Contax AX slr. Faulty ??

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pityacka

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I have used my Contax AX for the 1st time in about 2 years. Well kept, mint, and always stored correctly. First three shots went OK. I put the camera away for a couple of hours, and then when trying to use the Macro mode, that is when the problem seemed to arise. Things locked up. I have managed to free everything but am beginning to wonder if it is a fault with the camera, or I am not 'engaging' the correct mode, i.e. as regards Prog;TV; Manual mode etc.
Anyone here with experience of the AX, and am I doing something slightly incorrect when trying the different progs.
I have used the camera in the past with slide film and have always had successful and brilliant results.
 
Things tend to lock up with Contax cameras because of the battery.

I'd take the battery out and clean the contacts and put a fresh battery in, or at least check that the battery is showing a decent voltage.

Edit:
Use contact cleaner, or clear vinegar, on a cotton bud and then dry well with a clean bud.
Asda sell a half litre of clear vinegar for 38p - bottom shelf :)
I use a multi meter to check batteries are showing a good 6V.
 
Last edited:
kendo1, Thanks for that. When I first loaded the battery there was nothing showing. Took it out, cleaned the contacts(battery), replaced it, and the camera started to work.I took 4 shots, then when attempting Macro mode was when it locked. However, I tried the battery in a Minolta 800si, and it shows that the battery is 'full'. I will also clean the contacts of the camera.
I suspect I may not have been setting the various dials in their correct position, and that may have led to the problem. I will have to get the manual out and study it closely.
 
pityacka said:
kendo1, Thanks for that. When I first loaded the battery there was nothing showing. Took it out, cleaned the contacts(battery), replaced it, and the camera started to work.I took 4 shots, then when attempting Macro mode was when it locked. However, I tried the battery in a Minolta 800si, and it shows that the battery is 'full'. I will also clean the contacts of the camera.
I suspect I may not have been setting the various dials in their correct position, and that may have led to the problem. I will have to get the manual out and study it closely.
Click to expand...

It could be the mirror slip problem.

The mirror on the AX was attached with double sided tape and over time the glue loosens and hence the mirror moves.
This causes everything to lock up.
It's a quite easy fix, but obviously try not to touch the mirror surface!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz1P2AiYwPc
 
kendo1, Thanks for that link but I have just found it myself about 15 mins. ago (On Youtube) Also there was a 56 minute video of some guy working on a Contax AX, dismantling it, etc. He was speaking in Japanese, but even if it was in English I would not attempt anything like he was doing. On Photonet there is a post re 'mirror slip' and one preventative measure is to store the camera upside down; or with the mirror locked up.
 
A bit success at last. I have the camera in Program mode + Single Auto Focus,50mm F1.7 lens set at f16, and the shutter fires every time with the mirror returning correctly. In the same Prog. Mode I tried Continuous Low Speed shooting, but it again locked. To then free it, I can do so by moving the Focus Mode lever from SAF >MF> Macro, then back to SAF.
I am beginning to wonder if lack of use of the camera is the problem, rather than mirror slip, and with a battery inserted, and firing the shutter, it is now "waking up".
 
pityacka said:
A bit success at last. I have the camera in Program mode + Single Auto Focus,50mm F1.7 lens set at f16, and the shutter fires every time with the mirror returning correctly. In the same Prog. Mode I tried Continuous Low Speed shooting, but it again locked. To then free it, I can do so by moving the Focus Mode lever from SAF >MF> Macro, then back to SAF.
I am beginning to wonder if lack of use of the camera is the problem, rather than mirror slip, and with a battery inserted, and firing the shutter, it is now "waking up".
Click to expand...

Maybe a bit of fiddling back and forward with the controls is in order then. The camera does not need to be 'on'.
I thought the contacts were gold on the AX, but if they are copper there could be some corrosion.

I'd still try a fresh battery as they are very battery dependant and power hungry.
 
It seems as though lack of use has caused this problem. I have been in touch with Frazer Allen who worked at Contax, and he suspects that the camera has locked somewhat due to me not using it.He does not think it is the 'mirror slip'. This a.m. have been using the camera without film and it looks as though it is returning to normal.
I have also checked the battery in another Contax camera and it shows full. Hopefully a costly repair is being avoided.:)
 
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