{"product_id":"excellent-5-contax-137-md-quartz-35mm-slr-film-camera-from-japan-e0139","title":"【Excellent + 5】  CONTAX 137 MD QUARTZ 35mm SLR film camera from Japan #E0139","description":"\u003cdiv data-marko-key=\"@container s0-2-12\" class=\"x-item-description-child\" data-testid=\"x-item-description-child\"\u003e\u003cdiv style=\"max-width: 860px; margin: 0px auto; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(214, 228, 240); box-shadow: rgba(32, 84, 147, 0.08) 0px 4px 16px;\"\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"color: rgb(44, 62, 80); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgb(15, 76, 129) 0%, rgb(47, 111, 178) 55%, rgb(127, 179, 230) 100%); padding: 30px 24px; text-align: center; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(184, 208, 232);\"\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:34px;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;color:#ffffff;\"\u003e       Peekaboo Japan \u003c\/div\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:8px;font-size:15px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#eaf4ff;text-transform:uppercase;\"\u003e Specialty Store for Used Film Cameras from Japan \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"padding: 30px 26px;\"\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom: 26px; text-align: center; background: rgb(247, 251, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(214, 228, 240); padding: 24px 20px; border-radius: 8px;\"\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003e\u003cfont color=\"#173b63\" face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 30px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e  CONTAX 137 MD QUARTZ 35mm film SLR camera from Japan #E0139\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"color: rgb(44, 62, 80); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 26px; background: rgb(248, 251, 254); border-left: 5px solid rgb(47, 111, 178); padding: 18px 20px;\"\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:bold;color:#173b63;margin-bottom:8px;\"\u003e About This Item \u003c\/div\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:15px;color:#4f6780;line-height:1.9;\"\u003e Carefully inspected used film camera from Japan.\u003cbr\u003e We specialize in pre-owned cameras and check each item carefully before listing and before shipment. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"color: rgb(44, 62, 80); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 24px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(214, 228, 240); border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden;\"\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,#dcecff 0%, #f4f9ff 100%);padding:14px 18px;font-size:20px;font-weight:bold;color:#173b63;\"\u003e Appearance \u003c\/div\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"padding:18px 20px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.9;color:#42586e;\"\u003e This is a used film camera. It shows light signs of normal use such as minor scratches, scuffs, or small paint wear.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that the exterior shows significant deterioration and visible signs of age and use. However, these cosmetic issues do not affect the camera's operation or photographic performance. It remains fully functional for taking photos.\u003cbr\u003e Please carefully check the photos for the exact condition of the item. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"color: rgb(44, 62, 80); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 24px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(214, 228, 240); border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden;\"\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,#dcecff 0%, #f4f9ff 100%);padding:14px 18px;font-size:20px;font-weight:bold;color:#173b63;\"\u003e Condition \u003c\/div\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"padding:18px 20px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.9;color:#42586e;\"\u003e The camera has been tested and confirmed to work properly. \u003cul style=\"margin:12px 0 12px 22px;padding:0;\"\u003e \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003eShutter works properly\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003eLight meter functions normally\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003eSelf-timer works properly\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e Please note that this is a used film camera, so it may not perform exactly like a brand new item.\u003cbr\u003e Minor signs of age and normal mechanical feel are expected for a pre-owned camera. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"color: rgb(44, 62, 80); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 24px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(214, 228, 240); border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden;\"\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,#dcecff 0%, #f4f9ff 100%);padding:14px 18px;font-size:20px;font-weight:bold;color:#173b63;\"\u003e Optical System \u003c\/div\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"padding:18px 20px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.9;color:#42586e;\"\u003e \u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 12px 22px;padding:0;\"\u003e \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003eNo fungus\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003eNo haze or fog\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003eNo scratches\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e The viewfinder is clear and works properly. