Value Contax

Magnus · 03-04-2005

I just traded ma G2 set two days before the "end of Contax" was announced. I maybe should of kept it for the prices might stabilize or even go up ?

What are your views on this ..... ?

rover · 03-04-2005

I heard a very long conversation in a camera shop today. According to the reps making their calls this week, The Contax name is not dead and there will be Contax cameras produced in the near future. All 3rd hand stuff, so take it as that, but I can't see Contax going away.

Double Vision · 03-04-2005

The Contax name is worthless if they are just going to stick it on a bunch of generic cameras.

Socke · 03-05-2005

Contax as a brand name isn't worth much anymore. Lets face it, the lack of any marketing from Kyocera in the last 4 or 5 years lead to a whole generation of new photographers who have never heard about Contax. Except maybe some overpriced P&S digitals.
I've just been asked if my TVS is made by Sony because there is a Zeiss lens on it :-)

jdos2 · 03-05-2005

Oh, we've seen some interesting and unexpected things as of late come to market. Betcha there's a bit of life in the old girl yet--Contax ain't quite gone.

Issy · 03-05-2005

Maybe Cosina will buy it. They seem to like the European branding.

I'm more worried about continued support (repair and parts).

Double Vision · 03-05-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdos2

Oh, we've seen some interesting and unexpected things as of late come to market. Betcha there's a bit of life in the old girl yet--Contax ain't quite gone.

What they put the name on is more important than the name itself. If they decide to use the Contax name for a line of camera phones for example then what's the point? It's not important for the name to continue on if what it represents is meaningless. A lot of car manufactures offer a line of bicycles now. Yes, you can own a Cadallac bicycle. They are typically not all that great yet cost more than the far better models you can buy at your local bike shop. It's silly but companies do stuff like this all the time. They use names well known for a certain type of product to boost sales of an entirely different product. If Contax is headed in that direction it would be better they die with dignity so to speak.

scottgee1 · 03-09-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Issy

I'm more worried about continued support (repair and parts).

I quite agree. I was considering getting back into the 'G' system but am very hesitant now because their already weak support system may well disappear. If my response is typical, demand will drop and prices will follow. As a customer, ongoing, after sale support is far more important to me than whether the name 'survives' though those issues are very likely intertwined.

In that vein, I find myself wondering, are there any good, reasonably priced, independent Contax service providers in the U.S.? That already have their own parts stock? If not, I simply wouldn't buy the product at all.

my two cents worth . . ./ScottGee1

jdos2 · 03-09-2005

My experience with the G2 maintenance was good- took about 10 days to get the camera back to me, and this, a couple months ago, a nearly new black G2 that was soft for middlin' focus- anything from a few meters to 20.

The camera re-adjusted, is wonderful. There are laws in place that insure that there are parts and support for up to a decade after an assembly line shuts down, I'd not put off the purchace of another based on that. Besides, it's about lenses, and if the camera is abandoned, there will be bodies galore for very little money, while if it takes off, someone will certainly step in to support the bodies for as long as necessary.

My opinion, but I'm quietly looking for a 21mm lens, and I'll probably get a body as a lens butt...

scottgee1 · 03-09-2005

JD, was your service done by Contax in NJ? From what I understand, that organization is shut down.

Also, I'm wondering if the laws you mention apply when a company based outside the U.S. simply shuts down a part of their business? Well, they may apply, but one has to be concerned about the quality of service from an entity that clearly no longer wants to be involved in it.

Believe me, it pains me to say this stuff. I really enjoyed my Contax kit. When I sold the last bit of hardware due to financial constraints, my wife looked at me and asked, "You're really upset, aren't you?" We agreed that when we were on solid financial ground again, I'd get back into 'G'. And now they're on shaky ground. Heck, I even kept the case so I'd be ready to go.

Ah well.

/ScottGee1

jdos2 · 03-09-2005

I sent my camera in September- and it went to wherever the depot for repairs is. I had trouble getting information about the camera, and all comments about phones ringing off the hook, long hold times, and a complete lack of documentation all applied, until the camera was on its way back to me, at which point the website showed my camera in transit, and what they did. For $155, I got a CLA, and it works well.

I'd not be afraid to do it again.

And yes, by law manufacturers have to be able to maintain their existing supply network for (I believe) 7-10 years. Time enough for me.

You could always consider Leica. DOH! Or not. :-) I just bought one of them, too.

Issy · 03-09-2005

I refuse to open the Leica/Contax G debate (plenty of strings on photo.net for that

... but that is definately one for the "+" column for Leica... third party repair.

Is there a Sherry Krauter for Contax G?

Socke · 03-09-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Issy

I refuse to open the Leica/Contax G debate (plenty of strings on photo.net for that

... but that is definately one for the "+" column for Leica... third party repair.

Is there a Sherry Krauter for Contax G?

As far as I know, sadly no :-(

In my experience it is much easyer to get a CLA on a 1956 Rolleiflex at Rollei in Braunschweig than for a 1975 Contax RTS anywhere.

Luckily the Contax is still going strong, but it would be nice to find somone capable of cleaning 30 year old eyelashes out of the viewfinder. I did the light seals and mirror cushin myself, but I don't dare to disassemble the viewfinder!

sooner · 03-09-2005

I'm a newbie to this site and mostly just a reader/learner, but I do think it's funny you guys are all so worried about the availability of repairs. Most of the rangefinders were made 30+ years ago, and parts are cannibalized, and repairs done by people who love to work on these cameras. Someone will surely hog a bunch of G parts to keep at it, anyway, such as Greg Weber for Konica SLRs. Of course I can't afford a G system, so I hope the prices do come down as more folks flock to more "supportable" systems. Run, dog, run.....

Bob Michaels · 04-06-2005

Love my G's and have no concern with the current situation, but.........

Everyone keeps referring to some mythical law that says a manufacturer must provide parts / service for 7-10 years after production stops. That seems to just be urban legend in the US. I've been involved in the production of electronics in the US for a long long time and never heard of such laws. May exist somewhere in Europe, but not in the US.

But if it lets you sleep better at night, still believe it's true.

Huck Finn · 04-06-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Issy

Is there a Sherry Krauter for Contax G?

My understanding is that Greg Weber, whom Sooner mention is the Contax guru, a la DAG & Sherry Krauter.