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Contax T3 vs Leica CM
- Thread starter jsmisc
- Start date
dan_states
Member
I owned the Minilux for a few years before switching to the T3. I must say that although the lens in the Minilux was quite good, it was blown into the weeds by the Sonnar on the T3. In particular at full aperture, where there is much better clarity in the outer regions of the frame.
The CM boast inproved coating, but frankly I never found flare to be an issue with the minilux.
Regarding light falloff: The T2 suffered from extensive light falloff at higher shutter speeds due to the design of the shutter. The T3 is far better in this and nearly all other optical respects. Handling in the T2 was better.
After a year of regular use I still find the T3 to be the pinacle of mini cameras. It takes photos as sharp and clear as any Leica or Contax, has more convience features than most SLR's, and focus' faster and more accurately than I can with an M6.
Best wishes
Dan States
The CM boast inproved coating, but frankly I never found flare to be an issue with the minilux.
Regarding light falloff: The T2 suffered from extensive light falloff at higher shutter speeds due to the design of the shutter. The T3 is far better in this and nearly all other optical respects. Handling in the T2 was better.
After a year of regular use I still find the T3 to be the pinacle of mini cameras. It takes photos as sharp and clear as any Leica or Contax, has more convience features than most SLR's, and focus' faster and more accurately than I can with an M6.
Best wishes
Dan States
R
rickd
The T3 is a mighty midget of a camera, delivering results that dramatically belie it's tiny proportions. Has a lens this small ever delivered such goods?
I've probably run two hundred rolls through the T3 in the two years I've had mine. Fortunately, I've had no problems of any kind, including the shearing takeup spool tooth issue.
After a 20-year hiatus, the T3 is my return to a pocketable camera. (I'd previous had experience with a Rollei 35 and an Olympus XA.)
The results from the T3 have generally been very good. I've learned that the metering (on mine at least) is weighted heavily in favor of negative film, meaning that I typically have to dial in exposure compensation when shooting slides--usually -2/3 stop.
Generally, if I'm going to have focus problems it's when I'm either shooting very close up (love that .3m minimum distance) or chasing my toddler daughter. For that task, I vastly prefer using the G2 on CAF mode.
But the T3 is the camera I'll have those times I otherwise would have none, so a few focus failures on a roll are a small price to pay.
If I were back in the market I'd certainly look at the CM (what does it cost, BTW), because it's got some nice features. But there's a very good chance I'd still pick the T3.
--Rick
p.s. I wish somebody--Leica or whomever--would resurrect the XA concept: a true rangefinder P&S.
I've probably run two hundred rolls through the T3 in the two years I've had mine. Fortunately, I've had no problems of any kind, including the shearing takeup spool tooth issue.
After a 20-year hiatus, the T3 is my return to a pocketable camera. (I'd previous had experience with a Rollei 35 and an Olympus XA.)
The results from the T3 have generally been very good. I've learned that the metering (on mine at least) is weighted heavily in favor of negative film, meaning that I typically have to dial in exposure compensation when shooting slides--usually -2/3 stop.
Generally, if I'm going to have focus problems it's when I'm either shooting very close up (love that .3m minimum distance) or chasing my toddler daughter. For that task, I vastly prefer using the G2 on CAF mode.
But the T3 is the camera I'll have those times I otherwise would have none, so a few focus failures on a roll are a small price to pay.
If I were back in the market I'd certainly look at the CM (what does it cost, BTW), because it's got some nice features. But there's a very good chance I'd still pick the T3.
--Rick
p.s. I wish somebody--Leica or whomever--would resurrect the XA concept: a true rangefinder P&S.
Although I do not have CM, I own both Minilux and T3.
Here are my test photos.
http://www.pbase.com/iamjsklee/round_1
http://www.pbase.com/iamjskleetc1p2/round_2
http://www.pbase.com/jsklee_leica_minilux
http://www.pbase.com/jsklee_tzoom/leica_minilux_page2
http://www.pbase.com/jsklee_t3/contax_t3_comparison
Welcome all comments.
Here are my test photos.
http://www.pbase.com/iamjsklee/round_1
http://www.pbase.com/iamjskleetc1p2/round_2
http://www.pbase.com/jsklee_leica_minilux
http://www.pbase.com/jsklee_tzoom/leica_minilux_page2
http://www.pbase.com/jsklee_t3/contax_t3_comparison
Welcome all comments.
I actually own both cameras and both are terrific. My T3 wins alot of points given it's ability to use filters and it's truly pocketable nature. The CM actually surprised me with it's build quality, much better than the Minilux which I owned, and it's lens is marginally sharper. It also is extremely quiet, so quiet that I have fired offf two shots a few times without realizing it!
One thing about the CM.. I am on my second unit. The first batch out is/was recalled due to the electronic problems that caused the battery to indicate incorrect readings and the inability of the camera to rememeber certain settings. Make sure you ask your dealer for one of the corrected versions. My very favorite point and shoot is actually the Ricoh GR21, a little jewel with a 21mm lens that is tack sharp. They are quite hard to find, however, as they have been discontinued.
Both the T3 and CM terrific cameras and you really can't go wrong with either one. Make sure that you get the camera that suits your needs (flash strength, pocketability, etc...) and enjoy!
One thing about the CM.. I am on my second unit. The first batch out is/was recalled due to the electronic problems that caused the battery to indicate incorrect readings and the inability of the camera to rememeber certain settings. Make sure you ask your dealer for one of the corrected versions. My very favorite point and shoot is actually the Ricoh GR21, a little jewel with a 21mm lens that is tack sharp. They are quite hard to find, however, as they have been discontinued.
Both the T3 and CM terrific cameras and you really can't go wrong with either one. Make sure that you get the camera that suits your needs (flash strength, pocketability, etc...) and enjoy!
Jsklee,
Interesting test. Lets say that for argument sake, the camera lenses are the only variables in the test (i.e. no variations do to film, processing, scanning etc.). The test suggests that the minilux is the sharpest and the TC-1 is the softest. This result may be an artifact.
The problem is that because you are not expanding the minilux images as much as the others relative to the size of the negative (do to the 40mm focal length) it is likely to appear sharper. Likewise, the TC-1 (do to the 28mm focal length) is expanded more in comparison, therefore it is likely to appear softer.
The only way to avoid this would be to manually zoom (walk) so that the overall image framing is the same with all cameras.
My first minilux developed a problem so I got rid of it and picked up a T3. Almost everything about the T3 is better and more convenient. I recently got another minilux. If I had to choose, the T3 would go.
Interesting test. Lets say that for argument sake, the camera lenses are the only variables in the test (i.e. no variations do to film, processing, scanning etc.). The test suggests that the minilux is the sharpest and the TC-1 is the softest. This result may be an artifact.
The problem is that because you are not expanding the minilux images as much as the others relative to the size of the negative (do to the 40mm focal length) it is likely to appear sharper. Likewise, the TC-1 (do to the 28mm focal length) is expanded more in comparison, therefore it is likely to appear softer.
The only way to avoid this would be to manually zoom (walk) so that the overall image framing is the same with all cameras.
My first minilux developed a problem so I got rid of it and picked up a T3. Almost everything about the T3 is better and more convenient. I recently got another minilux. If I had to choose, the T3 would go.