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Contax 139Q

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Guest

My 139 Q was the first Contax body I owned - I bought it new in 1981. A few years ago, the soft, padded plastic skin (Contax calls this the 'leather') started to peel and flake off. I've also seen this happening on some 137 MD and 137 MA bodies .

You can order a replacement 'leather kit' from the Contax service department - simply ask for the leather kit for your model. These are very inexpensive. The leather on Contax cameras covers the screws that allow the camera to be disassembled for service and repairs, and is designed to be easily removed and replaced - if you ever have a Contax camera repaired, it will usually come back with new leather.

The leather kit for my 139 came in three pieces. You simply peel the old leather off the camera (once you get it started, it comes off pretty easily). Then you peel the paper backing off of the new leather pieces, align them carefully, and stick them on. I was very impressed - my 139 went from looking very shabby to looking brand new.

Even if your camera is not peeling, your leather may be scarred or torn, and a new leather kit can make your camera look 100% better.

Also, since it is so easy and inexpensive to replace the leather, don't be afraid of buying a used Contax body with damaged or peeling skin. You might be able to get a good deal because the camera looks so ugly.

- Paul
 
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Guest

Living in the Philippines, I have a hard time getting repairs done on my 139 Quartz. I finally found a shop which not only knows what a Contax is, but can actually do a good job on repair. But, they have a tough time getting parts for the older models. I need to locate a main FPC for my 139 since the shutter release is dead. Does anyone know where I can get ahold of this part? Thanks.

Lyn
 
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Guest

Dear Lyn,

Call contax in Japan, or in New Jersey. They should be able to help.

Eitan
 
G

Guest

Thanks, Eitan. I'll start with major sources such as these.

Lyn
 
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Guest

I have the same peeling "leather" problem with my 139 and 137 MA, I didn't realize that replacement leather was available. Where is the closest Contax service department for the West coast, USA?
 
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Guest

There is a 137/139/RTS replacement leather kit asking for $14.99 plus $3 for shipping in ebay.
 
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Guest

Unfortunately, the leather of RTS I, II, 137 and 139 are notorious in leather durability. That's why Contax studied and developed the rubber cover since 159MM.

My comment is to replace the leather kit by other type of leather which will last longer.

Francis.
 
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Guest

Concerning sources for camera re-leathering kits and services, I found this web site the other day:

Camera Leather: Custom camera leather and leatherette
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Ron Myers
San Diego, CA
 
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Guest

First this is a great site. The most helpful I have found.

I have a 139Q. I am experiencing a problem with the shutter. I think it is sticking. On the majority of my prints there is what looks like a flash of light. It is sometimes small, sometimes large, sometimes at the bottom center, sometimes on the side, and its usually not at the beginning of the roll or the end.

The woman that processes for me stated that its the shutter. But there is only 1 repair shop locally and he is, of course, backed up. And to add to my urgency, I am going to San Francisco for the first time October 1st.

Any repair suggestions that I can do on my own or better yet, contact information of a Contax Repair Center would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
G

Guest

Another problem I have encountered with my 139 is the deterioration of the black foam plastic light seal inside the back cover. Has anyone had any experience with this repair?

Also, I would like to thank those who provided tips on leather replacement, cameraleather.com looked promising, and I enjoyed browsing ebay. I'll report back on the results.
 
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Guest

>Try the Contax/Yashica Service in New Jersey. They can be reached at >1-732-560-0060 x4361.
 
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Guest

Hi lyn,
here in singapore there are camera shops that can help u with ur problem..try 'camera workshop' at 1st level of peninsula hotel(look for don, tel.6336-1956, just a tip-b patient w this no.;)), or at 'alex photo' 2nd level peninsula plaza..they also have contax bargain deals there..goood folks..check it out.
 
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Guest

Brian

>Another problem I have encountered with my 139 is the deterioration of the black foam plastic light seal inside the back cover. Has anyone had any experience with this repair?<

I have had good success replacing the light seals on my RTS, using strips of black mouse mat cut 2mm wide. If you get the width right, and feed the strips into the grooves by gently stretching them, the foam will 'spring back' in the groove and no adhesive will be required. Remove the old foam using cocktail sticks (or similar) and clean the residue by dragging pieces of cotton wool or the like, moistened in lighter fuel (take care), through the light seal grooves. There may be a small pin in the upper groove which signals to the camera that the door has been closed - take care not to impede its action by covering it with foam, you may need to do a little nip-and-tuck there. It's time consuming, but very easy.

Alex
 
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Guest

Hi,
Ive just got my second hand 139Q and need help
on what sort of flash that supports this camera so that I can use the TTL function.

Anyone using a 139 TTL with other make of flash other than Contax eg Metz?
 
G

Guest

I have a new old stock Dedicated module from Sunpak that gives TTL with the 137MD and 139 Q cameras.

This module fits the Sunpak 555, 622, Auto30DX Auto24DX flash guns.

The new version of the YC-1D is ment to work with later Yas/COntax and Contax 645 bodies.

I must have the early one that doesnt work for my Aria in dedicated mode.

They only cost about US$40
 
G

Guest

> I have a new old stock Dedicated module from Sunpak that gives TTL> with the 137MD and 139 Q cameras.> This module fits the Sunpak 555, 622, Auto30DX Auto24DX flash guns.

Yes this is the module I have - the GS4500 flash [or555 in some countries] works fine on my 139 , 167 and RTS3 . Highly recommended and good value too . Steve
 
G

Guest

> I used to have 139q and used a TLA30, also second hand that gives TTL. however, it was too noisy and a battery hog so I sitched it in favour of metx 54 mz3, which is far better (and cheaper new than the comparable contax model). THis gives TTL for most contaxes with the contax/yashica adapter that Metx make, but in the adapter manual it says TTL metering is NOT supported for the 139Q. So for 139q it looks like contax or sunpak are the options for flash ttl metering. >
 
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Guest

THis gives TTL for most contaxes with the> contax/yashica adapter that Metx make, but in the adapter manual it> says TTL metering is NOT supported for the 139Q. So for 139q it looks > like contax or sunpak are the options for flash ttl metering. >

I'm not an expert on Metz , but I understand that their are two adaptors for Contax [ I presume one for 3 pin and one for newer 5 pin flash?] - are you maybe using the wrong one?? I have noticed no problems with contax or Sunpak flash guns and 139 , 167 or RTS3 bodies - admittedly all 3 pin flash connectors....... Steve
 
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