Looking for a little extra grip.

Davejt · Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Posts: 37 Location: Canada

I have a Contax 139, and also and 85 1.4. That combination can be somewhat awkward to hold, being just a tiny bit front heavy. Did anyone ever make an aftermarket hand grip for these cameras? Something similar to what you would get on the winders for the 159MM, RTS, and RTSII? Does anyone where one may be available?

Specifically, I am looking for something like this: http://www.photoequip.net/_forms/fm-grip.htm

Jieffe · Joined: 04 Nov 2007 Posts: 754 Location: Belgium

Seele · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 742 Location: Sydney Australia

How about adding a 139 winder?

Davejt · Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Posts: 37 Location: Canada

If I am not mistaken, the winder does not have the extra for your fingers to grasp on to, which is what I am after. The one linked to in the eBay auction is the exact sort of thing I am looking for.

The 139 winder does have the extra shutter release, which would come in handy a great deal, as I do shoot vertical quite often.

I have a 159MM coming to me, from looking at pictures of these cameras, there appears to be a little more to grip on these and later bodies. I will see how the 85 feels on that camera, before I look into getting something for that camera.

I like the size of the 139, usually with those add on grips, the size increases only a few millimeters, while winders tend to add quite a bit more size and weight, which I had hoped to avoid.

Thanks for the suggestions.

koji · Expire: 2012-12-27

A bit too bad, Contax made grip adapter for 137 series cameras.
But 167 has P-6 battery holder, which works as a grip.
If you go ST, it also has P-7 battery holder works as grip.

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Houston, Texas

Given the age of the Contax 139, I don't see a whole lot of hope in finding something new that's custom made for it. And if there was ever a grip made specifically for the 139, it will be a catch-as-catch-can thing, even on a resource like eBay. But alternatives exist. Check out this universal grip I found on eBay. Actually, I like the looks of this thing and am thinking I may pick one up for myself.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hand-Grip-Universal-for-All-Camera-DSLR_W0QQitemZ350256693276QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item518ced001c&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

And then there's this old style of hand-grip that used to be fairly popular 20 or 30 years ago, but less so now. It's a left hand grip, yes, but it gets the job done.

http://cgi.ebay.com/35mm-Camera-hand-grip-with-flash-adapter_W0QQitemZ120474511339QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Vintage_Cameras?hash=item1c0cd727eb&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Seele · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 742 Location: Sydney Australia

Davejt · Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Posts: 37 Location: Canada

That is a very valid point. One reason I am so fond of my Maxxum 9 is that the body is big enough that my whole hand grips the body comfortably.

I may still look into the 139 winder, just for the extra release, but the extra height may do just what I am looking for. Thanks for the additional perspective.

Now that I think of the winders, am I wrong is there 2 versions of the winder, and if so, what are the differences between the two?

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Houston, Texas

According to my references, Contax made a 139 Winder and a 139 Winder 2, which also fits the Yashica FX-D. I also have a photo of a Contax RTS mounted to a Yashica winder, so there's some compatibility in that direction as well. I don't have any specific info as to which Yashica winder, if any, will work with the 139. Something to research further, though.

The Yashica winder that I have a photo of is an interesting looking unit. Its base is about twice as wide as its top. If you view it from the side (specifically the right side), edge on, it appears "L" shaped, with the lower lip of the "L" extending forward, underneath the lens.

I don't have any information as to the winders' features.

koji · Expire: 2012-12-27

Here is some info.

It looks this as cooltouch described>
http://drt3d.blogspot.com/2008/02/contaxyashica-accessories.html

And winder for 139 is available from Adorama.>
http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=itemlist&cat1=Used&cat2=Contax&cat3=Motor/Winder