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Contax ND

I just came back from Russia. I went there to put up a show, and it appeared that I needed a couple of pictures in addition to what was brought there. I shot them with Contax ND in JPEG mode ISO400 and printed out in color 30x40 cm on photo paper. I could not believe my eyes. Nobody was able to tell them from ISO25 TIFFs and even from prints from 35mm chromes. I love this camera!
 
C'mon Irakly, April Fools was yesterday!
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DJ, I am bloody serious. I wish you could see it. Well, at least Marc will be able to see it.
 
Irakly, can't wait. What lens did you use?

I'll call today to see if you are free for lunch.

I took the day off, so anytime.

We need to get going on the test for Dirks site.
 
Marc:

I was wondering why you were complaining about the "place" of the N-1 in the Contax line-up. I get the impression that you feel it is a "failed" pro-camera, when it really isn't (in my opinion). I think it is an (advanced) amateur camera and never meant to be tailored towards pro's. As such, emphasis on (great quality) zooms to go with it, does not strike me as mismarketing but quite appropriate, and most amatuers don't need 68 lenses to choose from when they only buy 2-3. I bought the N-1-system because it very well satisfies my needs as a demanding, but definitely non-professional photographer. I don't think you should compare it to the RTS, therefore.

Not that it all matters, of course. But I don't see Contax EVER coming out with an AF camera which could seriously compete with the Nikon/Canon photojournalist crowd.
 
Irakly,

Let us know all the dirty details (settings and such), and at least post a downsized s&le
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.

I have been real busy with my new scanner, scanning my old 6x7, 6x8 and 6x9 stuff. I have a ways to go, probably a lifetime
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. But it's like re-visiting beautiful places. I did China, and started on Sri Lanka. Then there's Thailand, Indonesia, Bali, Egypt, Borneo, Malaysia, Peru and Chile - I'll never get done.

Meantime, I need to get me an 85/1.4, probably next month. I need some low-light capability, and I hate on-camera flash. Let's eek out those higher ISO secret techniques. I do wish they had a 35/1.4 too. Those two lenses were my mainstay with the RTS line. And I loved the 200/4. Maybe soon we'll start getting primes.

Looking forward your and Marc's upcoming extravaganza!

DJ
 
Otala, you misunderstand my observations.
Not all objective analysis has to be "for or against". Up until AF, Contax WAS a serious contender against Canon and Nikon for Pro work. IMO, their lenses still are, at least in terms of optical quality. And I don't think the system needs 68 lenses to choose from. Just some of the most basic primes that even serious amateurs desire. Not having a 35mm f/1.4 is a real crime. The manual 35/1.4 Zeiss
is a killer lens. And no W/A zoom will ever equal a highly corrected 21mm prime.

But if you eliminate weddings, photojournalism, fashion, event, studio, and wildlife/travel (i.e. rugged duty) type work, you are left with a handful of enlightened amateurs with enough money to afford the lenses.

Your assumption seems to be that Contax is now an amateur Camera maker, and I don't accept that. They simply need a pro level N body, and the addition of a few primes to be a contender for discriminating Pro shooters that depend on their camera to make a living. Contax knows how to do this...just look at the Contax 645 system. I hope the next ND-2 toughens up a bit and features a few more prime lens choices. Hey, I can dream can't I.
 
Marc and Iraky,
We are all looking forward to your new tests. I guess Marc has finally received his Kodak 14n. In addition to your normal RAW and TIFF modes, please shoot some in Jpeg as well. The ND seems to perform quite well in Jpeg. Thanks
 
Marc - I see your point. I am not a traditional Contax user (ex-Nikon) so for me it is not a big deal to see the N1 as a prosumer camera and lenses. But, pricewise at least some of the zooms (24-85 and 70-200) are quite competetive to Nikon's and Canon's because they don't have anything for that price (AF-S and L, resp. are more expensive than Zeiss' offerings).

So, for me the N1 was a great opportunity to get a decent body (not the same Af-speed as nikon/Canon of course, but that is OK) with superb zooms.

having said that, I would like to see a drastically improved Digi offering because the whole N1-digi story is very disappointing in almost every way.
 
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