1953 Zeiss Ikon Contax IIIa, with lens and original leather case. CLA'd, Freshly Serviced!

Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use!

This is a 1953 Zeiss-Ikon Contax rangefinder camera. This was one of the best Zeiss Ikon cameras of its era and still a joy to use today. Many photographers love these cameras because of their compact size, great handling characteristics and their ability to use superb Zeiss Contax lenses. 

The serial number (A56364) indicates that this camera was produced in the summer of 1953 in by Zeiss-Ikon in Stuttgart, West-Germany. It’s in excellent condition and fully serviced.

Fine Contax cameras have always been a desirable and this one is even more so because it’s been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. The rangefinder array and shutter have been serviced and the camera has been cleaned inside and out.  The coupled rangefinder image is easy to see and works well. The shutter works smoothly and all speeds (B & 1 sec - 1/1250th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along smoothly and the fast speeds are clean and snappy.

The uncoupled light meter reacts actively to light but as usual for selenium meters it's not accurate. So just like the Contax IIa, you'll want to use a handheld meter or rely on your experience to determine the exposure. The controls of the Contax IIa and IIIa are identical, so it's very easy to set the shutter speed and lens. 

The shutter speed dial is on the upper right of the camera just below the film advance knob, and the aperture control is of course on the lens. 

The "T" coated Zeiss-Opton lens 2.0 50mm Sonnar lens is a superb design and this one was produced in West Germany. The glass is clean, clear. There are no scratches, just the usual cleaning marks (but you'll need a magnifier to see them) and it's capable of producing lovely photos with modern color and B&W film.

It comes complete with a Zeiss Sonnar lens, a film take up spool and an original brown leather case.

All in all, a very lovely, very enjoyable rangefinder camera. So if you’ve been looking for a  freshly serviced rangefinder Contax, then you may just have found it. Load it with your favorite film and take it with you on the hunt for that perfect photo.  You know the one... the one with the perfect Ansel Adams light breaking through the dark storm clouds that leaves you wishing that you had a classic camera with you.