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Contax Contax IIIa

The Contax IIIa is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced by Zeiss Ikon in Stuttgart from the early 1950s, distinguished from the companion IIa by an uncoupled selenium light meter set into the top plate. It uses the Contax bayonet rangefinder mount and was positioned as a premium rangefinder competing directly with the Leica M-series.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Contax IIIa have typically fallen in the £340–£700 band, with a median around £345 across the longer sales record and the most recent result in 2021 landing at £600. Saleroom values today are strongly condition-sensitive: working selenium meters, clean rangefinders and intact vulcanite push examples toward the upper end, while tired or non-functional bodies sell for less. An outlying 1998 result at £1,265 reflects an exceptional or complete outfit rather than the typical price a IIIa sells for.

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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.

Date Price Source
Nov 2021 EUR 600 Leitz Auction
Nov 2014 EUR 700 Leitz Auction
May 2010 EUR 340 Leitz Auction
Mar 2007 £168 Christie's
Sep 2005 £144 Christie's
May 2005 EUR 500 Leitz Auction
May 2004 EUR 417 Leitz Auction
Sep 2003 £164 Christie's
May 2003 £235 Christie's
Apr 2003 £188 Christie's
May 2001 £940 Christie's
May 2001 £411 Christie's
Nov 2000 £705 Christie's
Nov 2000 £352 Christie's
Oct 2000 £235 Christie's
Aug 2000 £94 Christie's
Nov 1999 £345 Christie's
Oct 1999 £322 Christie's
May 1999 £322 Christie's
Feb 1999 £103 Christie's
Feb 1999 £276 Christie's
Feb 1999 £253 Christie's
Feb 1999 £287 Christie's
Nov 1998 £276 Christie's
Sep 1998 £345 Christie's
Aug 1998 £460 Christie's
Mar 1998 £1,265 Christie's
Mar 1998 £230 Christie's

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