Excellent 1952 Zeiss Ikon Contax IIa, Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted, CLA'd

Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use

There are times when camera collecting is incredibly difficult. It comes as moments when you’re asked simple questions like “What’s the best camera…?” or “Which is the most significant camera ever?” The brain starts working, the heart beats nicely and the mouth moves but if an answer appears at all… it’s a long and complicated one, full of design details, historical moments and personal rationalizations.

Fortunately answers come quicker when we are asked to feel more and think less…. Matters of the heart are easier to answer and to agree on. The eye and the heart have a directness and honesty that the brain lacks as it struggles to retain, comprehend and balance all the many details.

So here’s a camera most hearts can agree on, the classic Zeiss-Ikon Contax... This classic, top of the line 35mm rangefinder camera doesn’t really need an introduction because its quality is legendary. It was an expensive, top of the line professional camera and it still has a very strong following. Many fine photographers and collectors still cherish & enjoy them because of their delightful characteristics, their quiet shutters and their ability to create superb photos.

This is a Contax IIa was produced in 1952 in Stuttgart Germany by Zeiss-Ikon and it’s in excellent condition and fully functional. If you’ve been looking for a good user, rather than one to keep on a shelf, this is it. It has a built in coupled rangefinder that never leaves you guessing about distance or focus. The rangefinder is bright, clear, accurate and smooth. Naturally it also accepts a number of fine interchangeable Zeiss lenses.

It comes complete with an original Zeiss film take up spool.

The Contax has always been a desirable and this one is even more desirable because it’s been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted so that you can enjoy it for many years to come. (We received it as a trade-in on one of our fine prewar cameras and we’ve gone ahead and serviced it for you.) The shutter works well, winds very smoothly and all shutter speeds (T,B, 1 sec – 1/1250th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along smoothly and the faster ones are clean and snappy. The self-timer works. The shutter curtains are light tight. The rangefinder array has been cleaned and it’s easy to see and to use.

Contax mount lenses are easy to find on eBay so don’t despair if you don’t already have a suitable lens in your collection. This lens is compatible with classic Contax mount lenses produced by Zeiss and Voigtlander. (Naturally it will also work with former USSR lenses if you’re on budget or simply like experimenting with a variety of focal lengths.)

All in all, a wonderful collectable Contax. The perfect companion for your search for that perfect picture, that perfect moment, when you discover that perfection isn’t about being perfect… it’s about being comfortable about yourself, your choices and following your heart.