focus) which was dropped on the top corner, knocking part of the shell off.

The top is a bit bent, but I'm not too concerned about cosmetic damage. What are the chances of this damage throwing off the internal optics or the alignment of the film gate and pressure plate?

I'd like to give this camera a home but not if it's a lost cause.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Contax-T3-3...993703838?pt=Film_Cameras&hash=item19d7bd839e
 
"For parts not working" ebay listing is just that. Don't expect it to work. Is $150 for a broken for parts camera, that might work, but is listed in the condition as broken and for parts that you can't return....worth $150? I don't believe if it is dead on arrival that you could possible return it since the condition is "for parts not working"...
 
I think that's too much for one of those in excellent condition. And he says it's working, but since it's being sold for parts, there is no guarantee it will be operable when you get it. I'd shy away from this one.

PF
 
A few weeks back there was a seller on Ebay selling his Contax T3, he also stated that it is for parts and not working. But on his description he stated that the only problem is the tooth of the camera which is not catching film but everything else are in good working order. I bid for it and won it for $297.12. I received the camera that came with a strap and a leather case. Then I decided to do a DIY on the spool by replacing the worn out tooth with a metal pin that I bought from Handyman. Made a hole on the spool then inserted the metal pin, put some lock tight, dried it for a few minutes. Run a test roll which came out perfect! So I think I could say that its working very good now. I saved a whole lot of money on the camera and for the possible repair cost from Kyocera Japan.

Will post some photos as soon as I have processed and scanned the films.
 
I would not buy a broken electronic camera. It is way too costly. I paid $180 for a mint Contax T2 here at RFF.
 
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