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"color: rgb(44, 62, 80); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 24px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(214, 228, 240); border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden;\"\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,#dcecff 0%, #f4f9ff 100%);padding:14px 18px;font-size:20px;font-weight:bold;color:#173b63;\"\u003e Included Items \u003c\/div\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"padding:18px 20px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.9;color:#42586e;\"\u003e Body Only.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"11\" data-end=\"75\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eCONTAX 137 MD Quartz 35mm Film SLR Camera Body From JAPAN #E0139\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"77\" data-end=\"95\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"77\" data-end=\"95\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"97\" data-end=\"1292\"\u003eBrand: CONTAX\u003cbr data-start=\"110\" data-end=\"113\"\u003e\nManufacturer: Yashica \/ Kyocera\u003cbr data-start=\"144\" data-end=\"147\"\u003e\nModel: CONTAX 137 MD Quartz\u003cbr data-start=\"174\" data-end=\"177\"\u003e\nCamera Type: 35mm Film SLR Camera\u003cbr data-start=\"210\" data-end=\"213\"\u003e\nFilm Format: 35mm Film (135)\u003cbr data-start=\"241\" data-end=\"244\"\u003e\nLens Mount: Contax\/Yashica (C\/Y) Mount\u003cbr data-start=\"282\" data-end=\"285\"\u003e\nFocus: Manual Focus\u003cbr data-start=\"304\" data-end=\"307\"\u003e\nExposure Modes: Aperture Priority AE \/ Manual Exposure\u003cbr data-start=\"361\" data-end=\"364\"\u003e\nMetering System: TTL Center-Weighted Metering\u003cbr data-start=\"409\" data-end=\"412\"\u003e\nMetering Range: Approx. EV 0-18\u003cbr data-start=\"443\" data-end=\"446\"\u003e\nFilm Speed Range: ISO 12-3200\u003cbr data-start=\"475\" data-end=\"478\"\u003e\nShutter Type: Electronically Controlled Vertical-Travel Focal-Plane Shutter\u003cbr data-start=\"553\" data-end=\"556\"\u003e\nShutter Speeds: Approx. 11 sec. to 1\/1000 sec. in Auto Mode\u003cbr data-start=\"615\" data-end=\"618\"\u003e\nManual Shutter Speeds: 1 sec. to 1\/1000 sec. plus B\u003cbr data-start=\"669\" data-end=\"672\"\u003e\nFlash Sync Speed: 1\/60 sec.\u003cbr data-start=\"699\" data-end=\"702\"\u003e\nViewfinder: Fixed Eye-Level Pentaprism\u003cbr data-start=\"740\" data-end=\"743\"\u003e\nFocusing Screen: Split-Image Rangefinder with Microprism Collar\u003cbr data-start=\"806\" data-end=\"809\"\u003e\nFilm Advance: Built-In Motor Drive\u003cbr data-start=\"843\" data-end=\"846\"\u003e\nContinuous Shooting: Approx. 2 Frames per Second\u003cbr data-start=\"894\" data-end=\"897\"\u003e\nFilm Rewind: Manual\u003cbr data-start=\"916\" data-end=\"919\"\u003e\nFrame Counter: Automatic Additive Type\u003cbr data-start=\"957\" data-end=\"960\"\u003e\nSelf-Timer: Electronic\u003cbr data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"985\"\u003e\nExposure Compensation: Available\u003cbr data-start=\"1017\" data-end=\"1020\"\u003e\nMultiple Exposure: Supported\u003cbr data-start=\"1048\" data-end=\"1051\"\u003e\nFlash Connection: Hot Shoe \/ Sync Contact\u003cbr data-start=\"1092\" data-end=\"1095\"\u003e\nPower Source: 4 × AA Batteries\u003cbr data-start=\"1125\" data-end=\"1128\"\u003e\nLens Compatibility: Contax\/Yashica Mount Carl Zeiss and Compatible C\/Y Lenses\u003cbr data-start=\"1205\" data-end=\"1208\"\u003e\nBody Construction: Compact Motorized SLR Design\u003cbr data-start=\"1255\" data-end=\"1258\"\u003e\nIntroduced: 1980\u003cbr data-start=\"1274\" data-end=\"1277\"\u003e\nMade in Japan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1294\" data-end=\"1317\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1294\" data-end=\"1317\"\u003eCamera Shop Comment\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1319\" data-end=\"1741\"\u003eThe CONTAX 137 MD Quartz is a fascinating and historically important 35mm SLR that combines the premium photographic philosophy of the CONTAX system with advanced electronic technology from the beginning of the 1980s. It is particularly attractive for photographers who want to experience classic Carl Zeiss C\/Y-mount lenses while enjoying a more automated shooting experience than many traditional mechanical SLR cameras.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"2142\"\u003eOne of the most important features of the 137 MD Quartz is its built-in motor drive. At a time when many 35mm SLR cameras required a separate external motor drive or winder, CONTAX incorporated powered film advance directly into the camera body. This gives the camera a distinctive shooting experience and makes it significantly different from conventional manually advanced SLRs of the same period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2144\" data-end=\"2436\"\u003eThe built-in motorized film transport can advance the film at approximately two frames per second. For photographers accustomed to manually operating a film advance lever after every exposure, the automatic advance of the 137 MD Quartz provides a surprisingly modern and enjoyable experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2438\" data-end=\"2811\"\u003eThe \"Quartz\" name is also significant. The camera uses quartz-controlled electronic timing to provide precise shutter operation. This reflects the period when advanced electronics were rapidly transforming professional and enthusiast 35mm cameras, and CONTAX incorporated these technologies into a compact body designed around the highly regarded Contax\/Yashica lens mount.