How does my Contax 159 work?

[Loose Gravel]

I just got a Contax 159 MM with 50mm/1.4 lens. Seems nice and I have figured all the obvious stuff out, but I can't figure out a couple of things:

I can't get the self timer thing to wind.

What is the difference between modes HP, P, LP, and A on the shutter speed dial? I'm familiar with the A, but not the rest.

Is there suppose to be a f-number display in the finder?

Why is the 1/125 LED lit all the time?

Can the exposure lock be changed without offing it?

On top there is a little window almost under the winder lever. Is this an LED? What does it mean?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Loose Gravel]

I figured out the 1/125 flasher. I found the f-number, but it is dim and only one digit lit. Hmm? I don't think HP, P, LP work without MM lens, but I still don't know what they do. Some sort of aperture priority modes.

 

[clogz]

This link might help: http://www.cdegroot.com/photo/contax/159mm/

 

[Loose Gravel]

Clogz, thanks for the link. I've answered my questions with it and several others.

I got the self timer to wind. Actually, it was not so much a wind as just moving it. It hadn't been moved in years, so it needed a little more push than I originally thought was prudent.

HP, P, and LP are programming modes that involve the camera setting the aperture and the shutter together. I don't have the right lens, so it makes no difference to me now.

Indeed, the f-number should show in the viewfinder, as well as the exposure comp. and the program mode. They don't. Maybe the circuit is bad.

Exposure lock cannot be off'd or changed without turning off the exposure lock.

The little LED window is battery check that is activated by pushing the on switch all the way over.

Are there other Contax users here? I don't see any mention of this camera in the archives.

 

[tomtom]

hi loose gravel - my 35mm camera is a contax aria. i love it. it did take me sometime to get use to the shutter dial being on the left side of the viewfinder (i was shooting with canon manual cameras before). i also like the zeiss t* lenses too. very sharp with good color and contrast. the only down side is i can't shot infrared film with the aria body.
enjoy your new system - it's a good one
tomtom