Will someone actually use this ?

[xayraa33]

These cameras are meant to be used, but I get the strange feeling that this one will be a shelf queen.


http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Contax-...ItemQQptZFilm_Cameras?hash=item270375744245&_

 

[Trius]

I know I'll be outbid (not by anyone here, OK!??!) but yeah, I'd use it. Zeiss intended it to be used. If a new Contax was good enough for Ansel ...

 

[dexdog]

I doubt that it will ever be used by the buyer. It looks so nice that I am almost tempted to bid on it!

 

[marionette]

Its a beautiful IIa, hopefully it will get used.

 

[ZeissFan]

Sadly, it will likely end up in someone's collection, although I hope that's not the case.

 

[HuubL]

That's a beauty indeed. I'm glad my IIa didn't come with box, label and booklets. I use it, though mine is almost as good-looking.

 

[JohnM]

If it's truly unused, it should probably stay that way. Doesn't make much sense to pay a premium for something that you're going to depreciate immediately.

Collectors do serve a purpose -- always nice to see pristine examples of things from years gone-by.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Well, I just packed my Mint all-black 'C' Nikkor 13.5cm F3.5 with its Hood, and original caps, the 'C' Nikkor 8.5cm F2 with its matching caps, hood, case, with the Contax II and am taking it out today. The Contax II is not mint, probably at least EX+ and back from a CLA.

And I'd use this camera if I win it, too.

 

[gdi]

If it's truly unused, it should probably stay that way. Doesn't make much sense to pay a premium for something that you're going to depreciate immediately.

Collectors do serve a purpose -- always nice to see pristine examples of things from years gone-by.

Exactly, there is a difference between a "mint" user and a truly unused 50 year old NOS collectible. It would be appropriate to preserve it as is.

 

[xayraa33]

510 dollars was not a bad price.

much cheaper than it was in 1957.

 

[ray*j*gun]

That's not the final price.....5 days to run. Beautiful camera.

 

[xayraa33]

That's not the final price.....5 days to run. Beautiful camera.

ah.. thanks,

i thought that the auction would be over by now.

 

[dexdog]

Note that this camera does not have the typical Zeiss two-element lens logo on the camera back- only block letters "Zeiss Ikon" and "Made in Germany" stamped into the leather. I have an "R" series Contax with similar markings.

 

[marcr1230]

It's a beautiful piece. I've heard though that internally they weren't always as clean as externally and some cameras were refurbished in the factory when returned from dealer stock. In any case it's a great conversation piece.

 

[dazedgonebye]

I could never use that beautiful thing...so I'd never buy it.

 

[rover]

OK, who is the current high bidder?

 

[ernesto]

It is like all machines!
Car collectors have to run them in order to keep them working.
I assume it is the same with cameras.
But I could be wrong...
E

 

[marcr1230]

by the way the pretty piece sold for $1325 - finally someone paid more for a Contax IIa than me 🙂