Contax IIIA
The Contax IIIa was a post-WWII improved version of the Contax III. It is worth noting that the IIa and IIIa are virtually identical cameras with the main difference being that the IIIa has a selenium cell meter while the IIa is meter-less. If you don't care about a meter on your rangefinder, all the selling points of the IIIa will then apply to the IIa.
The Contax IIIa is a solid, 35mm rangefinder system camera. It uses a proprietary lens mount but Zeiss made a huge array of lenses for this system. The Contax IIIa also features a combined viewfinder and rangefinder. The IIIa specifically introduced a wider angle viewfinder than the original III, which allowed for easier use for those with glasses. Additionally, the Contax rangefinder was apparently a more complicated design that would not go out of alignment, an issue sometimes encountered on Leicas.
Other notable features of the IIIa include back door loading, making changing film a breeze. Contax IIIa cameras also have very accurate rangefinders due to the wide base between rangefinder windows. The camera has a metal shutter curtain so no need to worry about holes developing as can happen with the cloth curtains of early rangefinder cameras. The IIIa was also simpler internally, making repair a bit easier.
Overall, Contax rangefinders are great cameras if you want access to a wide range of excellent lenses and want to avoid spending Leica-like prices on your optics. Repair can still be an issue, as they require specialized knowledge but overall the cameras are dependable and well-built. They are also very classy looking.
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