Contax IIa Jupiter-12 Stuttgart

[Attila]

I have Contax IIa made after war in Stuttgart it not takes pre-war Biogon 35mm and it's clone J12 both. Deep inside in body space is narrower than lens rare side.

[Orio]

Yes, this is known, unfortunately the Contax IIa can only mount Zeiss-Opton Biogons (made in postwar Stuttgart, and very expensive).
This is one of the reasons why I searched and finally got a Contax II prewar, which can mount the Jupiter-12 (and the old Biogon of course).

[Elmar Lang]

Besides the post-war "new" Biogon, there are two more Zeiss 35 mm. lenses for the Contax IIa/IIIa: the Zeiss Opton Planar 35/3,5 and the Zeiss Jena Biometar 35/2,8. Both are relatively uncommon to find if compared to the Zeiss Opton Biogon.

Orio's idea of buying a prewar Contax-II to fit the very fine Jupiter 12, is a very good one.

An even cheaper choice, would be to find a Kiev-4A, made earlier than 1970 (see the first two digits of the camera's serial no.): A well-calibrated and well preserved old Kiev, can be perfect. My 1968-made one (bought in 1975 to "imitate" my grandfather's Contax...), still works perfectly.

Best wishes,

Enzo

[Attila]

[Elmar Lang]

To us Contax/Kiev fans, a "must" are the 2 volumes of H.-J. Kuc "Auf den Spuren der Contax", where almost everything is said about our cameras.

The Zeiss Opton Planar 35/3,5 was a cheaper choice, since the Opton Biogon was very expensive (like most Contax/Zeiss lenses); the Jena Biometar came after a pre-WW2 project and its production lasted for a short time. Again, the "new" Biogon, was put into production in order to cease the relationship between Western and Eastern Zeiss, after it started the industrial struggle between BRD and DDR for the use of the Carl Zeiss name.

Both the Planar and Biometar 35's are difficult to find now, due to the relatively small number of produced pieces.

I also agree that a good Kiev can be almost equal to a Contax: older Kievs are always much better than later ones: the aesthetical finish can be inferior than the old german camera, due to the quotes of mass production wanted by the Commissary of Industry (that was a matter of serious concern to the "volunteer" German technicians sent to Kiev); in any case, under the mechanical/optical point of view, a 1955 Kiev-II and a 1937 Contax, have almost no differences.

My 1968 Kiev-4A, has a wonderful finish: chrome parts are homogeneous "satin"-finished or bright-polished; the leather is of "Saffianleder" or black Morocco of the finest grain, accurately cut and glued on; inner parts and mechanics are clean tooled/finished; the rangefinder is sharp, contrasted and accurate; the shutter works precisely in both fast and slow times.

Best wishes,

Enzo

[Attila]

These are my earliest KIEV

http://forum.mflenses.com/kiev-ii-versions-t46440,highlight,%2Bkiev.html

Both have with light meter versions too.

Part of the family

http://forum.mflenses.com/kiev-contax-family-t45351,highlight,%2Bkiev.html

New members Contax IIa , Contax I is not yet photographed.

[Elmar Lang]

...and this is the "most Contax" of any Kiev; the "1947":




It was strongly used (from what I knew about its provenance, it came from the equipment of a Red Army's unit, where it was employed for decades); besides its scratches and wear, it works almost perfectly.

Best wishes,

Enzo

[Attila]

Congrats Enzo! First one what I seen with this title and lens serial number!

[Elmar Lang]

By the way, on the accessory shoe, there's the serial no. "47367". the camera back and the ever-ready case have a red painted number "2704".

E.L.

[rbelyell]

i read recently these cameras have no framelines like other rangefinders. dies that mean that focal legnths other than 50mm cannot be accurately framed in the viewfinder?

[Attila]

[aspen]

[iangreenhalgh1]

So that's a Contax Ii and Sonnar, just assembled in Ukraine but 100% German?

I just bought a 1957 Kiev II with 57 J-8, best I could afford, I feel very happy to have it though.

[Attila]

[iangreenhalgh1]

Cheers Attila, good to know!

[Orio]

[iangreenhalgh1]

Which vf do you recommend Orio? I am hunting for an early J-12 for my Kiev and will need a vf, is the russian turret one good?

[Orio]

[iangreenhalgh1]

Hmm, I think I need something else then as I will be using the Kiev for street shooting.

[Orio]

[iangreenhalgh1]

Thankyou, I will keep an eye open for one.

[Eugen Mezei]

[Elmar Lang]

Exactly: I'm just saying that earlier RF Kievs are better assembled/controlled than later ones.

The 4A was usually very well made, especially in the 1968-70 range.

A very old Kiev-II (let's say from 1955-59) was an excellent camera, but let's never forget that one of them arrived in our hands, had a long photographic life and most of them were strongly used. In any case, such an old artifact, despite its usually cheap price, in my opinion is worth of a thorough check and, if necessary, a repair.

The Jupiter 50mm. is usually an excellent lens, no matter when made.

Enzo

[scsambrook]

[iangreenhalgh1]

Yes, I wear specs, but whenever I shoot an SLR or RF cam, they end up on top of my head.

If you ever decide to sell the 85mm one, I'd be interested as I am also hunting for an early J-9.