I know that they are completely different cameras and serve different purposes. I have an S2 and love it but miss the aperture priority when needing to work faster from my 139Q. I am considering an RTS ii but am worried that it will be finicky like my 139Q. Basically I would like to know if anyone with experience with contax SLRs can let me know if the RTS ii is a solid camera that is smooth to operate and will last or if I should just stick with the S2. Any advice is welcome.
No RTS2 experience, but I do have the 139Q, S2, RTS3 and Aria. The old-generation Contax have true RTS shutter releases but, beyond that, are aging along with their electronics. I would pair the S2 with the RTS3 for unmatched tactile pleasure and a VF from the gods. If weight is a concern, the Aria is featherweight and the matrix metering doesn't hurt.
rico wrote:
No RTS2 experience, but I do have the 139Q, S2, RTS3 and Aria. The old-generation Contax have true RTS shutter releases but, beyond that, are aging along with their electronics. I would pair the S2 with the RTS3 for unmatched tactile pleasure and a VF from the gods. If weight is a concern, the Aria is featherweight and the matrix metering doesn't hurt.
This helps so much. Maybe an Aria could be the answer for a lightweight automated body.
Ignoring the Japan-only RX2, the Aria was Kyocera's last Contax body and a worthy addition to the line. It's marvelously small, low weight, quiet, and motorized. I even have the data back. When paired with some f/2.8 primes, you can carry it all day. It's my favorite film body.
They pop up for reasonable prices every now and then. I got my 139Q for $30 and I paid $250 for my S2,both on ebay. I think S2's usually go for a little more though. They are going up but seem to still be family priced compared to Leica R bodies and Nikon f2,f3, and fm2 bodies.
I had an RTS. Became a dead electronic brick. So I upgraded to the RTSII. Became a dead electronic brick.
I wasn't going to try again and risk batting 0 for 3 so I gave up on Contax.
Desmolicious wrote:
I had an RTS. Became a dead electronic brick. So I upgraded to the RTSII. Became a dead electronic brick.
I wasn't going to try again and risk batting 0 for 3 so I gave up on Contax.
I'll stick with my S2 then. I guess it is one of the only Contax bodies that's reliable.
Desmolicious wrote:
I had an RTS. Became a dead electronic brick. So I upgraded to the RTSII. Became a dead electronic brick.
I wasn't going to try again and risk batting 0 for 3 so I gave up on Contax.
I think it is all a gamble anyways. I bought a Nikon F5 in 2012. Was in MINT shape. Shot two rolls of film through it, and something on the board fried. That thing is supposed to be bullet proof.
In September, i picked up an RX and so far so good. Going to pick up another Contax film body (so i can run different film) and am thinking of the RTSIII.
It's remarkably compact, and sports a true optical RF. Lens is the very decent CZ Sonnar 38/2.8 also used on the bulkier T2. The original T is motorless, so film is advanced manually which I prefer for minimal battery dependence and quiet operation. The leaf shutter makes a tiny ping, so this is one stealthy camera. On the street, you can shoot in people's faces and they don't even notice. I have three of these for long-term backup and parts.
The Contax Aria is an awesome camera. That viewfinder is second to none and it's very compact/light. I had one with a Zeiss 50 1.4 and regret selling it. I'd buy another but I have too many cameras already.
There are a lot of Arias on ebay with unrealistically high buy-it-now prices, but if you find one selling as an auction, you can get it for far less.
With any luck, the postman should be delivering me a tidy RX some time tomorrow; it should be a bit of an upgrade from the Yashica FX-3 I have for my Contax lenses right now
"Going to pick up another Contax film body (so i can run different film) and am thinking of the RTSIII"
the RTS III is an amazing camera... if you can find one that works (where the DC-DC converter has not fried)....unfortunately this is the weak spot of the camera... I have one where the DC-DC Converter is going, but it is a pleasure to use (and I will use it until it exhales)
The S2 is actually a Yashica/Pentax/Vivitar camera made by Cosina with a titanium coating and very loud shutter, and crude mechanics. Some electronic Contax bodies are very reliable: 167mt, aria, RX.
First time I have heard that about the S2, I haven't used one, so I can't add my cents to the conversation (though to be honest I am surprised; especially as they marketed as being the nonplusultra of manual bodies).
I do enjoy most of the Contax bodies I have had, I do like the ones with manual film advance though (139, 159, RTSII), they are relatively small and handy (and the RTS II is a handy weapon if you swing it at someone)...
only complaint I have heard of the Aria is that it feels very plasticy, BUT it is the last of the C/Y bodies
Haven't had any issues with my RX, 139 or 159... just do NOT leave them in a hot car in the summer
Not saying that Edward must be wrong, but I need more than a first-person proclamation before accepting that Cosina had any role in S2 construction. For sure, some parts could be out-of-house like the shutter (e.g. Copal) and self-timer. Other than the RX, there's nothing subtle about a Contax firing off, with my 159MM being a prime example. Personally, I consider it a feature!
As for dying RTS3 cameras, that's why I own three—and also three Contax T.
lol, I have two RTS iii...one is pushing up the daisies until someone figures how to fix the dc-dc converter (someone in the UK is working on a solution for this. the other one is getting there...
meanwhile I use the AX when I want to handle a beast
This guy used to be part of contax repairs in the UK, really nice bloke
When paired with some f/2.8 primes, you can carry it all day. It's my favorite film body.