Contax 139 Quartz
The Contax 139 Quartz is a 35mm film SLR introduced in the late 1970s as part of the Contax/Yashica line, positioned as a compact electronically controlled body using the C/Y bayonet mount and quartz-timed shutter.
UK auction hammer results for the 139 Quartz are limited, with a recorded sale at £50 in 2023 — a wholesale level achieved in the saleroom rather than a dealer retail figure. On the basis of the single data point available today, what a 139 Quartz is worth at auction sits in the modest two-figure range, though clean, fully working bodies with Zeiss glass attached can sell for more.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: June 2026
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| Jun 2026 | £62 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 154) Title: A Contax 139 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
black, body G, elecrtronics power up, shutter works, with a Yashica ML f 2.8 28mm lens, |
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| Jan 2026 | £75 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 106) Title: A Contax 139 Quartz 35mm SLR Camera Body
Description:
black, body VG-E, powers up, shutter works, appears to be almost new, in maker's packaging. |
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| Sep 2025 | £56 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 192) Title: A Contax 139 Quartz 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
black, body G, light brassing, shutter works, meter responds, viewfinder clear, with a Yashica DSB f/2.8 28mm lens, barrel G optics F with haze. Note: |
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| Sep 2025 | £60 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 42) Title: A Contax 139 Quartz SLR Camera
Description:
A Contax 139 Quartz SLR Camera, advance lever jammed, meter responsive, body G, some lifting to leatherette on front, with Carl Zeiss T* 50mm f/1.7 |
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| Jul 2025 | £35 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 498) Title: A Contax 139 Quartz SLR Camera
Description:
A Contax 139 Quartz SLR Camera, shutter working, meter responsive, responsive in auto, self timer working, body F, wear to leatherette, brassing to |
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| Oct 2024 | £150 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 83) Title: A Contax 139 Quartz 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
black, body VG, small dents to base plate, serial number 165339, shutter works, internal LED works, metering responds to light, with a Yashica ML f/1. |
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| Oct 2024 | £70 | David Duggleby | |
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Auction: Cameras, Maritime & Scientific Instruments (Lot 3025) Title: Contax 139 Quartz 35mm SLR camera body serial no. 143176, with Carl Zeiss Planar 1,7/50 T...
Description:
Contax 139 Quartz 35mm SLR camera body serial no. 143176, with Carl Zeiss Planar 1,7/50 T... |
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| Jun 2024 | £162 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 270) Title: A Contax 139 Quartz 35mm SLR Camera Body in Manufacturers Packaging
Description:
body E, powers up and works, internal display is working, appears to be new and unused, in complete original packaging with guide book. |
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| Nov 2023 | £125 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 180) Title: A Contax 139 Quartz 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
black, serial no.124096, with a Carl Zeiss Planar T* f/1.7 50mm lens, shutter working, LEDs light up in viewfinder, body G-VG, lens G, very light |
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| Aug 2023 | £150 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 155) Title: A Contax 139 Quartz 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
black, body G-VG, shutter working when batteries are inserted, together with motor-drive grip, working when batteries are inserted, also with a Carl (Qty: 1) |
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| Jun 2023 | £50 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 494) Title: A Contax 139 Quartz SLR Camera
Description:
A Contax 139 Quartz SLR Camera, shuuter working, occasionally slow to re-set, meter working, responsive in auto mode, body G, some scuffs/scratches |
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| Jun 2023 | £80 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 564) Title: A Contax 139 Quartz SLR Camera
Description:
A Contax 139 Quartz SLR Camera, shutter inconsistent, not working, meter responsive, scuffs and scratches to leatherette, with Carl Zeiss T* 50mm f/1. |
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| Aug 2022 | £81 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 367) Title: A Contax 139 Quartz 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
black, body P-VG, shutter working, LEDs light up, the exterior of the camera is well worn & leatherette has deteriorated, with Zeiss Planar f/1.7 (Qty: 1) |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Contax 139 Quartz worth today?
Based on the limited UK auction record available, a 139 Quartz body has sold for around £50 at hammer, though the sample size is very small and condition will move the price.
How much does a Contax 139 Quartz sell for at auction?
The one verified UK saleroom result on file shows a hammer price of £50; bodies bundled with a Zeiss lens typically sell for more.
Is the Contax 139 Quartz a good buy at this price?
At current values it is an inexpensive route into the C/Y system, but the price reflects the risk of electronic faults — budget for a possible service.