Found 50mm lens for Contax IIIa

nanthor · Jun 20, 2023

Hi, I just found a nice Contax IIIa body in my gear boxes and I don't have a lens for it. I am looking for an inexpensive 50mm contax mount lens for it. Either a zeiss that has some cosmetic issues or an FSU or kiev lens that would fit and work. Let me know what you have, thanks, Bob in Illinois/Michigan.

btaylor · Jun 20, 2023

The FSU Helios 53 can be an outstanding optic. I have one that I hang on my Contax IIa sometimes- I think it
is one of the sharpest lenses I have.

nanthor · Jun 28, 2023

Thanks for the heads up, I'll do some research. Bob.
Update.. Might that lens be called something else? Helios-103 or Helios-81 ? Both are 53mm and I can't find a Helios 53. Thanks, Bob.

Marcelo Paniagua · Jun 28, 2023

Try Helios 103. Also Jupiter 8M is an outstanding lens (and economic) lens. My copy is pretty sharp.

Edit.- Also, there is Jupiter 3 (f/1.5) if you want to go fancy but is more expensive.

Marcelo Paniagua · Jun 28, 2023

By the way Jupiter 8M is a 50mm while Helios is a 53mm. Close enough and wont really matter much since the only available viewfinder is 50mm.

BAC1967 · Jun 28, 2023

You should also get a 35mm and 135mm for it. Jupiter 11 & 12

Marcelo Paniagua · Jun 28, 2023

Yep. I had some problems with Jupiter 12 on LTM but the available one for Contax mount are in better shape. Also, sometimes are cheaper that LTM. Great lens.

pdccamerqs · Jun 28, 2023

nanthor said:
Thanks for the heads up, I'll do some research. Bob.
Update.. Might that lens be called something else? Helios-103 or Helios-81 ? Both are 53mm and I can't find a Helios 53. Thanks, Bob.

This is the Helios 103 (I am not affiliated with the seller - the listing is shown below just as an example for clarification - plenty of these lenses on Ebay for well under $100 USD. Also I have shot copies of this lens on digital, on a Kiev, and on a Contax IIa - all with great success. These lenses can sometimes vary in quality, so you may have to source two or three to find one you really like.

Hope this helps!

Paul

btaylor · Jun 28, 2023

Woops, don't know how I came up with Helios 53? It is the Helios 103 as Marcelo pointed out. Mine is really good. It has no focusing mount so that's one less thing you need to be concerned with. The Jupiter 12 (35mm f2.8) will not work on Contax IIa or IIIa models, not enough room for that huge rear element. The Jupiter 9 (85mm f2) can be great... if the mechanicals are good. I have two copies that just don't work right even after service. I have a third copy in LTM that's perfect, so its a crapshoot. I have a Nikkor 85mm f2 in Contax mount which works wonderfully, Nikon quality.

Found 50mm lens for Contax IIIa

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