Which Contax System suits best to your needs

[paul_drouillard]

[The AX has to me the most misunderstood camera of all time. Considering the duty it has to do, it's no wonder it can't auto focus at the speed of other modern dedicated cameras. The bottom line is, it's a brilliant concept to give AF capabilities to folks who wouldn't want to part with their investment in fine MF lenses. Perhaps the best way to look at it is, though it isn't as fast as the others, the others simply can't do what an AX can. I rather enjoy my incredible hulk and it's even gotten nice comments from folks with big hands. Will there ever be a perfect camera for everybody? Likely not. Just my 2 cents.

Paul]

 

[afranklin]

> Reputedly, the AX AF is much slower and you have to manually get the > lens within range before AF becomes usefull at all, I believe.

Not entirely true. The only reason for manually focusing with the AX is if you are using a lense with a floating element, or if the focus is very close. I love using my AX, and with primes, it works stupendously, though, admittedly, it is slow, and does hunt every now and then...but for my purposes, that's fine. I have not had any noticeable effects when using lenses with floating elements, though I still do get the focus at least to within a reasonable limit manually.

Gee, you make me want to go and use my AX now ;-) Some notes on the AX... The built-in 10mm extension tube makes for some VERY nice close focus shots...and has come in VERY handy at times. The data back for this camera is SUPERB, and the metering is outstanding as well. The only real drawback for me is the size...which in most circumstances is simply not an issue. It's about the same weight as the RTS-III, which doesn't bother me at all. The Aria is my favorite though (again, the data back for it is superb, just like the one available for the AX), because of it's light weight and full features. As a note, my "favorite" Contax changes about once a month though between AX, Aria and RTS-III. I've yet to really grok my S2...

Regards,

Austin

 

[dxl]

Does anyone have any information on this jenazoom f2.4-4. 75-210 zoom lense..series 2 it is called..it comes in different 35mm body mounts.[not contax however]...i cant find any reviews of it.......

 

[davidfung]

Well, I thought I'd just give a post to introduce why I went to the Contax manual SLR system. Have been photography for the last 10 years or so, and have used many cameras. List includes: Nikon, Canon EOS, Mamiya RB, Toyo LF, Mamiya 6, Leica SLR. I am currently using a Mamiya 7, T3 and various other manual SLR. I have had prior, a complete G1/G2 system and also a Hasselblad. I have always been VERY impressed with the optical quality of Zeiss. There is no denying that there IS something special about it. Anyway.

I recently made the plunge into the Contax MSLR system. I bought a ST and RTSII, both in very good condition. This was made along with a 50 f/1.4. So far, I am very happy with my choice. I recommend that having s&led all sorts of cameras, Contax SLR are special. There is something that the other SLR miss. I am not sure what it is, but they feel like a real camera, and one that is designed for the photographer. Well, I am looking forward to a long relationship with Contax MSLR.

 

[spitz]

I have read many reviews. But i still hard to decide to go to which system.
I am only a beginner in taking photoes and started with digital(sony F717). Sooner i found that F717 cann't satisfy me, even in film quality, delay shots, not fully manual control mode...etc. But it's really a nice camera and l loved to use it for conviniece. Actually i was caught up with contax because the lens of F717 using was designed base by CZ formula. Though it was not a really good len compared with all other CZ with T* lens, I turned to contax to fit my wants.
I would like G2 at the first time because it seems to be light, good lens with it, AF system. But RF has its limit to shot and it seems so easy or even rough to have good pictures. I realized this is G2's superiority and though is defect too. But it's still very attractive.
Then i noticed the N1. Everything looks so fantastic despite of heavy body with lens and high price. It can support the contax digital model in the future too. I have never used such a big thing to travel, I don't know if i take it wiht me, do i stii have fun on the trip? But it's excellent for practicing or taking photoes alone, i think.
At last, the mannual system is still charming. And the price is familiar. But i cannot trust the body that i focused to buy, Aria or Ax. I heard so many bad expirence about them. Though lens was all classic to me. It's a hard decision to make!!!
I think i really need your guys opion and help!!
Thanks a lot!!!

 

[writing4me]

Hi David, If you can tell the list members what type of subjects you like to shoot, like close-up portraits of people, street shooting of people over 6 feet away, landscapes, nature, tiny insects, wildlife, or anything else ... do you like to travel light with a small body and one lens, or do you mind carrying a separate gear bag with several lenses.... I'm sure that the good shooters on this list can help you understand which systems might make you happy. Hope this helps, and I hope you get many good answers

-Lynn

 

[coyot]

> Hey David,

Lynne brings up a great point ... what type of shots do you enjoy taking? It does sound like you travel.

The G2 system is fabulous. Very easy to carry, great quality, and when you shoot shots of folks, they are not itimidated.

The N1 is a really, really nice camera. It is bigger and heavier then the G2, but with a 24 to 85 zoom, you can travel with one lens, get some great shots with a lot of focal length versatility. And of course ... your lenses are compativle with the ND! A camera I really like. (I shoot 95% of my shots with the ND.)

The AX and the RX and all the older bodies are very nice. The AX autofocus works great. You have alot of lense choices. The only real drawback is the lack of compatibility between the older style lenses and the flashes. (Such as ... if you change zoom length with the AX or the RX you have to manually tell the flash what the focal length is ... and that can be a real drag).

Nope ... for you, I think it comes down to deciding between the G2, the N1, the ND or maybe even something like the TVS series. And, don't forget the Yashica Super T4. A very inexpensive camera with a nice lens!!! Great for traveling, and if it gets stolen the world does not end!

Good luck,

michael.

 

[benwang]

David:

There is no complain about the picture quility in the N system. IMHO, I think all their lenses offer fabulous value. However I think there are two thing that you need to think about.
Firstly, do you do a lot of travel? if you do the weight will be an issue! recently I took my N to China, while enjoying very much taking picture with the N, the weight were killing my back! the good thing about this is tat i think i am fitter now compare before, afterall taking more then 10kg on the back all day for two weeks will improve your physical fitnss!
the accessories for the N is quite expensive! the filter for the 17-35 cost me a fortune. for that among of money, you can by the basic lens for the nikon system!

Ben

 

[johnw]

Why not also consider the NX body? Its pretty light with the 28-80 lens. I recently took mine hiking and was happy with the weight and handling. You can also move up to the N1 body. I've also taken my G-1 traveling/hiking and that would probably be the ultimate travel camera if it fits your needs. I was reading the National Geographic's Photography Field Guide. It has profiles of some of the staff photographers. Amazing to see how many of them use a rangefinder camera and a couple of lenses or an old manual SLR body and one zoom on a wide variety of assignments. Just the simple tools they've mastered to take the kind of photos that fit their style.

 

[spitz]

Thanx everybody
For lynn: though i don't have much time to travel, but i am greedy to shot every items u mentioned. And for everyone, i took your guys' advices to decide to jump into the N1!
However, could someone tell me the cost of N1 body's in your own country, maybe it's cheaper to buy online or in Japan?
In the end, thx a lot

appreciate

David