Vintage Contax IIIA Rangefinder W/Sonnar 50mm 1:1. 5 Lens, Accessories No Resv
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:630549 | Model: Contax IIIa |
| Brand: Contax | Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany |
| Bundle Description: Filter Accessories | Custom Bundle: Yes |
| UPC: Does not apply |
Vintage Contax IIIa Rangefinder camera w/Sonnar Lens
Model Contax IIIa w/Zeiss Sonnar 1:1.5 lens
Made in Germany ca early 1950's (Post-war)
Contax Postwar Precision 1950-61
The Zeiss Contax was arguably the best 35mm rangefinder made before WWII, with a larger range of faster and sharper lenses than Leica. Many considered the pre-war Contax the "professional" 35mm camera, while the Leica was for amateurs. While Leic...a remained relatively intact after the war, Zeiss postwar recovery was made infinitely harder by being split into two separate competing West and East German companies. After W.W.II West German Zeiss introduced the modernized Contax IIa and IIIa in 1950. Compared to the prewar Contax II and III (without and with meter), the IIa and IIIa used the same lens mount with a completely re-engineered shutter mechanism, new body, and much improved chrome finish. Many believe the post war cameras are more dependable. Contax offered a complete system approach, including a broad range of lenses, viewfinders and close-up devices. Competing against the likes of the postwar Leica IIIf, Nikon S, and Canon IV, the Contax IIa and IIIa were very competitive designs in 1950.
In practical terms, the IIa and IIIa were modified and improved versions of the pre-war II and III. Notable improvements on the same basic design were a new smaller body, flash sync, much improved chrome and machining, and some say a more reliable shutter. The shutter on a well adjusted IIa and IIIa are very quiet, almost as quiet as a Leica M. The chrome and leather of the post-war Contax IIa and IIIa was much better than the pre-war Contax II and III. The IIa and IIIa were basically the same camera, except the IIa had no meter and the IIIa had a selenium meter.
Shutter speed range: 1 second to 1/1250 plus T and B
Maximum Lens aperature: 1.5 Auction Includes: Post-war 1950's Contax IIIa body and Zeiss opton Sonnar 50mm 1:1.5 lens, leather case, Horven 3 light meter, tiffen adapter fing/filter/case, B&W filter/case, dust brush in brass tube and front lens cap Condition: Used vintage condition. Good to very good vintage cosmetic condition. Camera body interior is in excellent condition with very, very little signs of any wear. Small, very light overall cosmetic exterior wear. Sonnar 50mm 1:1.5 lens has some small fungus spots on an interior lens element and needs to be cleaned. Camera shutter works but has not been tested for accuracy. Original leather case has wear and flap cover is loose.
As with any vintage camera, mechanical cleaning, oiling and fine tuning and adjustments may be necessary to have camera function at it's best.
YOUR 100% SATISFACTION IS GUARANTEED BY THE SELLER Shipping VIA USPS Priority mail with insurance will be $19 to any US destination. General information Photos are of actual item on auction and are part of the description. For your convenience, photos are supersized and show item condition and detail. Items usually have no reserve and have a very low starting bid. Shipping and packing All items are shipped via USPS. It may not be as fast as FEDEX or UPS but it offers the most reasonable, cost-effective way to ship merchandise. Combined shipping for multiple purchased items are very much welcome and you will receive a shipping discount. Shipping info will be automatically uploaded to EBAY when I create your shipping label. This information will automatically be sent to you so you may track your shipment online. Packing: I am a perfectionist when it comes to packing. All items are packed with super care and attention to detail. Packing material Green Practices I try to be as environmentally friendly as possible, I am committed to offering the greenest shipping practices that I can. All of the clean packaging material that I use such as boxes, padded envelopes, open cell foam, bubble wrap, plastic bags, styrofoam (rarely used) that I use to ship my eBay orders has been recycled. The paper for packing slips and shipping labels, although new is made from recycled post consumer waste. Thought I'd share this with prospective bidders not only to encourage you to bid on my items but also to inspire others to do the same with regards to their own shipping practices. International Customers are welcome and fair prices are charged on International shipping. Most items can be shipped via USPS First Class International. International shipping quote can be provided. Please email me. Notes to International bidders: Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in price paid or shipping charges and are the buyer’s responsibility. Please check with your country’s customs office prior to bidding on customs charges and if this item is allowed in your country. Payments Please pay for your item within 3 days of auction end. Paypal accepted. Please, no e-checks accepted (takes too long to process payment). Items usually ship out within 1 day of cleared payment. This rarely happens, but once in awhile a high bid might be cancelled if the bidder has negative feedback or insufficient feedback history. Returns policy Return policy is very simple. I sincerely want you to be happy with your purchase. If you are not satisfied with your item, you are welcome to return it within 14 Days of receipt. Please contact me first through the EBAY messaging (email) system. I am a very reasonable person and very customer service oriented. If you are not happy, your money will be refunded in full (most times shipping that you paid will also be included). In the unlikely event of a return, the customer will be responsible for the return shipping costs. Mission Mission is to supply excellent products at a very fair price and provide the very best customer service possible. We work very hard to provide exceptional service and hope that you will be satisfied. However, if you are disappointed for any reason, please contact us before leaving feedback in order to give us the opportunity to resolve the issue. Customer satisfaction is very important to us and we always strive to do our best and have an excellent transaction. Please email me if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for your purchase.
