Want to Buy WTB: Contax IIa or IIIa

Hi,

Im looking to buy a Contax IIIA or IIA with a 50mm Zeiss lens. Let me know if you have one available.

Best,
Andrew

I know a IIA black dial on consignment nearby. It will need CLA. There are several lenses available if you want to have a full system.

I have a IIA color dial / later production with the PC sync port, in amazing shape with a super clean Jupiter-3 (Ukrainian Zeiss 50mm 1.5 copy) I could offer. Slow speeds <1/25 are a tad slow but work, fastest speed (1/1250) doesn't work, and cold weather causes shutter to stick (so could also use a CLA). PM me if interested.

Between the two cameras the IIa is the better choice. Not only does the meter on the IIIa add bulk, but the bulk is largely useless because the are seldom working and even when New were not that good. I also have a IIIa and very seldom use it. Since I almost never use flash, black dial is fine.
Don’t be put off by a CLA. Unlike certain cameras that required a malfunctioning camera to be sent back to an official authorized repairman, the Contax manual simply states to have camera repaired by competent repairman. Recently had both of my IIa serviced.
One tip. After WWII German camera companies lost patent rights while at same time US policy was to enhance Japanese industry. As a result, Nikon ‘c’ lenses optically are just as good (sometimes better) than Zeiss, and lens barrel construction was much better and have held up better. Note, because Nikon rf flange to film distance is not same as Contax, a suitable lens must be engraved with a ‘c’.

A word of caution, the Contax IIa/IIIa is mechanically complex and I believe there are not many who can service them properly. A CLA will easily run you $300 by someone who is expert in working on them (and you want an expert doing the work!). That’s not a bad thing in itself, but I believe that’s something to consider when you purchase one that you may already know needs work. A number of years ago I bought a very clean IIa on eBay. Of course the shutter needed work and the focus mount was tight, it had been stored for 40 years. I sent it to my regular guy who did a CLA for $120. It still wasn’t right. Sent it to a specialist and it came back perfect $300 and 6 months later. Wonderful camera with great lenses. Those “C” Nikkors are great and the FSU Kiev lenses can be excellent and very inexpensive.

Here in the US, I'm not sure who would be capable of fixing the thing. Or if capable, interested in doing it. I was thinking of sending one to Germany but never did...

btaylor said:

A word of caution, the Contax IIa/IIIa is mechanically complex and I believe there are not many who can service them properly. A CLA will easily run you $300 by someone who is expert in working on them (and you want an expert doing the work!). That’s not a bad thing in itself, but I believe that’s something to consider when you purchase one that you may already know needs work. A number of years ago I bought a very clean IIa on eBay. Of course the shutter needed work and the focus mount was tight, it had been stored for 40 years. I sent it to my regular guy who did a CLA for $120. It still wasn’t right. Sent it to a specialist and it came back perfect $300 and 6 months later. Wonderful camera with great lenses. Those “C” Nikkors are great and the FSU Kiev lenses can be excellent and very inexpensive.

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I don’t know about your first repair experience, but the mechanisms for the IIa is much simpler than the older models, and as the manual notes, only need a competent repairman, does not need to be a so-called Zeiss Contax expert. Of course, when he was alive I conservatively used Mr. Umbach, a former repair technician at Zeiss. Friend of mine used to restore and repair them as a hobby. Shutters are very robust. However,there are a lot of incompetent repairman out there who do shoddy work and cut corners. Just had my two IIa CLAed for$175 each.

Yes! I have had experience with several of of these corner cutters. Would you share your repairer’s contact information? That could help others here.

guangong said:

Between the two cameras the IIa is the better choice. Not only does the meter on the IIIa add bulk, but the bulk is largely useless because the are seldom working ... Recently had both of my IIa serviced...

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Although I have a IIIa, I agree with the statement above - that a IIa is better to own and use.

Fortunately, all the speeds on my "color dial" IIIa are within spec. The meter works, too, but I keep the cover down to preserve the selenium cells.

Who is a person for servicing these, or Contax in general?

Theo Sulphate said:

Who is a person for servicing these, or Contax in general?

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Contax owners want to know!

I never got on with the III/IIIa appearance, essentially the same camera as the II/IIa but so much less attractive IMHO.

Yes I would also be very interested in info for CLAs - I know Mark Hansen does them but it would be nice also to get other options when I decide to have this done.