The most beautiful rangefinder!

N

Norcimus

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Can't upload the picture of my Contax IIIA. Took another tack!
Anyways, here is a picture ( I hope it's there ) of what I consider the high water mark of rangefinder design. I'm not saying mechanical design, just visual design. You can't get any better than this. Bauhaus at it's best! Car designers get credit for their designs but I wonder if the Contax designer got any credit?
Another thing, the machining is spectacular! In today's world this camera would probably cost $ 15,000. I'm glad I own a design and usuable masterpiece. I wonder if it is in the museum of modern art.
On the link below are some pictures I took with it and my other acquisition, a Leica M3 ( double stroke ) with an f/2.8 Elmar and then an f/2 Collapsible Sumicron.
http://cdelbert.zenfolio.com/p287842191
 
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Beautiful!! I have a IIa and a IIIa that are all you have said. Mine run as well as any camera I have ever used or owned, and they are really lovely to look at!
 
have to admit, IIa with a 50/1.5 is better looking, and if it wasn't for the completely removable back in order to load a film I'd probably would've bought and tried one by now.
 
Awesome photos. I've sold all my non-leica classics over the last two years, but I couldn't stand loosing the IIa. It' having a prominent place in my camera cabinet. These Contaxes are truly beautiful cameras!
 
Too many cameras?

Too many cameras?

Huubl, I can't believe all those cameras you have! And as we all know since we're on this site, one can never have too many cameras ( our wives probably have a different opinion on that! ). You have as many cameras as Jay Leno has cars!
Also, it's probably a better investment than the stock market nowadays. And you can play with them, like Scrooge McDuck used to play with his swimming pool full of coins.
A thought also crept in my mind, how long does it take you to exercise all those cameras?
Anyways, enjoy them and do take some great pictures.



http://cdelbert.zenfolio.com/p67530529
 
Great series - almost like a time warp. Just goes to prove that it is not the camera, but the user who determines the quality of the images.
Thanks for posting them.
 
Fun site

Fun site

Fun site you have there Tom A. I know where to go when I need good technical insight. Love that Nikon S3?? photo and those Nikon cassettes. I recently sold my SP to fund a Nikon D700. I had to because I make some money with the D700 ( stock ). Those stock sites hate film because they always say " too grainy!. " The guys who accept or reject files are young and don't appreciate grain or noise. You can have the finest photograph and they will reject it!:bang::bang:
 
Hello Christian! Welcome to the RF Forum my friend..:) I have a IIa (practically unused) and I find it more silent between 1/25 and 1/100 than my Leicas.

As usual, it was a pleasure to go through your B&W series once again. Any of the later ones with the IIIa?

Regards,

Bob

5820878649_a468436f30_z.jpg
 
Norcimus said:
Huubl, I can't believe all those cameras you have! And as we all know since we're on this site, one can never have too many cameras ( our wives probably have a different opinion on that! ). You have as many cameras as Jay Leno has cars!
Also, it's probably a better investment than the stock market nowadays. And you can play with them, like Scrooge McDuck used to play with his swimming pool full of coins.
A thought also crept in my mind, how long does it take you to exercise all those cameras?
Anyways, enjoy them and do take some great pictures.



http://cdelbert.zenfolio.com/p67530529
Click to expand...
Thanks! I like your forum name, pretty Leitzy for a Contax lover :D
I agree it's hard working keeping them all in shape, but I try to excercise them all through a year, or so, with the real stuff, film that is :)
 
Nice looking at the photos of your cameras, especially the Contax models. I too have one that looks like that. But I guess mine must be a rare pre-production model; it doesn't say Contax, it says KNEB. :D

I have always wanted a Contax, but unfortunately, I only want it at a Kiev price. But I am happy. My Kiev works very well and is very quiet. I guess I am lucky.

Thanks for sharing photos of yours. Makes my GAS node itch.
 
Really and truly fine work! I looked through both Street Shooters portfolios, and was just knocked out! I agree about the Contax. I have a IIIa with the Sonnar 1.5/50 that came down to me from my Dad, and I've been shooting with it since 2003 without a hiccup. GREAT lens!
 
Great to go through your Paris work Vics. Some nice images that make me feel as if I'm there.
Glad to hear from you again Bob. Because of another e-mail buddy from South Africa, I was able to find this site.
 
One last thing I forgot to mention. Now that I see Bob's IIA, I think it is more pure visually without meter. I just love the fine machining on the advance and ASA dials.
 
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