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View Full Version : Replacing my Contax with IIA

RObert Budding
10-11-2006, 03:04
I really do miss my old IIIa. So I contacted Henry Scherer and am now on his waiting list for a IIa BD! Now I'll sell the Contax T2 that I bought last summer - the electronic AF thing just isn't as fun.

Now I need to decide between the 50mm f/1.5 or the f/2.0. Any opinions? I used to own the f/1.5 and it's superb. How does it compare to the f/2.0? Of course, the almost extra stop of light is nice!

I don't know my place on Henry's list yet, but I hope to have my camera within 5 years. In the mean time, I'll look for a Scherer-overhauled IIa. There's nothing wrong with owning 2 Contaxes.
varjag
10-11-2006, 03:06
The 1.5/50 was Bertele's own favorite so I'd say go for it if you have some cash.
dexdog
10-11-2006, 03:21
Other than the extra stop, I don't see any difference in performance between the two lenses.
Pherdinand
10-11-2006, 04:04
Me neither. I checked the two verus a Jupiter-8 and the only difference is at f/1.5. True though, that there it is an existential difference:)
Joerg
10-11-2006, 04:43
Hi Robert,

Glad to see that you came full circle ;-)

I do not have much experience with the f2 but I could not see much difference when compared to the f1.5.

Have fun.
Henry quoted me a 10 month wait .....

Ciao


Joerg
micromontenegro
10-11-2006, 05:15
Another "No difference, other than the extra stop or so" vote.
Which means that I almost never use the 2.0. The 1.5, BTW, is my favourite lens, bar none. I love using it wide open, as in my avatar.
RObert Budding
10-11-2006, 05:34
I'll probably opt for the 1.5. Sometime the extra stop is nice.
furcafe
10-12-2006, 10:43
In theory @ least, the 50/1.5 should be superior @ f/2 to the 50/2 , but I haven't noticed any difference between my Zeiss-Opton 50/2 & the CZ & Z-O versions of the 50/1.5. Also, there isn't a big size/weight difference between the 2. For some reason, probably due to relative rarity, the W. German 50/2 can be almost as expensive as the 50/1.5. The post-WWII Jena version of the 50/2 (much more common in the U.S.) is supposed to be optically excellent, too, but I only have a scratched-up example that's a flare magnet.

I really do miss my old IIIa. So I contacted Henry Scherer and am now on his waiting list for a IIa BD! Now I'll sell the Contax T2 that I bought last summer - the electronic AF thing just isn't as fun.

Now I need to decide between the 50mm f/1.5 or the f/2.0. Any opinions? I used to own the f/1.5 and it's superb. How does it compare to the f/2.0? Of course, the almost extra stop of light is nice!

I don't know my place on Henry's list yet, but I hope to have my camera within 5 years. In the mean time, I'll look for a Scherer-overhauled IIa. There's nothing wrong with owning 2 Contaxes.
RObert Budding
10-22-2006, 17:18
I'm up to #88 on Henry's list! Last week I was #89.
JoeFriday
10-22-2006, 17:26
I showed that list to my girlfriend today.. we calculated that you're almost exactly 3 years out, Robert.. sorry

and I'm about to hit the top 10 (after waiting 1.5 years)
flashover
10-22-2006, 17:38
A while ago I sold my IIIa and Tessar 3.5 to fund a Leica Purchase that fell through. I have regretted the sale and would buy another one if I could find another in the same condition. Oh well I have a deal on a Nikon S so I guess that will have to do.
FrankS
10-22-2006, 18:02
John, if you have a deal on a Nikon S, that CV 50mm finder you just bought will come in handy.
flashover
10-22-2006, 18:12
Frank I was a thinking it would work nice with my Leica IIIa or the III that's on the way. I think I will need one of those double mounts from cameraquest to mount the finder and VC meter. I never even though of the Nikon when I was looking at the finder.
flipflop
10-22-2006, 18:24
Where is this list?
robert_unknown
10-24-2006, 00:33
i am considering selling my second ContaxIIa together with 2 lenses and a multi-rangefinder- thingy... if you are interested, please send me a personal message.

body IIa
Sonar1:1,5 f=50mm
Biogon 1:2,8 f=35mm
small leather bag
big leather bag
rangefinder
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26756&highlight=sale
RObert Budding
10-24-2006, 01:06
I showed that list to my girlfriend today.. we calculated that you're almost exactly 3 years out, Robert.. sorry

and I'm about to hit the top 10 (after waiting 1.5 years)

I'm 3 years out if Henry averages 9 days work per camera and he works 250 days/year. Are you sure he spends that many days on each camera? If so, he should raise his rates! Or better yet, charge more for expedited service.
rover
10-24-2006, 01:14
There are some weeks that he gets through two cameras/customers. Not all, but some. #14 here.
RObert Budding
10-24-2006, 01:18
Where is this list?

We're waiting for Henry Scherer to work his magic on our Contaxes. He pretty much tears them down completely and rebuilds them. A link to his web site:

http://www.zeisscamera.com/
rover
10-24-2006, 01:37
The list is password protected though, you get a password when you enter the que.