Zeiss Contax IIa or maybe Nikon S?

[humberland]

First of all I'd like to say hello everybody. Although I read this forum for some time it's my first post so big hi!
I am looking for a classic rangefinder. With my budget I came to the point of choosing Zeiss Contax IIa or Nikon S (no, not S2).
I know that S has strange frame format (which I don't consider a problem since I don't shoot slides). I also know that postwar Contaxes can be a subject of repairs (maybe not so hard and difficult as prewar ones but still).
Well, I don't want to spread any kind of war. I realize that this can be similar thread to contax vs leica topic. But I want to ask you guys, what made you to choose one over another? What about lenses? Zeiss seems to be classic but Nikkor is believed to be equally good, I guess?

 

[sevo]

Where are you from? In Continental Europe, Nikon rangefinders (and lenses) are as rare as hen's teeth (the Nikon trademark used to be banned in the EEC and associated countries, for violating "Zeiss Ikon", and by the time that ban was lifted the world had already moved over to the Nikon F). Unless you want to build a exotic collection from overseas online purchases (a considerable risk given blind purchases and the shipping - and sometimes even customs - cost of returns), Contax is the only reasonable option here.

 

[humberland]

Where are you from? In Continental Europe, Nikon rangefinders (and lenses) are as rare as hen's teeth (the Nikon trademark used to be banned in the EEC and associated countries, for violating "Zeiss Ikon", and by the time that ban was lifted the world had already moved over to the Nikon F). Unless you want to build a exotic collection from overseas online purchases (a considerable risk given blind purchases and the shipping - and sometimes even customs - cost of returns), Contax is the only reasonable option here.

I'm from EU. I noticed that vintage Nikon gear is a bit of exotic thing here. I am currently using F which was an oversea purchase with no problems. That's why I consider Nikon RF. But maybe I should also consider risk of buying camera basing on pictures only.

 

[Paul T.]

Definitely worth keeping an eye on the Classifieds here. I've owned the Contax II and the Nikon S2, and my experience is actually that it's Nikons which are often available in good condition for a good price.

My experience differs from the previous reply; I've always fancied a IIa, but they often seem to go for higher prices than, say, the S2.

 

[sevo]

My experience differs from the previous reply; I've always fancied a IIa, but they often seem to go for higher prices than, say, the S2.

Where? I'd love to get a Contax-priced Nikon, but it has never happened in the past thirty years.

Looking through current offers on ebay Europe, the going BIN rate for the Contax IIa seems to be around 200€ for the body only, and 250-400€ with lens - the two Nikon S (with 50/1.4 resp. 50/2 lenses) are up for 998€ respectively 2148€. A few Nikon S2 (the cheapest Nikon RF there) are on sale for around 370-400€, body only.

 

[Mudman]

I've handled an S, own an S2 and a iia color dial. If you can get an s2 it's on par or a bit nicer than the iia for ergonomics. The iia is way nicer than an s. The iia is built better than either.

 

[Paul T.]

Where? I'd love to get a Contax-priced Nikon, but it has never happened in the past thirty years.

Looking through current offers on ebay Europe, the going BIN rate for the Contax IIa seems to be around 200€ for the body only, and 250-400€ with lens - the two Nikon S (with 50/1.4 resp. 50/2 lenses) are up for 998€ respectively 2148€. A few Nikon S2 (the cheapest Nikon RF there) are on sale for around 370-400€, body only.

I bought an S2 on this site for $500 with 50/1.4, and sold it again at that price. There have been a few at that level, because I've often thought of buying one again. But if the IIa is cheaper where you are, go for it - look out for decementing etc on the lenses, though. I tend to look at rff rather than eBay, as I find the members more trustworthy, so perhaps I'm getting more of an American-style sampling, as there haven't been that many post-war Contaxes.