Model Contax IIIa w/Zeiss Sonnar 1:1.5 lens
Made in Germany ca early 1950's (Post-war)
Contax Postwar Precision 1950-61
The Zeiss Contax was arguably the best 35mm rangefinder made before WWII, with a larger range of faster and sharper lenses than Leica. Many considered the pre-war Contax the "professional" 35mm camera, while the Leica was for amateurs. While Leic...a remained relatively intact after the war, Zeiss postwar recovery was made infinitely harder by being split into two separate competing West and East German companies. After W.W.II West German Zeiss introduced the modernized Contax IIa and IIIa in 1950. Compared to the prewar Contax II and III (without and with meter), the IIa and IIIa used the same lens mount with a completely re-engineered shutter mechanism, new body, and much improved chrome finish. Many believe the post war cameras are more dependable. Contax offered a complete system approach, including a broad range of lenses, viewfinders and close-up devices. Competing against the likes of the postwar Leica IIIf, Nikon S, and Canon IV, the Contax IIa and IIIa were very competitive designs in 1950.
In practical terms, the IIa and IIIa were modified and improved versions of the pre-war II and III. Notable improvements on the same basic design were a new smaller body, flash sync, much improved chrome and machining, and some say a more reliable shutter. The shutter on a well adjusted IIa and IIIa are very quiet, almost as quiet as a Leica M. The chrome and leather of the post-war Contax IIa and IIIa was much better than the pre-war Contax II and III. The IIa and IIIa were basically the same camera, except the IIa had no meter and the IIIa had a selenium meter.
Shutter speed range: 1 second to 1/1250 plus T and B
Maximum Lens aperature: 1.5 Auction Includes: Post-war 1950's Contax IIIa body and Zeiss opton Sonnar 50mm 1:1.5 lens, leather case, Horven 3 light meter, tiffen adapter fing/filter/case, B&W filter/case, dust brush in brass tube and front lens cap Condition: Used vintage condition. Good to very good vintage cosmetic condition. Camera body interior is in excellent condition with very, very little signs of any wear. Small, very light overall cosmetic exterior wear. Sonnar 50mm 1:1.5 lens has some small fungus spots on an interior lens element and needs to be cleaned. Camera shutter works but has not been tested for accuracy. Original leather case has wear and flap cover is loose.
As with any vintage camera, mechanical cleaning, oiling and fine tuning and adjustments may be necessary to have camera function at it's best.
YOUR 100% SATISFACTION IS GUARANTEED BY THE SELLER Shipping VIA USPS Priority mail with insurance will be $19 to any US destination. General information Photos are of actual item on auction and are part of the description. For your convenience, photos are supersized and show item condition and detail. Items usually have no reserve and have a very low starting bid. Shipping and packing All items are shipped via USPS. It may not be as fast as FEDEX or UPS but it offers the most reasonable, cost-effective way to ship merchandise. Combined shipping for multiple purchased items are very much welcome and you will receive a shipping discount. Shipping info will be automatically uploaded to EBAY when I create your shipping label. This information will automatically be sent to you so you may track your shipment online. Packing: I am a perfectionist when it comes to packing. All items are packed with super care and attention to detail. Packing material Green Practices I try to be as environmentally friendly as possible, I am committed to offering the greenest shipping practices that I can. All of the clean packaging material that I use such as boxes, padded envelopes, open cell foam, bubble wrap, plastic bags, styrofoam (rarely used) that I use to ship my eBay orders has been recycled. The paper for packing slips and shipping labels, although new is made from recycled post consumer waste. Thought I'd share this with prospective bidders not only to encourage you to bid on my items but also to inspire others to do the same with regards to their own shipping practices. International Customers are welcome and fair prices are charged on International shipping. Most items can be shipped via USPS First Class International. International shipping quote can be provided. Please email me. Notes to International bidders: Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in price paid or shipping charges and are the buyer’s responsibility. Please check with your country’s customs office prior to bidding on customs charges and if this item is allowed in your country. Payments Please pay for your item within 3 days of auction end. Paypal accepted. Please, no e-checks accepted (takes too long to process payment). Items usually ship out within 1 day of cleared payment. This rarely happens, but once in awhile a high bid might be cancelled if the bidder has negative feedback or insufficient feedback history. Returns policy Return policy is very simple. I sincerely want you to be happy with your purchase. If you are not satisfied with your item, you are welcome to return it within 14 Days of receipt. Please contact me first through the EBAY messaging (email) system. I am a very reasonable person and very customer service oriented. If you are not happy, your money will be refunded in full (most times shipping that you paid will also be included). In the unlikely event of a return, the customer will be responsible for the return shipping costs. Mission Mission is to supply excellent products at a very fair price and provide the very best customer service possible. We work very hard to provide exceptional service and hope that you will be satisfied. However, if you are disappointed for any reason, please contact us before leaving feedback in order to give us the opportunity to resolve the issue. Customer satisfaction is very important to us and we always strive to do our best and have an excellent transaction. Please email me if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for your purchase.
