Contax T3 vs. Fuji Klasse S

[kzphoto]

Anyone own both and have any comparisons? Seems like the cameras share the same host of features and basic characteristics (lens FL / handling / custom modes)

I'm curious about lens characteristics and handling. Specifically on the Klasse S. I've fiddled about with a Contax T3 for a few minutes and I liked the view finder and the operation of the camera. There are a myriad of photos from the T3 available on Flickr but the Klasse S doesn't seem to have such a wide user base.

[Archlich]

Build quality seems to be on par with each other.

The Klasse has custom ISO and a lot of knobs. It's still in production, which translates into being serviceable. I did heard people had luck with Kyocera on their T3s, though.

The T3 has higher shutter speeds (1/1250) and is smaller. Some will say the lens is better, but to me both are good enough.

The Contax name has its magic, which I think could explain the user base.

[muf]

In my experience the original T is better than the T3 and the Klasse beats the Contax T. Better saturation and a more acturate meter.Lens just as sharp as the T3. The Klasse has better handling too. My vote goes to the Klasse. I actually found the T3 to be somewhat overrated.

Paul

[Frank Version Two]

I haven't tried the Contaxes but I tried the original Klasse after reading favorable reviews of it compared to "and equal to" the Hexar AF.

It is a nice camera, well built and designed. But the viewfinder is small and there is no feedback to let you know what it focused on. Which I suspect is the case with the T3 as well... At least the Hexar has a really pleasant, bright viewfinder - and while confirming what it focused on is just as much as a crapshoot as any of these kinds of cameras, the Hexar AF's auto-focusing is uncannily good at reading my mind and nailing it 99% of the time.

I'd man up and get another Hexar AF for a P&S compact, even though it is bulkier.

[matthewm]

I don't have the T3 either, but I have the original Fuji Klasse and it's a rockstar. I love the build quality and the lens is amazing. I get great color and contrast out of it. It's definitely my all-time favorite 35mm point-and-shoot and may even be my favorite 35mm camera, period. I just really like it.

It's got Aperture Priority, which I love and just enough features to keep it simple and quick.

The Klasse S has the ability to perform custom functions (such as leaving the flash off all the time) which I find would be handy, although turning the flash off is only a few button presses on the original Klasse.

Also, the Klasse S has the Exposure Compensation dial on the front of the camera, which I would think is much easier to use and has the little MF dial on top where your thumb is.

I used the Klasse on a trip out west this summer and it gave me my favorite images from the trip. It's a fantastic camera.

[kzphoto]

Well there's an original klasse (38/2.6) on it's way. I'll post some photos after it arrives. Thanks!