Contax 139Q Serial Number Question

[A.Colden]

Hello all,

I have a Contax 139Q, and on the bottom of the camera body it says:
JAPAN 111111

Can that be the actual serial number, or do those numbers indicate something else?

It seems too unusual for a serial number of a camera that I bought so casually, but I suppose it's possible. What do you think?

 

[eSFotos]

Must be serial number.
Mine says JAPAN 158655.
Good find.

 

[Rick A]

I concur, serial number. Mine is 043943. I like the all ones, must make you feel like you ARE number one.

Rick

 

[frdrx]

It says `Japan 077340' on mine with a wide space before the number. It definitely is the serial number. Could be forged, though. But why would someone come up with such a strange number?

By the way, I stumbled upon this web site only yesterday. It could become quite amazing once it's finished. I bet the other Contax models are getting jealous.

 

[A.Colden]

Thanks for the replies, what a cool find. Yes, there is a wide space between "JAPAN" and the number, and I am certain it is not forged as it is from a very reputable store.

frdrx - That's a nice website. The 139Q is a great camera.

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

Often serial numbers like that indicate the plate is a repair part. Bottom plates are often replaced because they get munged up with use.

 

[A.Colden]

Ah not quite as cool then, but still a nice serial number.
It does make sense.

 

[Colden]

I was wondering if it is a replacement plate also. I wonder if Contax offices somewhere would be able to comment on whether their replacement bottom plates were serialed to 111111.

 

[Jeff L]

The serial number on my Yashicamat is on the hood. I need to replace the hood and the new replacement part had no serial number.