Contax 139 Quartz problem

[voytek]

It is a shame but I can not solve shutter/rewind problem. I am very inexperienced regarding film cameras.
Battery are dead, meter doesn't work. I was told by friend that this camera can be equipped with system which doesn't allow shutter to work without film. That could be an answer however when I try to load the film I can not do it proper way regarding locked rewind. Any idea what to try before I will turn to the service and pay? Thank you in advance.

[shad309]

I just did some quick reading. It appears the shutter is electronic.
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/contax/contax_139/contax_139.htm

Maybe a new battery will solve the problem?

I'm no expert, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night....

[naplam]

Yep, the "quartz" part is a good hint that the shutter timing is electronic. I have a 139Q, i just tried what you're doing and it won't work without batteries. It works fine without film, so you just need to try new batteries and hope that the electronics are ok. In my experience, it's a very good camera, you'll enjoy it

[voytek]

You've made my day. I will get batteries soon, then I will try Planar 1.7/50 for the very first time . If this is different issue than batteries -we will see.
BTW what is a difference between Mercury and alkaline batteries regarding usage in film cameras? At Wolf Camera they told me that I suppose to buy Mercury ones for Contax.

[naplam]

Mercury batteries last much longer and have a very stable voltage (1.35V). alkalines have higher voltage (1.5V), last less and their voltage varies a lot as they discharge (1.5+ new to 0.9 or less while still providing enough current). Some old cameras rely on the constant voltage mercury cells provide and will give wrong metering if you use other voltage, which is a problem nowadays that mercury batteries are banned.

I don't remember if that's the case with the 139Q, i'll check the batteries i have, just a sec...

[naplam]

Ok.. i'm using Varta V76PX silver oxide batteries (1.55V), not mercury

[poilu]

great voytec! don't forget to download the manual of the Contax 139

[voytek]

Thank you all for such detailed information

[shad309]

Since you can not get mercury batteries anymore. You will want to buy a WeinCell battery in order for your meter to work right.
http://www.weincell.com/

Make sure to follow the instructions to activate the battery as they have to be in open air (with green sticker removed) to work right.

[Minolfan]

The camera is made for silver batteries - no worries about the voltage.

[shad309]

Minolfan is correct! This needs 2: S76 batteries 1.5V. No worries about Mercury batteries

[voytek]

Thanks again.