Old Contax

[hint123]

Hello !

Anyone using Contax IIa or IIIa here?? I'm very interested to know more about this camera. The camera is a post-war classic camera, when I look at the camera, it seems very different from the rangefinder I see today (Leica M6 or Bessa R). I would like to know how to operate this camera & how does the meter works (selenium meter).

I'm currently using the Canonet QL17, and thinking of getting a interchangable lense rangefinder. Those camera without built-in meter is out of consideration because I don't know how to use them, and I don't want to carry another external meter.

Well, many people suggest me to use Voigtlander Bessa. It's a very good camera indeed, but there is some manufacturing quality problem (shutter, alignment problem), and I still prefer classic camera.

Please share with me your opinion. Thank you!

[Socke]

Yes, we have Contax II and III users here, as well as Kiev 2, 3 and 4 users. We're all around RFF.

Compared to a modern RF, the Contax II and III and the FSU copies are very old and skilled technicians as well as spareparts are rare.

A Kiev is a good starter, I got my 1970 Kiev 4 with a Jupiter 8 50mm/f2 lens for 51 Euro including a one year waranty at a local dealer.

It is a fine camera and it is fun using it, but the Contax G2 is a far better picture taking machine. That starts at setting exposure and stops at TTL-Flash.

[wlewisiii]

And even a looney using a Kiev 5 Socke is right though, a Kiev is an excellent way to get a good solid everyday user camera that is compatable with all the various old Contax mount lenses. The Kiev 4a and 4am are probably the best place to begin as they are reasonably new and are significantly cheaper than the older cameras. Get one with a nice Jupiter 8 lens and you'll have a really fun camera. Two good places to get one from are www.okvintagecamera.com or www.fedka.com/catalog/

New cameras are great, but there is something about the old ones that can be a heck of a lot of fun as well.

Enjoy and welcome to the friendly insane asylum!

William

[furcafe]

I use the original Contax RFs all the time (II's & IIa's). I think you're greatly limiting yourself by insisting on a built-in meter, as the selenium meters on the III & IIIa aren't that great even when working (& aren't coupled w/the shutter or aperture as on a modern camera), so you really aren't gaining much in convenience. Modern handheld meters, like the Gossen Digisix or Sekonic equivalent, & shoe-mounted meters, like the Cosina Voigtlander VC 1 or 2, are very small (smaller than most cell phones) & much more accurate & reliable than old selenium meters found on the III & IIIa. Also, selenium meters have problems in low-light conditions (although they are more color-balanced in their sensitivity compared to more modern CDs & SiliconBlue cells). Moreover, IMHO, many of the greatest cameras ever made, RF & otherwise, are meterless (e.g., Leica M3, Nikon SP, Canon P, etc.).

Originally Posted by hint123

Hello !

Anyone using Contax IIa or IIIa here?? I'm very interested to know more about this camera. The camera is a post-war classic camera, when I look at the camera, it seems very different from the rangefinder I see today (Leica M6 or Bessa R). I would like to know how to operate this camera & how does the meter works (selenium meter).

I'm currently using the Canonet QL17, and thinking of getting a interchangable lense rangefinder. Those camera without built-in meter is out of consideration because I don't know how to use them, and I don't want to carry another external meter.

Well, many people suggest me to use Voigtlander Bessa. It's a very good camera indeed, but there is some manufacturing quality problem (shutter, alignment problem), and I still prefer classic camera.

Please share with me your opinion. Thank you!

[Honu-Hugger]

I use them occasionally....

[hint123]

Thank you very much for you all to sharing with me your experience in using old classic RF. I just send in my QL17 for re-condition because the viewfinder is blur & the up-down alignment is out.

I have not made up my mind yet which RF to buy. There are a lot of choices actually, and I'm still not sure which one will suit me well. I like those small & solid RFs because I think it's what we need in photography. Compared to bulky SLR (I own a D70 as well), RF is just simple & easy. I don't have to buy a big camera bag to put my camera stuffs.

There is no perfect machine and I'm still hesitating.........

[Brian Sweeney]

The Contax is an excellent camera, but uses a more complex internal/external bayonet than the more prevalent Leica Screw Mount. I have a Contax IIIa. The Nikon RF's have "basically" the same physical mount, have a much larger viewfinder, cost more, and do not have a built in meter.

The Canon 7 uses Leica Screw Mount lenses, has a built in meter (also selenium), projexted framelines for 35/50/85/100 and 135mm lenses. It also has metal shutter curtains. Price is about the same as a Contax IIIa.

[Wayne R. Scott]

I also shoot Contax IIa and IIIa cameras. I use the following meter with my Contax IIa:
http://www.fredparker.com/ultexp1.htm

I'll attach a couple of indoor shots where I used the ulitimate exposure computer.

I use other rangefinders also. Mainly Canon Ql17 G-III, Yashica Elctro 35 GSN, Koni-Omega 6x7, and Crown Graphic 4x5.

Wayne

[Duncan Ross]

I think getting a cheap Kiev 4M is good advice, it will give you the chance to try the Contax experience without the expense and it takes fine pictures. They have also reached a stable price so you will be able to sell it again for the same money you paid for it. And anything you buy that fits it will also fit the Contax. Set yourself a budget of £35 and have fun!

These are very addictive cameras. It is a very slow and deliberate way of taking pictures but the cameras are solid and heavy and smell of metal, oil and leather and are wonderful to use. My Kiev is my main camera and turns heads wherever I go, especially with the flashbulb gun attached. Recently I heard two fellas saying;

"What is it?"
"Dunno but it gets satellite TV!"

Go on, you know you have to get one now.....