The most I have ever spent on a camera

[TVphotog]

Yeah, I already have a J12 to go with the other bodies I have. I just was interested if there might be some 'contax' type markings inside the camera that would lend some clue as to it's birth. So far, the camera seems fine. It appears that the rangefinder is off a bit on the horizontal. The shutter is also very sticky. I need to 'jiggle' the advance knob to get it to fire. I have run some film through it and will get it developed tonight. The camera top will come off and all the ol' Jak Snot will get cleaned out. I think that once I clean and relube the camera the shutter problems will disappear. I could be wrong, it has happened before😉

 

[TVphotog]

Okay, here she is!!! I did cheat a bit. She was disassembled last night and given a good cleaning. I also repainted a bit as well. The front logo got a new coat and the serial number as well. The film counter dial will get a repaint tonight. The body itself, needs a repaint as well, but that will have to wait a while. I still have a 2A in the pile that is in the process of being repainted and re-skinned. The shutter problem has not gone away yet, but I think I have a line on it. Of course, I can only get the shutter to fowl when the camera is together. When I disassemble the camera the shutter operates fine. I believe that there is something impeading the advance gears. I just have to figure out what it is. The film ran through yesterday has not been picked up yet. I do know that I will have to replace all the light seals. The one where the back meets the top casting is gone as well as the ones that surround the RF and VF windows. Anyway, that is enough rambling for now, on to the pics. As we all know threads like this are useless without pictures.

This is her. The front emblem shows nicely now that it has been repainted.

This is the ZK lens. You can see the scratches on the front element. I used this lens when shooting film in the camera yesterday, so we will see how it performs.

Serial number showing 1950 vintage.

Ziess bumps!!!!

This shot actually shows the bad paint on the body. It will definitely need some touching up at some point. The leatherette covering looks pretty decent for 57 years old. It is not nearly as dried out as the covering of my 2A was. I will effort some pics of the case as it is home-made and quite the work of art!!!