Contax 139Q

[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

 

[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

 

[Guest]

Dear Lyn,

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

Eitan

 

[Guest]

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

Lyn

 

[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?

 

[Guest]

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

 

[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.

 

[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
http://www.cameraleather.com

Ron Myers
San Diego, CA

 

[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.

 

[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.