What's in your camera bag ?

[Old_Contax_User]

Using Mutars

Hi Max,

I've used both the Mutar I and the Mutar II. See the Zeiss web site for the data sheets. They show which one is recommended for each applicable lens. Not all lenses can be used look for lenses showing a 1 for compatibility.

The Mutar II is better but is more limited in the lens selections available (basically teles only since the front element of the Mutar II sticks out of the mount and into the rear of the lens.)

I used them on the RTS cameras but never on digital since the 24MP sensors allow a 2 X crop to a still very good image.

I would take a Zeiss lens with a matched Mutar over a Sony NEX lens any day for clarity.

Bill

 

[crocus63]

For those days when I feel like shooting with a Contax I try to keep the bag light; as those who use them regularly it can get rather heavy if overloaded.

Camera:

RTS II

Lens combos include:

28/2.8 and 50/1.7
28/2.8 and 85/2.8
45/2.8 and 85/2.8
35-70/3.4 solo

Accessories include:
Lens brush and sometimes microfiber cleaning cloth, Skylight or UV filter on each lens and a generic 55mm std hood from heavystar (used on 45/2.8 with adapter or on 50 & 85mm). Sometimes the TLA-280 comes along if I am expecting to take portraits at dinner or some event indoors. I rarely carry a tripod, but if I do I use a Benro aluminim A157 (similar to the old Gitzo aluminum ones).

I happen to have both the 80-200/4 and W-3 winder for the RTSII, but they always seem to be left behind. I recently shot with the 80-200 just to see what I've been missing, and I must say it is a very good performer. I only wish it wasn't that long and rotated with focus; using polarizers can drive you batty! Also I wished the W-3 would have supplied power to the camera as well; I have a difficult time finding 4LR44 batteries.

Happy shooting,
Gary

 

[Old_Contax_User]

Power Pack P-3

Gary,

If you're not using the winder, you could get a P-3 power pack that connects to the camera by a 1m cable. It was designed for cold weather use and allows you to run the camera on 4 AA batteries. You carry the batteries in an inside pocket in cold weather, but could attach the unit to your camera strap in normal working conditions when you cannot get the 4LR44's. B+H has a used one for sale now.

Bill

 

[Old_Contax_User]

RTS II Battery

Hi Gary,

Also look for PX28 battery equivalents that say silver in the description. These were the 1st choice in the instruction book and there are many available even in hardware stores.

Bill