Contax 2 , the master piece that built the era of luxury compact camera.
Why don’t you enjoy it second hand?
A high-end compact camera that prevailed in the 1990s.
The Contax T2 is the only camera that created and towed that boom .
The 1990s was a brilliant era for Contax, where great cameras that still popular now were released one after another such as Contax T2 and Contax G series.
Titanium exterior, titanium silver body.
The exterior, which can be seen as a high-end camera at first glance , is unique to an era when a film camera became a companion who loved its charm as a thing, beyond being just a tool for taking pictures.
Of course, the lens and mechanism are also high-class and high-performance.
Not to mention the Zeiss lens unique to Contax, it has all the functions as a snap shooter in the city.
Such Contax T2 is more available as a second-hand product than in the past.
Enjoy the charm of a film camera with a voluminous depiction unique to Zeiss lenses.
This time, I would like to tell you about the appeal of the Contax T2.
Contax T2
First of all, I would like to introduce the features of the Contax T2, which is one of the most famous used luxury compacts.
Performance and specifications of Contax T2
| Format | 35mm luxury compact camera |
| Shutter | Lens shutter , 1 second to 1/500 second |
| Lens | Zoner T * 38mm F2.8 |
| Exposure | Uses external photometric SPD light receiving element |
| AE | Aperture priority program AE |
| Finder | Reverse Galileo type daylighting bright frame |
| OF | Infrared active autofocus , Manual focus possible |
| Battery | CR123A lithium battery x1 |
| Release year | 1990 |
The camera that drove the boom of “luxury compact cameras”
High-end compact camera, T series by Kyocera CONTAX.
The Contax T2 is the second model, and it is none other than the camera that drove the boom of high-end compact cameras.
The Contax T2 was born in 1990.
Time is exactly the time when the remaining fragrance of the bubble is strong.
The camera was also required to have a sense of quality and status.
The Contax T2 was designed and developed in response to the demands of that era, and shaped the genre of high-end compact cameras .
There are still many used and very popular high-end compact cameras such as Nikon 28Ti / 35Ti, Minolta TC-1, and Konica HEXAR , but they were born because of the existence of this Contax T2.
It is no exaggeration to say that other high-end compact cameras are T2 followers.
Titanium exterior, Zeiss Sonnar lens descriptive power, operability that combines quick-fire and photographer’s intention reflection.
A feature common to the successor, the Contax T3, was that it was fully completed at the time of the Contax T2.
Features of Contax T2
So what are the characteristics of the Contax T2?
The characteristics of the Contax T2 are also the characteristics that are generally common to the genre of “luxury compact cameras .”
Equipped with a high-end lens.
And the titanium exterior, the operation system that supports both auto and manual.
A simple and timeless design suitable for a luxury camera.
And it should always be portable and usable.
A compact camera with performance that even professional and high amateur photographers can satisfy.
That is the characteristic of the Contax T2 as a high-end compact camera.
Now, let’s take a look at the individual “Good point” that is unique to the Contax T2.
Carl Zeiss Sonnar T * 38mm F2.8 with a voluminous depiction
Lenses determine the quality of photographs in film cameras.
The Contax T2 is perfectly complete in that regard.
The mounted lens is Zeiss in the world.
The Sonnar T * 38mm F2.8 is a lens that is still very well-established in the age of digital cameras for its descriptive power.
Features of the Contax T2 lens.
It means that both “lens taste” and performance are compatible .
If you just want a lens that looks good, a lens with high resolution, and just that, there are many lenses called famous lenses.
On the other hand, it can be said that many of the “tasteful” depiction lenses unique to film cameras do not necessarily have high resolution and performance.
In that respect, with the Contax T2 lens, you can enjoy the human-like depiction of volume, texture, and atmosphere at the same time as the performance that appears in the catalog.
The colors are very vivid and express people, nature, and landscapes more beautifully.
It seems that some people evaluate it as a quirky depiction compared to the T3 lens, which is the successor, but when you get hooked on it, you can create breathtaking photographs that can only be achieved with this lens. is.
You can take beautiful pictures even if you take it normally, but the more you use it, the more potential you can bring out.
A lens that tastes better the more you use it.
If you taste the depiction that can only be achieved with this lens, you will surely be fascinated by the Contax T2 as if you were addicted to it.
That may be the reason why there are so many people looking for this Contax T2 second hand.
The body is a luxurious and sturdy titanium body
As mentioned above, the body of the Contax T2 is made of titanium .
Speaking of cameras with a titanium body, there are many popular cameras that are synonymous with high-end cameras and are used.
Above all, the body of this Contax T2 is not only made of titanium, but also has a high-class appearance.
The attention to detail and the design with no wasted parts enhance the luxury of the camera.
