conurus

[Andi]

Can anybody share his experience with digital backs on the 645. Which backs were adapted to the system, which of the new backs offer best compatibility? Is it complicated to change the back from say Hassel H or V to the Contax back?

What are the going prices of the lenses (35/55/80/120) and the body?

There is a shop which has it all and I might be interested to buy the Contax now and add a used d'back and an adapter later

many thanks for infos and links to N 645 sites

[dergiman]

i am also interested in this. which shop is it you mention?

[MomoInu]

Andi-

Did you get any responses on the Contax 645 pricing? I would suggest that you search ebay for completed auctions (available for the last month) of C645 equipment, and you should get an idea of what things have sold for in both the US and Europe. Search current listing for what people are asking for equipment. Some people list things with very high prices in the hope they just catch some one with more money than sense or patience.

It is clear, however, that prices are increasing. Prices for certain accessories and lens hood were the first to increase (and some sit at ridiculous levels). But the lenses have started moving up as well. Get the 120mm Makro and 35mm and 55mm Distagon while you can.

The 55mm is fairly rare, so while it was less expensive than the other 645 lenses when originally sold, that is no longer the case. You should be able to find the 120mm and 35mm lenses for US$1200-1400. The price of the 120 is rising the fastest, and some have sold recently for about $2000. You should be able to get the 140mm for $1000 or less (there were a lot of them), the 45mm and the 210mm Distagon for $1100 or less. The excellent 45-90 Vario-Sonnar will probably cost you $2400 or more, if you can find one. It's as rare as the 55mm, if not rarer. The 350mm will be expensive -- expect to see them for about $3500-$4000. (clearly these are US prices and as you are aware do not include any taxes or duties that might be implicit in a higher European price or added to something delivered to Europe).

[Andi]

Thanks

I saw your message on fm dergiman, there is a shop in Zurich offering some used Contax N gear 645. They did not price the items yet. So I just try to figure out if the price matches my ideas. If you are looking for a specific lens you can drop my a message, if I decide against the Contax or if there is some gear left I could tell you.

Thanks MomoImu
I checked the bay, the 35 went for 1000€ others lenses were significantly less , seems you are about right. I prefer to buy it here and see what I get.
Any problems with these camera I must check before buying?

[dergiman]

unfortunatly my contax 645 deal didn´t work out. ffordes jsut wanted to much for shipping. so i am looking for other options. andi please let me know about your leftovers!

[jjlphoto]

You could always have it shipped on your dime, just open a FedEx account if you don't already have one. They still may insist on a "handling" or "packaging" charge however.

[Andi]

ffordes is very expensive. I will be busy until wednesday, then I will try to figure out what I can find 4 sale here. This stuff does not go too fast and from time to time they turn up. Vienna should be a good place to find some Contax N stuff for you, I guess?

[dergiman]

no, vienna is no-contax-land. i have to look elsewhere....

[Andi]

you have a PM