Contax Gas

Jodorowsky · 06-02-2009

Help! I've started lusting after Contax SLR. Should I pursue my object of affection, or are there better alternatives? I want to experiment with a range of lenses that I can afford, and I love the black and white look from zeiss lenses. Advice wanted!

photophorous · 06-02-2009

If you love the Zeiss look then it sounds like you already know what to do. "Better" is a very subjective term when you start talking about the rendering of a lens. I recently bought into the Contax system and there is a recognizable difference between these Zeiss lenses and my old Minolta kit, but it's hard to describe what it is. Shooting wide open the Zeiss lenses are a little sharper than the Minoltas, but that's not the most significant part. Whether or not that Zeiss look is worth the price is up to you. Frankly, I'm not as overwhelmed as I'd hoped to be. I'm probably going to sell it all and put the money towards my RF kit. Although, my decision is mostly based on the differences between an SLR and an RF. The Zeiss lenses are excellent, and if SLRs where my thing, I'd stick with them.

Paul

CK Dexter Haven · 06-02-2009

The Contax RX is probably my favorite camera body. It's fantastic. Beautiful and as smooth as anything i've ever used. I eventually sold it in favor of an Aria, though - pretty much just a smaller version of the RX.

The lenses are great. The 50/1.4 Planar is special. I have the 28/2.8 Distagon, but haven't used it much. I did, though, compare it to the Leica-R 28/2.8 current Elmarit, and couldn't find anything to distinguish them from each other (limited variables, though).

I'm debating whether to keep the Aria kit, though. I just have too much gear. It'll either be the Aria or Zeiss Ikon that goes.... I would have sold the Aria last month, but it's very difficult to let it go. Contax made such beautiful stuff. Sorry if i didn't help with the GAS. I certainly understand the allure.

amateriat · 06-02-2009

When I was still in SLRville, I did lust mightily after an RTS III for a while, with the promise of that ceramic, vacuum-assisted pressure plate (what is it about suction? No, don't answer that...). It was the apogee of the manual-focus, film-based SLR in some ways. But I went with Minolta's 9xi, which was a nine-year adventure in itself...

But I finally connected with my Contax jones only recently, and I am content:

- Barrett

BTMarcais · 06-02-2009

G1, G2, 21, 28, 35, 45, 90, 2X TLA 200's, TLA 140.... I keep thinking about selling it since I got the M3... but keep on not being able to quite let go. Definitely some of the best lenses I've ever used.
I couldn't possibly try to discourage your contax GAS. It's hard enough keeping mine in check sometimes.

-Brian

Rico · 06-02-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jodorowsky

Help! I've started lusting after Contax SLR. Should I pursue my object of affection, or are there better alternatives? I want to experiment with a range of lenses that I can afford, and I love the black and white look from zeiss lenses. Advice wanted!

Contax RTS is my main system, partly for the bodies, and partly for the lenses. While discontinued, it will remain a classic system for a long time. An Aria, D28/2.8, P50/1.4, S100/3.5, and TLA280 is an easy carry and can handle most anything. As for pursuing your "object of affection", only you can answer that question. Perhaps this pic can help you decide:

Jodorowsky · 06-03-2009

Thanks for your entertaining and thoughtful responses. Glad I'm not alone. I was going to get a 169q, to start me off, but I know how Gas works and I'll only end up getting a rts or aria by degrees. More importantly though, some of those lovely lenses....

Jodorowsky · 06-03-2009

Strange, though, these camera infatuations....

shadowfox · 06-03-2009

Search around for info on the Contax 137 MA (not MD, unless you want auto AE only). It's my choice because it's compact, solid, and so much fun to use. And inexpensive, so I can get more Zeiss lenses.

I like this one so much, I ended up with a couple of them, I may end up selling one off. Let me know if you're seriously considering one.

CK Dexter Haven · 06-03-2009

I neglected to mention:
I started with a gorgeous black G2 outfit. Later, bought an N1, when they were new, with the 50/1.4 and 85/1.4. Sold the N1 when i heard Contax was not going to support it....

I tried a 159MM, before the RX and Aria. Definitely prefer the latter two motor-driven bodies, though. The 159 is small, though:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Contax159mm0.jpg

sepiareverb · 06-03-2009

Zeiss makes lenses in all kinds of mounts now- F, K.