It can be said that Kyocera CONTAX, which has drawn the blood of Germany, is truly a feat.
Moreover, 1990, when the Contax T2 was released, was an era when the Japanese economy was in great shape.
We also have plenty of luxury items in the materials of each part.
First of all, when it comes to titanium in the body, it is rumored that it is thicker than the successor Contax T3.
Actually, the T3 is also a camera with a sense of luxury that is comparable to this T2, but when you pick up both the T2 and T3, it is true that the T2 has a unique, firm feeling when you hold it. It’s a fact.
And the finder window is sapphire glass .
With a general compact camera, the viewfinder window may be scratched if left unattended, but this is not the case with the Contax T2.
It will keep a beautiful glass window forever.
In addition, artificial sapphire is used for the shutter button .
Although it is a small part, high-quality materials are used even for such parts that would normally be made of plastic.
The luxury of Japanese products before and after the bubble, such as automobiles and audio equipment, is still talked about, but in the world of cameras, the Contax T2 may be exactly that.
Still, it can be said that the Contax T2 is amazing because it has a design that is still valid after being baptized .
Aperture priority, seamless transition to program AE
The Contax T2 is basically a camera that assumes aperture-priority AE.
However, it also has a program AE function, which automatically shifts to the program when the exposure exceeds the appropriate range .
Aperture setting is intuitive by turning the dial around the lens.
It can be set between F2.8 and F16.
And when it’s set to open F2.8, it has a built-in system that automatically narrows down when overexposed.
Exposure compensation is performed with the exposure compensation dial on the left shoulder of the body.
In terms of setting every 1/2 step, it is a part to be handed over to the successor T3 that can set every 1/3 step, but it is the strength of this T2 that intuitive dial operation is possible.
On the other hand, the maximum shutter speed is 1/500 second, so it is unavoidable that if you insert a film with even a little high sensitivity or if it is a pecan, it will be narrowed down immediately.
If possible, I would like to enjoy the Zeiss lens open, but as long as it is a camera with a lens shutter, it can be said that this is unavoidable.
If you want to enjoy the opening, it is recommended to insert an ISO100 film.
Aperture setting is intuitive by turning the dial around the lens.
It can be set between F2.8 and F16.
And when it’s set to open F2.8, it has a built-in system that automatically narrows down when overexposed.
Exposure compensation is performed with the exposure compensation dial on the left shoulder of the body.
In terms of setting every 1/2 step, it is a part to be handed over to the successor T3 that can set every 1/3 step, but it is the strength of this T2 that intuitive dial operation is possible.
On the other hand, the maximum shutter speed is 1/500 second, so it is unavoidable that if you insert a film with even a little high sensitivity or if it is a pecan, it will be narrowed down immediately.
If possible, I would like to enjoy the Zeiss lens open, but as long as it is a camera with a lens shutter, it can be said that this is unavoidable.
If you want to enjoy the opening, it is recommended to insert an ISO100 film.
AF is suitable for age but MF is also possible
The Contax T2 is basically an autofocus camera.
Then, when it comes to the essential AF performance, it is often said that it is a little quirky.
AF of T2 is infrared type active autofocus .
In other words, it is a method that emits infrared rays from the camera body and detects the reflected infrared rays to measure the distance.
If you pay attention to how to use it, mistakes will decrease, but due to the release year of 1990, it seems that shooting mistakes such as “hollow” sometimes occur .
This hollow is a weakness that users of T2 say in unison.
Conversely, by making full use of the weaknesses of this AF, it is possible to bring out the depiction of the Zeiss lens, which boasts the highest performance.
1990 is an era when AF technology was still developing.
At shooting points that cannot be removed, it is recommended to release the shutter several times as a restraint.
Also, when focusing, it seems that the focus yield will be much higher if you use the “short-distance” focus frame in the center. Basically, try to use a short-distance frame for both near and distant views.
How to handle a high-performance camera is the pleasure of handling the Contax T2.
Let’s get over the Contax T2 and enjoy the depiction that can only be obtained with this camera.
Seamless transition to MF
On the other hand, the convenience of shooting with manual focus is also one of the strengths of the Contax T2 .
Use the dial on the right shoulder of the body to switch between AF and MF, and to set the MF distance.
To switch to MF, simply turn the dial from AF printed in green to the distance number.
Of course, the focus aid works during MF, so it is recommended to use MF positively in situations where you absolutely do not want to lose focus.
The focus aid of the Contax T2 is quite accurate, so let’s take advantage of it when AF is uncertain.
By the way, in the successor T3, in exchange for the improvement of AF accuracy, it took several steps to switch to MF, so it can be said that T2 is clearly superior in terms of MF operability .
Contax T2 variation introduction
The representative of high-end compact cameras, the Contax T2.
