Contax IIIA Question

[klop]

Does this camera use standard film cassettes (135) or does it require specific special ones? I'm confused [emoji15]

 

[CJBo001]

Yes, it does use standard 35mm cassettes. Contax also made a reloadable cassette for the camera.

 

[summicron1]

as the man said, yes it uses regular film cassettes. In the 30s to the 50s and beyond Leica, nikon and Contax also made proprietary cassettes that had double walls and built in gates -- the lock on the bottom of the camera turned a key on the cassette and opened it to let the film out, then closed it after yu re-wound, so no felt light trap (and scratches) was necessary.

Those cassettes can be bought, although the Contax ones are pretty scarce and expensive. Leica ones cost about $10 each, but last forever and don't scrtch.

Unless you are a geek, use regular film cassettes. All cameras using 35 mm film were made to use the standard Kodak cassette.

 

[Xmas]

Only the Kiev or Contax concentric cassettes will work in a Contax II(I)a you only need a dozen at most.

The FSU cassettes come in two varieties you need to get Kiev ones.

The Contax may not have a take up spool mini lab for used kodak cassette, bottle opener, and fine hack saw for substitute spool the OEM ones not much better...

Edit normal factory or reloadable velvet trap cassettes are ok.

 

[klop]

CJBo001, summicron1, and Xmas. Thank You all...... Great Help to Me....

 

[benjiboy]

If your'e buying a Contax make sure it includes the take up spool which is loose and not permanently attached to the camera.

 

[Xmas]

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/kievspool.jpg

Apologize to Rick but this is complicated a cut 45 degree to axis to slot in leader is best... Kodaks spools have sufficient plastic.
The Zeiss OEM ones are not any better.

 

[E. von Hoegh]

A scavenged spool from a commercial film cassette and 3/4" inch of Scotch tape will work in a pinch. Also, an Exakta takeup spool fits a prewar Contax; I'm not certain about the IIa/IIIa.

 

[cuthbert]

My IIIa and IIa came with the original spool, never tried to use a Soviet one but I assume it should work.