Contax Carl Zeiss Ikon IIa Rangefinder 35mm Vintage Film Camera, 50mm F2 Sonnar
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:15032964 | Model: Zeiss Ikon IIa |
| Color: Black | Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany |
| Brand: Contax | UPC: Does not apply |
A real classic - the Contax Zeiss IIa was one of the most popular pro cameras of its time, dating from the late 1940's into the early 1950's. The camera is mechanically sound - it's only ever been used on display, I haven't personally run a roll of film through it, but the optics look good, the rangefinder works (but a bit sticky), and I expect it will last forever, like things were designed to do back then. However, sold as described, can't guarantee it is perfect. I'm not sure about ...the origins of the Leica cap which is obviously an addition - but it fits, and it looks good.
The 50mm Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar f:2 lens is a great pick on its own, but with the camera you can really pretend you are Robert Capa.
Here's a deep dive on the history and details:
https://camerapedia.fandom.com/wiki/Contax_rangefinder
On Dec-11-19 at 22:28:30 PST, seller added the following information:Someone asked about the rear of the camera - I have uploaded an additional photo to show that it is not perfect, but could be nicely restored.
Someone else asked about seeing the shutter fire at different speeds, so there is a link to a video below! I am sure the shutter curtain is actually a bit slow or sticky at the slowest speeds, and it may need to be seen to by a professional to help with that, but overall it stays open on T (or B with a press) mode, and definitely shows a faster shutter at the higher speeds than the lower - beyond that I can't time the shutter obviously, but it looks like it is behaving. Still, I did not shoot a roll of film with it, so this is definitely sold "as is".
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oXmVdbuMwuNyHNKOCamBxMkT7KIZBgWP/view?usp=sharing
On Dec-12-19 at 22:32:17 PST, seller added the following information:Some bidders have asked for additional details, I'll summarize here:
The rangefinder focus rectangle looks sharp and seems to work as it should. There's some slight discoloration of the window, less noticeable in daylight than artificial light.
The shutter has problems at 1/2 and 1s speeds (may be slow to close, seems sticky), but at the higher speeds is snappy and fires fine.
Shutter on T mode doesn't appear to close upon a second press, but does close if you nudge the shutter speed selection dial one over to B.
Please don't hesitate to ask additional questions so you can be sure what you are getting - I'm no Contax expert, I will do my best to answer, and I want to make sure you are happy with what you are getting on the understanding that this is not a mint condition item, I would classify it as "good", and working fairly well but in need of some light restoration.
The 50mm Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar f:2 lens is a great pick on its own, but with the camera you can really pretend you are Robert Capa.
Here's a deep dive on the history and details:
https://camerapedia.fandom.com/wiki/Contax_rangefinder
On Dec-11-19 at 22:28:30 PST, seller added the following information:Someone asked about the rear of the camera - I have uploaded an additional photo to show that it is not perfect, but could be nicely restored.
Someone else asked about seeing the shutter fire at different speeds, so there is a link to a video below! I am sure the shutter curtain is actually a bit slow or sticky at the slowest speeds, and it may need to be seen to by a professional to help with that, but overall it stays open on T (or B with a press) mode, and definitely shows a faster shutter at the higher speeds than the lower - beyond that I can't time the shutter obviously, but it looks like it is behaving. Still, I did not shoot a roll of film with it, so this is definitely sold "as is".
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oXmVdbuMwuNyHNKOCamBxMkT7KIZBgWP/view?usp=sharing
On Dec-12-19 at 22:32:17 PST, seller added the following information:Some bidders have asked for additional details, I'll summarize here:
The rangefinder focus rectangle looks sharp and seems to work as it should. There's some slight discoloration of the window, less noticeable in daylight than artificial light.
The shutter has problems at 1/2 and 1s speeds (may be slow to close, seems sticky), but at the higher speeds is snappy and fires fine.
Shutter on T mode doesn't appear to close upon a second press, but does close if you nudge the shutter speed selection dial one over to B.
Please don't hesitate to ask additional questions so you can be sure what you are getting - I'm no Contax expert, I will do my best to answer, and I want to make sure you are happy with what you are getting on the understanding that this is not a mint condition item, I would classify it as "good", and working fairly well but in need of some light restoration.