 

[humberland]

Thank you for replies. There are some Nikon Ss offered from Japan which are at the same price as Contax IIa. Is Nikon S leica type shutter easier to repair and more reliable? I don't know if postwar Contax shutter is that complicated. I know that prewar one is 😉

 

[sevo]

Thank you for replies. There are some Nikon Ss offered from Japan which are at the same price as Contax IIa. Is Nikon S leica type shutter easier to repair and more reliable? I don't know if postwar Contax shutter is that complicated. I know that prewar one is 😉

The post-war Contax shutter is even more complicated, but there are official service manuals for it, while the only remaining official documentation on the pre war one are the Kiev repair manuals (whose shutter had some simplifications). There are several capable Contax repairers in Europe. And as far as my experience goes, the shutters on the IIa/IIIa do not wear the ribbons as much as the earlier shutter and last much longer - apart from the common capping issue at 1/1250 (which IMHO is not worth a repair, as it returns ever so often) the shutters on IIa's generally still work, and continue to do so even if you put the camera back into serious use...

The Nikon S shutter is more simple, and repairers familiar with the Nikon F might be able to handle it even if they have never dealt with a Nikon rangefinder before. But given the rarity of them in Europe, you may have to send it overseas for repair if nobody dares to tackle it...

 

[jonmanjiro]

I've seen a few Nikon S cameras with rotting shutter curtains as well as a few Nikon S cameras with replacement shutter curtains installed badly. The quality of the cloth material that Nikon used for the shutter curtains is much improved from the S2 onward (I've never seen an S2 with rotting shutter curtains). If you have your heart set on a Nikon rangefinder, I suggest saving your cash until you have enough for an S2. Its a much more user friendly camera to shoot with than the S, so worth the extra outlay IMO.

 

[RObert Budding]

I shot a Contax IIa for a couple of years, but I ended up selling it. The finder is really small and it's not the most comfortable camera to grip. Lately I've been eyeing the Millennium S3.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The S2 is the finest of the early Nikons. Look for a nice clean example, choice enough.

Erik.

 

[marcr1230]

I own both Contax IIa and Nikon S2 (and SP) - the Nikon is more ergonomic (especially the winder) , lenses are available for both, with a bit of an edge to Nikon I think , especially if you want to try newer (Voightlander , Zeiss or MS Optical) or re-issued Nikon S mount lenses (Nikon)
The IIa Shutter looks more complicated (segmented roll-top desk style) - mine have worked fine so far.

Can't comment on Nikon S itself

 

[humberland]

Thank you guys for your opinions. It look like an S2 will be a good choice for me. I'll keep saving for one of these beauties.

 

[humberland]

After a break I decided to bring some news to this thread. Following your helpful advices and opinions, I saved for Nikon S2. And I bought one today on bay with Nikkor H.C 50/2 equipped.
Don't know what to expect for 300$ as normally they cost much more on bay. Seller claimed body to be working and provided me with pictures made with offered lens (digital through the adapter though).
Hope that I will be able to share some pictures shot with this camera with you soon. 😀

 

[Alpsman]

You wont be dissapointed from the old Nikon-Lenses. They are great.
Also it is no mistake to give the new Cosina/Voigtländer a chance.

 

[humberland]

That's a good point. I'm on the lookout for lenses now. Considering that everything will be fine with camera when it arrive.

 

[puderse]

Why go backwards

Why go backwards

I bought my Fs when Ektachrome was only 3 and have never regreted it. If you want a film camera stick with your F and get another, or several! Lenses are plentiful, $100 bodies in great shape are everywhere.

I've shot every kind of rangefinder made and I own a Contax IIa and a IIIa w/NIKKOR 28 and 135 as well as the original Tessars for both.

When it's time for countin' its always the Fs.

The F and the Spotmatic are the reason rangefinders died!

 

[B-9]

Nikon S2 hands down,

My experience is with II, III, IIa, and IIIa Contax and one Nikn S2, the Nikon is superior in just about every way from a shooters view. The Contax do have that classic look, but... Honestly are a pain to hold and use unlike any other camera you own.

The Nikon S2 embodies a lot of great features and compatibility with newer Accessories.
MS-Optical was selling a optical attachment adapter that allowed you to mound a Leica M eyepiece/eyecup/magnifier to your Nikon S2, I purchased one and used it with an E-Clypse eyecup (Match Technical?).

 

[Vics]

As for lenses, try the W-Nikkor 2.5/35. Shoot long lenses on your F.