Value for user Ikon - Older version

[ishpop]

I have an opportunity to but a used Ikon. Based on the logo on the front I can tell its not the newer version.

see attached photos and you might be able to tell.

I am curious what I should offer (best offer), I dont want to lowball.

I currently own a Bessa T and am hoping for a larger rangefinder/viewfinder experience.

 

[Paul T.]

That;s not an Ikon - it's a Contax IIa from the 50s.

Price varies, depending on condition, they vary widely on eBay too, but a typcial value with lens in good condition is $450. They are very nice cameras, a good alternative to a LTM; you can't use the same lenses on both without an expensive adapter.


Go to http://www.cameraquest.com/conrf.htm for more info on the Contax range.

Edit: Zeissfan is entirely right about the condition of that Sonnar, I bought a Sonnar Collapsible with haze and damaged coatings like this, for circa $30... and it was vastly inferior to a Jupiter 8 in good condition. So, even if it's a bargain price, budget for a replacement lens. A good 50s Sonnar might fetch $180; so either try and get this for $250 or less, or look for a camera complete with a contemporary 50s Sonnar (look out for element separation, though).

 

[ZeissFan]

This is a Contax IIa with a prewar collapsible Sonnar.

This is known as a Contax IIa Color Dial because it has some speeds marked in color. Specifically, it has simpler flash synchronization. Earlier cameras required the use of an intermediate cable. You'll still need a PC cord to shoot with flash, but at least you won't need yet another cable.

The condition of the lens is a bit unknown, because it appears to have haze and possible cleaning marks. You should consider purchasing another lens to use with this camera.

Regardless, it looks to be in good condition, and I think you should buy it from Mary. Before you use it, the camera should be overhauled, including removal of the bumps under the leather and the residue from the tape, cleaning the shutter assembly and slow-speed movement and cleaning and recalibrating the rangefinder.

By the way, the name of the manufacturer is Zeiss Ikon (not Ikon -- there was never a camera maker called Ikon), and the name of the camera is Contax, model IIa.

 

[Guildiverno]

Currently I'm looking for a camera like this, a Contax IIa colour dial. After been checking prices since a couple of of weeks, I think I wouldn't pay more than 250$ for your camera.

Guessing that you don't want the camera to lie in a bookself, but for taking photograhps, you will have to add the cost of a complete overhul (245 $ in Zeiss Camera) and a lens to match (about 100 $ if you accept an East Germany version, West Germany ones are harder to find). When you finally found a good lens (let's say a West Germany Sonnar 5 cm f/1,5), It worth the cost of an overhul (135 $).

The good news: after that, and for less that a 1000 $ in any case, you will have an excellent camera and lens in perfect working condition, that will last many years. The cost of a Leica M3 in the same condition would be far higher.

Regards.

 

[rxmd]

I don't think you will get much of a larger rangefinder experience out of this camera. The Contax rangefinder/viewfinder is a bit tunnel-like.

 

[Guildiverno]

I don't think you will get much of a larger rangefinder experience out of this camera. The Contax rangefinder/viewfinder is a bit tunnel-like.

I agree.

ishpop, I suppose that you already looked through the viewfinder of this camera. Otherwise, it could be disappointing if your expectatives are very high.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I would offer around $200~$250, and that will reserve some money for a CLA. You can have the latter done for $100~$200, depending on who you send it to. Several RFF'rs have used Eddy Smolov with good results.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58580&highlight=smolov

The lens is an uncoated collapsible Sonnar from ~1936, more than 20 years older than the camera. Typically the haze can be cleaned out, and light marks in the glass have little effect. Use it with a hood.

The viewfinder on the Contax is small, but has a bright RF patch. But the camera is fun to use.

It might be argued that to some, the rangefinder experience is using equipment from decades ago.

 

[ishpop]

Thanks guys, I have enjoyed my bessa t quite a bit, but find myself craving a larger viewfinder honestly. I looked through an M8 in a store recently and felt like, wow, what a difference. Even my 35sp and Electro are huge compared to the Bessa.

So yeah, based on potential investment here, I might be better off investing in one of the Leicas being sold on here despite the cost difference. Or opt for a later Bessa. I have a nice Jupiter 3 that I still would like to use.