jimjm
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This is a fully functional Contax IIA black-dial body with a Zeiss-Opton Sonnar 50mm/2.0 T* lens, in excellent cosmetic condition - clean inside and out. Body and lens date to approximately 1953.
I've had this camera almost 10 years and it's worked perfectly. Shutter speeds seem accurate - I haven't tested for the higher speeds but exposures have always been as expected. The slow speeds are consistent and reliable. Shutter curtains are in excellent condition. Rangefinder is accurate and RF patch is contrasty and easy to see even in low light. Viewfinder has a small amount of haze, but nothing that has been a problem in shooting. Film wind/rewind are smooth and frame spacing is even. Self-timer works fine. Focusing is smooth with no stiffness or binding, but there is some squeaking if you focus Internal-mount lenses by the lens barrel rather than the focus wheel. I've also used external-bayonet lenses like the Nikkor 35 and 105 lenses, and they make no noise at all. All lenses mounted securely without any looseness or play. Back cover fits nice and secure, no light leaks or loose fit.
Aperture blades are clean, and open and close smoothly with just the right amount of resistance to the aperture dial. Glass is also clean, no haze, no coating marks and a typical small amount of dust for lenses this age. This Sonnar lens is very sharp and has nice contrast for B/W shooting. See the photo from a roll I shot last month.
Chrome is in excellent condition - a few small marks here and there, but no dents, pitting or corrosion at all. Small amount of paint loss in the black trim from normal use, mostly on some of the sharp edges. Leatherette covering is perfect, with the usual Zeiss bumps on the back door (they haven't changed in 10 years.) I live in dry Southern California, so this camera has enjoyed a cushy life in a dust-free, wooden glass-front cabinet.
Only one mechanical issue to note: the shutter speed dial has no indents (I think a washer is missing) so you don't need to lift the dial to change speeds. The dial does have a fair amount of resistance, so it doesn't just spin on it's own. I have never accidentally moved the dial while carrying the camera, but it's possible when taking it in and out of a bag.
As a "User" condition camera, I'd rate this as Exc + with great cosmetics and a fully functioning shutter. Asking $275 for body and lens, plus $15 shipping anywhere in the US. Paypal payment preferred. Thanks!
I've had this camera almost 10 years and it's worked perfectly. Shutter speeds seem accurate - I haven't tested for the higher speeds but exposures have always been as expected. The slow speeds are consistent and reliable. Shutter curtains are in excellent condition. Rangefinder is accurate and RF patch is contrasty and easy to see even in low light. Viewfinder has a small amount of haze, but nothing that has been a problem in shooting. Film wind/rewind are smooth and frame spacing is even. Self-timer works fine. Focusing is smooth with no stiffness or binding, but there is some squeaking if you focus Internal-mount lenses by the lens barrel rather than the focus wheel. I've also used external-bayonet lenses like the Nikkor 35 and 105 lenses, and they make no noise at all. All lenses mounted securely without any looseness or play. Back cover fits nice and secure, no light leaks or loose fit.
Aperture blades are clean, and open and close smoothly with just the right amount of resistance to the aperture dial. Glass is also clean, no haze, no coating marks and a typical small amount of dust for lenses this age. This Sonnar lens is very sharp and has nice contrast for B/W shooting. See the photo from a roll I shot last month.
Chrome is in excellent condition - a few small marks here and there, but no dents, pitting or corrosion at all. Small amount of paint loss in the black trim from normal use, mostly on some of the sharp edges. Leatherette covering is perfect, with the usual Zeiss bumps on the back door (they haven't changed in 10 years.) I live in dry Southern California, so this camera has enjoyed a cushy life in a dust-free, wooden glass-front cabinet.
Only one mechanical issue to note: the shutter speed dial has no indents (I think a washer is missing) so you don't need to lift the dial to change speeds. The dial does have a fair amount of resistance, so it doesn't just spin on it's own. I have never accidentally moved the dial while carrying the camera, but it's possible when taking it in and out of a bag.
As a "User" condition camera, I'd rate this as Exc + with great cosmetics and a fully functioning shutter. Asking $275 for body and lens, plus $15 shipping anywhere in the US. Paypal payment preferred. Thanks!
