Contax 139q meter coupling ring broken

Colden · Apr 20, 2010

Hello,

I have a Contax 139q that has a broken tab of the meter coupling ring. The camera doesn't meter properly as it never knows to what aperture the lens is set. I've called around and nobody repairs Contax SLRs.

Do you know someone who does?

Failing that, do you know where might I find a replacement meter coupling ring?

And, failing that also, do you suppose it's possible to glue in a replacement tab? I have another 139q from which I could take measurements and file down a piece of donor plastic. Choosing the right adhesive for the type of plastics used could be difficult, but I suppose I could mix some epoxy to ensure permanence.

I really would rather the camera be repaired professionally, of course. The second 139q needs a CLA of its own, too.

Many thanks.

Trask · Apr 20, 2010

I have faced a similar problem with my Contax RTSII, where the internal mechanism that transmits the maximum aperture info to the metering system is out of whack. I had Pro Photo in Washington DC look at it, and Dick told me that there was nothing they could do -- and they're pretty good. I have heard that this place in NYC is excellent:

Nippon Photo Clinic Svc‎
920 Broadway, New York, NY 10010-8018
(212) 982-3177‎

If you do use Nippon, or find another repairer, please shoot me a PM to let me know. I haven't pursued the Nippon option myself because my RTS II is in storage in Amsterdam since last year. I'll get it (and all the rest of my gear) back this summer, at which point I'll contact Nippon myself.

Good luck.

elekm · Apr 20, 2010

I think TOCAD was contracted to handle repairs after Kyocera withdrew, but I don't know if that's true any longer.

ToCAD America Inc.
53 Green Pond Road, Suite 5
Rockaway, NJ 07866
Phone: 973-627-9600
Fax: 973-664-2438
Web Site: www.contaxusa.com or www.tocad.com

Another alternative is to check with KEH.com.

frdrx · Apr 20, 2010

It's possible that a replacement part can be extracted from a Yashica FX-D, but I cannot tell for sure because I never had the two cameras disassembled side by side. By the way, the repair manual for the 139Q can be found at Peter Robinson's website.

John Koehrer · Apr 20, 2010

Please, they're not plastic they're engineering resin!
Unfortunately they don't like to play well with others like glue or any kind. If you try epoxy drill a hole or two through the tab that you make, then matching holes in the ring. Insert a piece of wire(steel 0r brass) or plastic rod through the tab and the ring. That should give it the mechanical strength to work.

Pumal · Apr 20, 2010

I had the same problem with a Contax 137 MA. I got tired; found myself an M42 adaptor ( this makes the contact O.K.). I can use all my super Takumars.

Colden · Apr 21, 2010

Thank you for your replies.

I'll try to contact Nippon & ToCAD.

Regarding resins & epoxy, I would not be able to drill on such a small scale. Perhaps a repair shop exists that can take this task on, in which case it wouldn't matter that the camera is a Contax. Can you think of anyone who would be interested in the glueing job?

Thanks again.

John Koehrer · Apr 21, 2010

Are you in the US? If you are PM me.

Contax 139q meter coupling ring broken

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