Thanx to all who responded

[almontriv]

Hi, there:

To all of you very nice people who replied to my original posting, thank you very much for the "welcome" you gave me, and for the information you shared. You seen to be a well experienced bunch with whom to chat.

Since my original posting, I've also requested information on Nikon S2 or SP equipment as well as lenses potentially available for sale. Although I really value - and would actually prefer - a Contax IIa or a IIIa, my longterm experience with Nikon rangefinders tells me that perhaps I should lean in that direction, especially in view of the warnings about Contax "shutters", and such, several of you have given me.

In any event, I'm delighted to be engaged in these exchanges with you, all, and I look forward to many more.

almontriv

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The shutter mechanism of the Contax IIa and IIIa is very complex, but was redesigned from the original II and III. Those cameras used shutter straps that, like the Kiev copies, are prone to breaking. Still, the shutter of the IIa and IIIa is more complex than the Nikons. I think that added to its original manufacture cost, but is not a reliability issue. I favor the Nikon's over the Contax IIIa for the 1x viewfinder, but the shutter on the Contax is 1st rate.

Honu-Hugger, where are you!

 

[Pherdinand]

As anything on this world, the contax iia/iiia shutter can also malfunction. Mine was firing once out of 10 only. However it was only a matter of stuck grease in places where it should have been clean.
The only warning i'd give you is, even if you buy it as "shutter working at all speeds", it might be malfunctioning occasionally. If you find one with a return policy or you are prepared to pay for an overhaul (or for DIY a repair ), you'll be fine.

 

[almontriv]

Pherdinand:

thanx very much for the advice!

almontriv

 

[almontriv]

Brian:

I seem to be leaning toward the Nikons - S2 or SP. Again, thanx for the advice.

almontriv

 

[Honu-Hugger]

Welcome almontriv. Both the Nikon and the Contax are wonderful cameras. The Contax shutter is a beautifully engineered jewel, but after fifty-plus years many suffer from age and lack of proper service. Henry Scherer is an excellent technician and restores Contaxes truly to "better than new" condition; he thoroughly understands the camera and modern lubricants. After Henry rebuilds a Contax you have a hand built and individually adjusted camera that will be reliable for many years.

Henry's Website

Good luck with whichever you decide -- Nikon or Contax, hard to make a bad choice!!! 🙂

 

[dexdog]

thanks to all who responded

thanks to all who responded

I agree that Nikons are great RF cameras, and you certainly won't go wrong buying/using one, provided that the cost of acquiring the gear is not an issue. Given the relatively high prices for Nikons, especially SPs, you could easily acquire a good condition Contax and have it completely overhauled, and come out money ahead. The "saved" money could then be spent on some excellent Zeiss lenses.

Also, I think the reliability issue with Contax cameras is overblown. While it is true that fewer folks work on Contaxes than Nikons, a restoration done by a restorer such as Henry S. should assure years of reliable use. I have a several Contax cameras in original condition that are still working reliably 50 years after manufacture (both IIa and IIIa). Also, my first one, a vintage 1936 Contax II that I bought in the early 80s, worked until 2002, at which time I had Henry S. restore it. I have since used this camera with transparency film (mostly Velvia 50) on vacations to Spain, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands with excellent results. I also have a functioning Contax 1 that does not appear to have ever been overhauled- not bad for a camera built in 1932.

Anyway, welcome to the site, and happy shooting with whatever you eventually decide to buy!