Can this Contax be saved? Embarrassing newby question

[dwmosman]

Unexpectedly I have an opportunity to buy a Contax II body. Its not working so the point of interest is whether its fixable.

There are several issues with the camera. The winding knob won't turn (unless it needs film loaded or something?) The rangefinder does adjust but is badly out of alignment. The lever on the front left simply flops back and forth and doesn't appear to do anything (there is no lense with the body, does that matter?).

But the worst (here's the embarrassing newby question) is that when I look into the front of the camera, I see straight through to the back? I'm supposed to see curtains aren't I?

So is there anything left to save here or is this liable to cost more than its worth? I just started with fixed lense range finders a year ago and wasn't really looking to move up. So if its a bad idea, I will happily keep on keeping on. (no price has been discussed yet, its up to me to decide what to offer).

[SolaresLarrave]

Without looking at it, it's hard to tell. Obviously, you have had the camera in your hands. Is there any way you can take it to a store so that an expert takes a peek at it to tell you if the repairs (because, from the looks of it, there will be a need) are worth it?

I see at least one big flag: if you can see the pressure plate in the back through the lens, the curtain must be stuck. Then comes the winding knob: it should turn... at least to cock the shutter (In my little experience). The lever in the front works securing the lens (IIRC), so it doesn't really matter much right now how it looks, because there's no lens.

If you can take it to a place where some experienced repair person can take a look at it, do it. Then, it's up to you to buy. From what I hear, the expert in Contax is usually terribly swamped with work, so if you're buying a camera that will end up in his shop, you also have to budget some long waiting time.

In case it helps... I wouldn't buy it.

Good luck!

[wlewisiii]

First to verify - a Contax II and not a IIa? This is very significant for the cost of repairs.

That's about $100, minimum, in repairs. That would be by someone inexpensive like Eddy Smolov. It goes up drastically for anyone else. You'll need a tear down of the shutter & replacement of the tapes at the minimum. The lever is the self-timer. It would be repaired with the rest of the shutter.

If the RF is that far out of whack, you're going to need parts as the RF on the Contax II/III is very difficult to get out of adjustment. If it is, something is bent or broken.

BIG if - if the camera is in exquisite cosmetic condition, then it's worth, maybe, $30 - $50. If in poor cosmetic condition, it might have some salvageable parts but I doubt it. Perhaps someone could maka a Contax/M adaptor out of the focusing helix?

Avoid this one.

William

[RF_newbie]

There is also a complete restore price on ebay for 200 or so.
i have 2 that have not had one problem at all, a contax IIa and IIIa.
Surprisingly they do not even have "bumps"
good luck with it

[dwmosman]

Thanks guys. Sounds like I'm giving this a pass.

[hjagis]

Originally Posted by dwmosman

Unexpectedly I have an opportunity to buy a Contax II body. Its not working so the point of interest is whether its fixable.

There are several issues with the camera. The winding knob won't turn (unless it needs film loaded or something?) The rangefinder does adjust but is badly out of alignment. The lever on the front left simply flops back and forth and doesn't appear to do anything (there is no lense with the body, does that matter?).

But the worst (here's the embarrassing newby question) is that when I look into the front of the camera, I see straight through to the back? I'm supposed to see curtains aren't I?

So is there anything left to save here or is this liable to cost more than its worth? I just started with fixed lense range finders a year ago and wasn't really looking to move up. So if its a bad idea, I will happily keep on keeping on. (no price has been discussed yet, its up to me to decide what to offer).

Hi. If the front lever flaps the selvtimer is stuck. Try moving the small button
under the lever to release the timer. Hjalti