Zeiss-Ikon
Superb! 1952 Zeiss Ikon Contax IIa with Lens. CLA'd, Freshly Serviced!
Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use!
This is a Contax IIa, a premium quality 35mm rangefinder camera from the 1950’s. In its heyday it was used by countless photojournalists and fashion photographers. It features a built-in coupled rangefinder that never leaves you guessing about distance or focus. Collectors, photographers and artists still cherish these cameras today because of their history, their delightful characteristics and their ability to use fine Carl Zeiss Contax lenses produced before and after the second world war.
The serial number Y59433 indicates that this camera was produced in late 1952/early 1953 in Stuttgart Germany by Zeiss-Ikont. It’s in exceptionally fine condition and fully functional.
It comes complete with a lens and a custom film take up spool.
Contax cameras have always been a desirable and this one is even more so because it’s been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. 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 viewfinder and coupled rangefinder optical array has also been carefully serviced. The image is easy to see and focusing is smooth and accurate and it’s a real pleasure to use. In case you wondered, it uses normal 35mm film.
The camera controls are easy to use and in case you’re wondering, 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 which ever lens you decide to use.
The lens is a coated Zeiss- Opton 2.0/50mm Sonnar. I looks virtually new. It’s clean and clear. There are no scratches, just some light cleaning wisps and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern color and B&W films.
All in all, an exceptionally fine Contax rangefinder camera. If you’ve been looking for a freshly serviced example, then you’ve just found it. Load it with your favorite film and you’ll be ready to capture that perfect photo you’ve been looking for.