CONTAX 137 MA
The Contax 137 MA is a 35mm film single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced by Japanese manufacturer Yashica (under the Contax brand) in 1981. It is an updated Contax 139 QM. The big change is a fully automatic program exposure mode, which made it one of the earliest professional-grade SLRs with one. Manual and aperture-priority modes stay.
Overview
The 137 MA came out while electronic automation was spreading through mechanical camera designs. It was a compact SLR for advanced amateurs and professionals who wanted precision and reliability. It combined the mechanical foundation of the Contax RTS series with more electronics. Yashica built it in Japan under the Contax brand, which was licensed from Zeiss and used to denote premium optical and mechanical quality.
The Contax 139 QM (1980) came first. The 137 MA added a program exposure mode - a significant advance at the time - which picks both shutter speed and aperture from the metered light and the lens's maximum aperture. It sits alongside the existing aperture-priority autoexposure and fully manual modes, so the user can switch when conditions change fast. For all the automation, it kept the mechanical feel photographers prized, with a vertical-travel focal-plane shutter and a bright, fixed pentaprism viewfinder.
The camera used the Contax/Yashica (C/Y) mount system, introduced in 1975 with the Contax RTS. The mount became known for durability, precise lens coupling, and a growing range of high-quality Zeiss and Yashica lenses. In 1985 the 137 MA was succeeded by the more advanced Contax 167 MT, which brought TTL flash metering and further refinements.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Type | 35mm SLR |
| Film Format | 35mm (135 cartridge) |
| Years Produced | 1981–1984 |
| Lens Mount | Contax/Yashica (C/Y) bayonet |
| Shutter | Vertical-travel, metal-blade focal-plane shutter; speeds from 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus B (time), X-sync at 1/60 sec |
| Metering | TTL open-aperture center-weighted metering via silicon photodiode |
| Exposure Modes | Program AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Manual |
| Viewfinder | Fixed pentaprism, 0.85× magnification, 94% coverage; displays shutter speed, aperture, and exposure confirmation |
| Dimensions | 140 × 88 × 50 mm; weight: approx. 580 g (body only, no battery) |
Key Features
- Program Exposure Mode: One of the first professional SLRs to offer automatic program exposure, selecting optimal shutter speed and aperture combinations without user input.
- Aperture-Priority and Manual Modes: Full compatibility with manual operation and aperture-priority autoexposure for creative control.
- TTL Center-Weighted Metering: Accurate light measurement through the lens using a silicon photodiode, compatible with all C/Y lenses including those with variable maximum apertures.
- Compact and Durable Chassis: Precision-machined metal body with rubberized grip and high-quality finish, designed for long-term reliability.
- Integrated Exposure Display: Viewfinder shows selected shutter speed, lens aperture, and exposure confirmation (match-needle system) for precise manual settings.
Historical Context
The 137 MA arrived as manufacturers began putting microprocessors in cameras to automate exposure. The earlier 139 QM offered aperture-priority and manual exposure, so the program mode put the 137 MA at the front of automation in the professional SLR market. Competing systems were doing the same, such as the Minolta X-700 (1981) and the Pentax Super A (1983). The 137 MA stood apart on build quality, precise Zeiss-compatible optics, and professional-grade handling.
The camera competed directly with high-end offerings from Nikon (FM2), Canon (AE-1 Program), and Pentax (ME Super), though it occupied a niche market due to the smaller ecosystem of C/Y mount lenses compared to Nikon F or Canon FD. Nevertheless, the 137 MA was well-received by photographers who valued the optical excellence of Zeiss lenses and the robust engineering of the C/Y system. Its release also reflected Yashica’s strategy to position Contax as a technologically advanced alternative to German and American SLRs, leveraging Japanese manufacturing precision with German optical design.
Collectibility & Value
Today the Contax 137 MA is collectible, especially among vintage SLR enthusiasts and Zeiss lens users. It is not as rare as some limited-production models, but it is less common than mass-market contemporaries like the Canon AE-1, so collector interest is moderate. In good working condition the 137 MA typically sells for $200-$350 USD. Units with clean viewfinders, accurate metering, and original accessories bring more.
Before buying a 137 MA, check the electronics, especially the meter and program mode. They depend on a 6V PX28 (4SR44) battery. That battery is now obsolete, though modern equivalents (e.g., Wein Cell) or adapters for 4LR44 batteries are available. Common problems are degraded light seals, stiff shutter speeds at slower settings, and corrosion in the battery compartment. The electronics can fail from capacitor aging or moisture exposure. A clean, fog-free prism and smooth film advance also point to a well-maintained body.
Similar Cameras
- Minolta X-700 (1981–1999): Offered program mode, TTL metering, and a wide lens range; more consumer-oriented but highly popular.
- Pentax Super A / Super Program (1983–1987): Aperture-priority and program modes with excellent build quality and K-mount compatibility.
- Canon AE-1 Program (1981–1985): Successor to the AE-1, added program mode and improved electronics; part of Canon’s dominant FD-mount system.
- Nikon EM (1979–1982): Compact Nikon SLR with aperture-priority and program mode (via MD-E motor drive), aimed at enthusiasts.
- Olympus OM-4 (1983–2002): Professional-grade OM-series SLR with advanced metering and titanium shutter; fully manual with aperture-priority AE.
Repair & Maintenance
The Contax 137 MA requires a 6V PX28 (4SR44) battery to power its metering system and electronic shutter control. PX28 has been discontinued, so users often rely on 4LR44 alkaline replacements (3.6V) or Wein SR44 zinc-air batteries (6V). Voltage differences may affect meter accuracy. A battery adapter for two 3V CR1/3N cells is another option.
Common maintenance issues include sticky shutter curtains at slow speeds, inaccurate metering from aging electronics, and worn shutter contacts. The circuitry is sealed but can be sensitive to moisture and corrosion, particularly around the battery compartment. Servicing may involve recapping the power supply, cleaning contacts, and recalibrating the meter. The program mode circuitry is complex, so repairs should go to technicians experienced with C/Y mount cameras. Regular use, proper storage, and timely battery removal help preserve functionality.
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