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2813\" data-end=\"3120\"\u003eExposure operation is centered around aperture-priority automatic exposure, one of the most intuitive exposure systems for everyday photography. The photographer selects the desired aperture on the lens, and the camera electronically determines the appropriate shutter speed according to the measured light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3122\" data-end=\"3501\"\u003eThis approach allows the photographer to concentrate on two of the most important creative decisions in photography: aperture and focus. A wide aperture can be selected when shallow depth of field is desired, while a smaller aperture can be chosen for landscapes, architecture, and scenes requiring greater depth of field. The camera then handles the corresponding shutter speed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3503\" data-end=\"3784\"\u003eManual exposure is also available for photographers who want greater control. This makes the 137 MD Quartz suitable not only for casual film photography but also for photographers who enjoy deliberately controlling exposure and experimenting with different photographic techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3786\" data-end=\"4114\"\u003eThe TTL metering system measures light through the taking lens, providing convenient exposure measurement with compatible C\/Y-mount lenses. Center-weighted metering is particularly intuitive for traditional photography and allows experienced photographers to predict how the camera will respond to different lighting conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4116\" data-end=\"4264\"\u003eHowever, perhaps the greatest reason to choose the CONTAX 137 MD Quartz is not simply the camera body itself, but the lens system that surrounds it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4266\" data-end=\"4602\"\u003eThe Contax\/Yashica C\/Y mount provides access to the famous Carl Zeiss lenses produced for the CONTAX SLR system. These include legendary optical designs carrying names such as Distagon, Planar, Tessar, Sonnar, and Vario-Sonnar. For many photographers and collectors, these lenses are the primary attraction of the classic CONTAX system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4604\" data-end=\"4884\"\u003eCarl Zeiss C\/Y lenses have developed an enduring reputation for excellent resolution, contrast, color reproduction, and distinctive rendering. The 137 MD Quartz provides a relatively compact and straightforward platform for enjoying these classic manual-focus optics on 35mm film.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4886\" data-end=\"5167\"\u003eThis makes the camera particularly interesting for photographers who already own C\/Y-mount lenses. Rather than adapting these lenses to a modern digital camera, the 137 MD Quartz allows them to be experienced on the type of 35mm film system for which they were originally designed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5169\" data-end=\"5454\"\u003eThe manual focusing experience is another important part of the camera's appeal. The viewfinder incorporates focusing aids designed to make precise focusing easier, allowing photographers to take full advantage of fast manual-focus lenses such as the classic Carl Zeiss Planar designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5456\" data-end=\"5779\"\u003eUnlike modern autofocus cameras, the CONTAX encourages a more deliberate photographic process. The photographer chooses the aperture, manually focuses on the subject, considers the composition, and then releases the shutter. Immediately afterward, the built-in motor advances the film automatically for the next photograph.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5781\" data-end=\"6053\"\u003eThis combination of traditional manual focusing and automatic film transport gives the 137 MD Quartz a particularly distinctive character. It retains the tactile involvement of classic photography while incorporating electronic conveniences that were advanced for its era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6055\" data-end=\"6369\"\u003eThe compact body design is another important advantage. External motor drives fitted to professional film SLRs can make a camera considerably larger and heavier. By integrating the motorized film advance into the body, CONTAX created a relatively streamlined system that remains practical for everyday photography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6371\" data-end=\"6622\"\u003eThis makes the 137 MD Quartz particularly enjoyable for street photography and travel. Paired with a compact C\/Y-mount prime lens, it provides a capable 35mm system without requiring a large professional camera body or separate motor-drive attachment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6624\" data-end=\"6956\"\u003eThe camera is also an interesting choice for photographers who want to enter the classic CONTAX system without immediately moving to one of the larger or more expensive professional bodies. The 137 MD Quartz offers the essential attraction of the system—the ability to use excellent C\/Y-mount optics—in a distinctive motorized body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6958\" data-end=\"7283\"\u003eFrom