Zeiss Contax IIIa DIY Clean Viewfinder / Rangefinder

[Dave S.]

I recently purchased a Zeiss Contax IIIa. I would like to remove the top plate and clean the viewfinder / rangefinder. I have 2 questions:

1. Is this a bad idea or not that complicated? (I'm modestly skilled in working on classic rangefinder cameras)

2. If not that complicated: Can anyone here point me to a thread, website, or simply instruct me on the procedure and any potential hazards of doing this myself.

Thanks!

Dave

 

[nhchen]

Hi Dave,
It shouldn't be too complicated at all if you're just cleaning up the rangefinder windows. Adjusting them is the problem.


Rick Oleson has steps to remove the top cover of a Contax IIa, I guess your's should be very similar.
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-62.html


And there was also a post here a while ago for more complicated disassembly:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95751

regards,
nathan

 

[Dave S.]

Thanks nhchen! That is VERY helpful. I don't plan to attempt any rangefinder adjustment - just a little cleaning.

Thanks again,

Dave

 

[Kevcaster]

Hi
The llla has extra retaining screws that are not obvious, most notable is one hidden under the meter cover flap at the front of the top plate. Remove the meter top cover and then the flap and you will see a screw under it. The second is the meter adjustment bezel on the rear which has to come off too - it simply screws out.
Nothing too scary under the top plate of a Contax llla. You may as well give the slow speed escapement a flush with Ronsonol while you are there.
They are beautifully put together, have fun.
Kevin

 

[oftheherd]

I am astonished that no one has mentioned the Kiev Survival Site at http://www3.telus.net/public/rpnchbck/exposure meter.html since Kiev are copies of Contax cameras.

 

[nhchen]

I am astonished that no one has mentioned the Kiev Survival Site at http://www3.telus.net/public/rpnchbck/exposure meter.html since Kiev are copies of Contax cameras.

That's because Contax IIa/IIIa are almost completely different in construction to the Contax II camera, which the kievs are based on.

nathan

 

[oftheherd]

That's because Contax IIa/IIIa are almost completely different in construction to the Contax II camera, which the kievs are based on.

nathan

You know, I have read that before. I don't know where my mind was. Thanks for reminding me.

 

[Dave S.]

Hi
The llla has extra retaining screws that are not obvious, most notable is one hidden under the meter cover flap at the front of the top plate. Remove the meter top cover and then the flap and you will see a screw under it. The second is the meter adjustment bezel on the rear which has to come off too - it simply screws out.
Nothing too scary under the top plate of a Contax llla. You may as well give the slow speed escapement a flush with Ronsonol while you are there.
They are beautifully put together, have fun.
Kevin

Hi Kevin,

You mentioned the "the meter adjustment bezel on the rear" in regards to my cleaning the viewfinder / rangefinder. Can I use that to adjust the meter and if so, how? My meter appears to be 1 stop off.

Thanks!

Dave

 

[Kevcaster]

Hi Kevin,

You mentioned the "the meter adjustment bezel on the rear" in regards to my cleaning the viewfinder / rangefinder. Can I use that to adjust the meter and if so, how? My meter appears to be 1 stop off.

Thanks!

Dave

Yes, sorry I'm late with this and I imagine you have answered your question. You can adjust the meter with the internal screw through the bezel using a small flat blade screwdriver. This can be done without removal. A good clean of the circular contacts while you have the top off should also help.
Lovely camera and perfectly usable.
Kevin