For Sale FS: Contax IIa

[mgb74]

At least I'm pretty sure this is a IIa. Includes 50mm f2 Sonnar. Black dial shutter with speeds from T to 1/1250. Serial number (as engraved on the flash shoe) is P977xx. From what I've been able to find online, this camera dates from late 1949 to very early 1950.

This was a donation to Free Geek TC and proceeds will go to them. I film tested the camera.

First the bad. Needs CLA as the shutter operates, but does not fully raise (this is a vertical shutter). Might get better with exercise, but assume a CLA in order. Also, a ding around filter threads that will prevent mounting a filter but does not impact focusing. Focuses OK, but needs lubrication (noisy as it focuses). And, as to be expected, a few "Zeiss bumps" on the back.

Now the OK. Other than the bumps, pretty good cosmetics (as my mother would say "you should look so good at that age"). Lens shows more finish wear than the body, but markings still very intact. Glass is good. Beautiful round aperture is working properly. I see some dust and/or paint flecks internally, but no fungus, haze, or separation. Film advance working fine. Viewfinder is pretty clear and RF is bright and aligns.

Includes original case that is falling apart.

$145 plus shipping. Paypal OK. Again, proceeds to Free Geek TC.

FYI, Rick Oleson has some notes on a DIY CLA.

 

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[Hatchetman]

Anyone know somebody who works on these things?

 

[frank]

Henry Scherer.

http://www.zeisscamera.com/about.shtml

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

Henry Scherer.

http://www.zeisscamera.com/about.shtml

Yeah, get in line. I think I'm on year 3 now...

 

[frank]

I had 2 cameras done a few years ago when the wait was measured in mere months.

I've sold them on since.

 

[mgb74]

Scherer seems to be the top person - at least by reputation. If you google "contax IIa cla" you'll see a few threads on rangefinderforum.com.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

I had 2 cameras done a few years ago when the wait was measured in mere months.

I've sold them on since.

I've been on the wait list for at least 2-3 years and have more to go. Maybe this is a different person...

 

[frank]

same guy. He's THE guy.

I guess it could be many years ago now. Time slips away.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

same guy. He's THE guy.

I guess it could be many years ago now. Time slips away.

Yes, indeed it is him. I found my original request to be put on his waiting list. November 2012. I emailed him this morning thinking I must have missed my turn. He replied that I have not. He'll let me know. Coming up on three years now. When was he at only a few months wait??

 

[frank]

It may have been 10-12 years ago.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

We sorta highjacked this FS thread. Sorry about that!

Great price for a IIA for sure, in fact I have my IIIA but never use the meter and I instead wish I had a IIA. The Sonnar lenses for this camera are terrific. Beautiful character.

 

[davela]

Any competent camera tech can fix a Contax IIa at modest cost and fast - it's a routine CLA, and not a big deal at all. I've had many CLA'd that way. I've never paid more than $100 and never waited more than a few days.

 

[mgb74]

We sorta highjacked this FS thread. Sorry about that!

Great price for a IIA for sure, in fact I have my IIIA but never use the meter and I instead wish I had a IIA. The Sonnar lenses for this camera are terrific. Beautiful character.

That's OK. A bit of more-or-less on topic discussion is what this forum is about. But it reminds me of the stories you hear of people in NYC getting on the list for so-called prestigious preschools immediately after their children are born. The number of qualified repair folks are declining. Pretty soon we'll need to schedule CLAs years in advance of needing them.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

Any competent camera tech can fix a Contax IIa at modest cost and fast - it's a routine CLA, and not a big deal at all. I've had many CLA'd that way. I've never paid more than $100 and never waited more than a few days.

Sure and I had mine done locally when the curtains were lagging and it's not working fine but what Henry does is not standard CLA, it's a complete break-down, refurb and re-build.

I'm not shilling for Henry and certainly a basic CLA from a good tech might be enough but if you want the best I guess this is it:

http://www.zeisscamera.com/services.shtml

http://www.zeisscamera.com/cla.shtml

 

[frank]

It is certainly nice to have the Scherer option if that's what you want.

 

[fotch]

I don't have a Contax however, I am curious, what does Henry Scherer charge?

 

[frank]

I don't have a Contax however, I am curious, what does Henry Scherer charge?

Sounds like 3-4 years of waiting.

 

[Hatchetman]

I've seen a few recommendations online of a guy in Germany who works on these things: Klassik Kamera. 70 Euro shipping just to start the conversation though.

 

[mgb74]

For those who aren't aware, Free Geek refurbishes donated desktops and laptops and then sells these computers at low cost. People can earn credit towards a computer by assisting in recycling. Volunteers do the testing and rebuilding. So benefits are two-fold: less electronic waste and cheap computers for those who otherwise could not afford them.

I'm sometimes surprised at what comes in - as I was with this Contax. To most of us, it would be like dropping your newborn child on the orphanage steps. Something we would never do - although I was tempted a time or 2 when my son was a teenager (but he would find his way back anyway).

Anyway, buy this diamond in the rough and support a good cause. You'll feel better.

And "bump".

 

[Dali]

Roughly 300 cameras before mine... Hope Henry won't retire before my turn!

 

[John Koehrer]

I'm sometimes surprised at what comes in - as I was with this Contax. To most of us, it would be like dropping your newborn child on the orphanage steps. Something we would never do - although I was tempted a time or 2 when my son was a teenager (but he would find his way back anyway).

And "bump".

Next time don't leave the trail of bread crumbs on the way home.

 

[Dismayed]

Scherer now has 396 cameras on his waiting list. He probably does 2 cameras/week, at best. You can do the math.

 

[mgb74]

It's Black Friday.

$120 plus shipping.

 

[mgb74]

bump

 

[mgb74]

Sold