> Hi Carel,
It was good of you to answer my query about the meter on your 11a. I have not beem tempted to get a 11a because of the meter problems, and rely on a new CV meter when I am "travelling light" with one 11a. Otherwise I use a Sekonic L-408, when I carrying the whole kit.
I never had an original Contax until last year. Back in 1956, I bought my first Nikon S2, and have been hooked on rangefinders ever since. I used the S2 plus another black paint body S2, plus a chrome SP with several lenses, but I had had to sell them whhile I was still in the Army - I was spending too much time as a photographer, and not enough time in concentrating on being a soldier ! I cannot afford to replace the Nikons, so I started collecting Kiev 4a's and some lenses. That in turn led to Contax 11a's from eBay, and now here I am using them again for everything except long lenses and closeups.
I really like the smoothness and feel of the excellent finish in these cameras from the 50's, and am enjoying going backwards in this digital age. I wish there was a more thriving section for these classic camera users, as the euipment is still so usable. Of course, you have to know and care what you are doing photographically to use them well, as the lack of automation prevents most people from being interested in them. This is the price of progress, I suppose. However, it makes the commercial aspects of Mr Kobayashi's new Nikon- and Contax-mount bodies an even braver venture, and the more appreciated by us old camera fans.
It's good to have some traffic on this part of the forum. Thanks.
Albest, Robin