a camera shop perspective, we consider the 137 MD Quartz especially appealing because it represents an important transitional period in camera design. It combines the traditional manual-focus SLR concept with electronic shutter control, aperture-priority automation, quartz timing, and integrated motorized film advance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7285\" data-end=\"7641\"\u003eThis mixture of mechanical photography and early electronic automation gives the camera considerably more personality than a simple specification sheet might suggest. It represents a period when manufacturers were experimenting with how electronics could improve the photographic experience without completely removing direct control from the photographer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7643\" data-end=\"7959\"\u003eThe camera is also attractive to collectors of Japanese photographic equipment. Although the CONTAX name originated in Germany, the C\/Y-mount CONTAX SLR system was developed through the collaboration between Carl Zeiss and Yashica, bringing together German optical design and Japanese camera manufacturing expertise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7961\" data-end=\"8222\"\u003eThat relationship produced one of the most interesting 35mm SLR systems of its generation. The 137 MD Quartz is an excellent example of this philosophy, combining sophisticated Japanese electronic camera engineering with access to prestigious Carl Zeiss optics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"8224\" data-end=\"8486\"\u003eFor film photographers, another advantage is that the camera uses standard 35mm film. This makes it straightforward to enjoy different color negative, black-and-white, and transparency films while experiencing the rendering characteristics of classic C\/Y lenses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"8488\" data-end=\"8781\"\u003eThe built-in motor drive also changes the rhythm of shooting compared with a conventional manual-advance film camera. Because the camera automatically prepares the next frame, photographers can concentrate on the subject and composition rather than operating a winding lever between exposures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"8783\" data-end=\"8970\"\u003eThis can be especially enjoyable for street photography, portraits, family photography, events, and situations where the photographer wants to capture several moments in quick succession.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"8972\" data-end=\"9276\"\u003eWe particularly recommend the CONTAX 137 MD Quartz to photographers who want an authentic platform for classic Carl Zeiss C\/Y lenses, collectors interested in early electronically controlled SLR cameras, and film photographers who appreciate the combination of manual focusing and automatic film advance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"9278\" data-end=\"9463\"\u003eIt is also an excellent choice for someone who finds fully mechanical vintage cameras interesting but prefers the convenience of aperture-priority exposure and motorized film transport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"9465\" data-end=\"9729\"\u003eThe CONTAX 137 MD Quartz should therefore not be viewed simply as another vintage 35mm SLR. It represents a distinctive chapter in CONTAX history and demonstrates how advanced electronics were beginning to reshape serious photography at the beginning of the 1980s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"9731\" data-end=\"10008\"\u003eIts combination of the Contax\/Yashica mount, access to legendary Carl Zeiss lenses, aperture-priority automatic exposure, manual exposure control, quartz-controlled electronic shutter, TTL metering, and integrated motor drive makes it a particularly interesting classic camera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"10010\" data-end=\"10214\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eFor photographers who appreciate vintage Japanese camera engineering and the unique character of the CONTAX\/Carl Zeiss system, the CONTAX 137 MD Quartz remains a highly enjoyable and collectible 35mm SLR.\u003c\/p\u003e Everything shown in the photos is included in the package. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"color: rgb(44, 62, 80); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 24px; background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgb(244, 249, 255) 0%, rgb(232, 242, 252) 100%); border: 1px solid rgb(207, 224, 241); border-radius: 10px; padding: 18px 20px;\"\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:bold;color:#173b63;margin-bottom:8px;\"\u003e Specialty Store for Used Film Cameras \u003c\/div\u003e \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.9;color:#42586e;\"\u003e We are a Japan-based specialty store focusing on used film cameras and lenses.\u003cbr\u003e Our items are carefully inspected and described as accurately as possible for international buyers. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Contax","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50652023423114,"sku":"20260828JPY2100","price":20.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/2977\/4474\/files\/s-l1600_9302ba79-179f-4bdd-9409-8e3967150a3f.jpg?v=1793626236","url":"https:\/\/peek-a-boo-camera-japan.myshopify.com\/products\/excellent-5-contax-137-md-quartz-35mm-slr-film-camera-from-japan-e0139","provider":"PEEK A BOO CAMERA JAPAN","version":"1.0","type":"link"}