It is a normal titanium silver body and titanium black that are easily available second hand.
In fact, there are many other limited edition models of the Contax T2, and they are prized as collector’s items when used.
Here, we will introduce the features of various models that you definitely want to get.
In terms of functionality, they are all the same as the regular model.
Contax T2 (normal model, titanium silver)
First, all the basic Contax T2s released in November 1990.
It is a model of titanium silver, which seems to be a very high-class compact camera.
From this model, the boom of high-end compact cameras began.
Due to the large number of balls in the used market, the used price is also relatively reasonable.
Contax T2 Titanium Black
A color variation of the Contax T2 added in October 1991.
That is Contax T2 Titanium Black .
Speaking of camera color variations, two colors, silver and black, are standard.
A black body was also prepared for the Contax T2, but what is different from other black bodies is the color that makes use of the metallic color of titanium.
It has a brilliant grayish titanium color.
The chic body that blends into the city is perfect for street snaps.
If you want the Contax T2 with a fearless impression, it is recommended to look for this titanium black second hand.
Like titanium silver, used prices are often relatively cheap.
Contax T2 Titanium Gold
The same model released in October 1991 as Titanium Black.
That is Contax T2 Titanium Gold .
Instead of the chic titanium black, this is a luxurious body dressed in gold metal.
The limited edition products described below also have a gold color, but unlike the limited edition gold shiny, this is a shade that makes use of the metallic color of titanium.
The used price is also lower than the limited edition.
If you are using a black iPhone, look for titanium black, and if you are using a gold iPhone, look for titanium gold second hand, and you may be able to match the colors.
[Limited Edition] Contax T2 Gold (60th Anniversary Model)
The Contax T2 Gold was released as a limited edition model in March 1992 .
Limited to 2000 units in Japan and 4000 units overseas.
It is a collector’s item when used, and the used price is high.
This limited edition model was released to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Contax.
Before the war, Contax fought for the title of the rangefinder camera with Barnack Leica.
In 1992, 60 years after the first Contax, the Contax T2, which was the representative model of Kyocera CONTAX, was selected as a commemorative model on a sunny day.
The first thing that differs from the regular model is the body color.
Unlike the titanium gold mentioned above, the gold color of the body is a coloring that extrudes gold to the front rather than titanium.
The 60th anniversary lettering is on the lower right when viewed from the front of the body.
Also, in the normal model, the metallic body part is black.
Comes with a special storage box and cowhide case.
If you’re looking for a second hand collection, it’s a good idea to choose an individual with all the accessories.In addition, the successor Contax T3 has a 70th anniversary model, so it is a good idea to have both.
[Limited Edition] Contax T2 Platinum
Like the Contax T2 Gold, the Contax T2 Platinum was launched in March 1992 as a fully limited edition model .
The body has a platinum coating, and it can be said that the body that shines in platinum silver, which is different from normal titanium silver, is attractive.
The body part of the body is also metallic color like the normal model.
The grip part is upholstered in leather.
The engraving on the lower right of the front of the body is the same as usual.
Instead, the warship is engraved with platinum.
It also comes with a storage box and a cowhide case.
The price is high as a collector’s item.
[Limited Edition] Contax T2 Black (Black Paint)
Released in 1998.
A model produced after the end of production of the regular model of the Contax T2.
It was a limited edition of 2000 units.
The difference from the normal titanium black model is its color.
Unlike titanium black, where you can see the metallic color, this black is “painted black”.
The black body with the coating film gives an impression different from other Contax T2.
The black color, which is reminiscent of a metal camera from the good old days, can only be experienced with this last model.
Since the whole body is black with a sense of unity, it is even more fearless than titanium black.
Second-hand prices are higher than regular models, but cheaper than gold and platinum.
Which to choose, Contax T2 or T3
Now, when looking for a used Contax T series, the question is whether to choose T2 or T3.
Here, I would like to explain the merits of choosing the Contax T2 as a second-hand product.
The operation system of Contax T2 is intuitive
First, the part where Contax T2 is superior to T3.
That is an intuitive and easy-to-use operation system .
The Contax T2 is basically a dial operation that can be operated visually.
The aperture ring is located around the lens, and there is no hesitation in operation with the dial on the shoulder of the body for focusing and switching between AF and MF.
Moreover, switching between auto and manual can be done with a single dial operation.
On the other hand, in Contax T3, the operation method has been changed, such as the presence of a lock on the dial and the need for button operation to switch .
If you want to reflect the photographer’s intentions, you can say that T2 has a long day.
However, it is also true that the reason why the T3 is an operation system that emphasizes auto is that AF and AE have made more progress.
It may be said that the T2’s extensive manual operation is for the photographer to overcome the shortage of cameras.
The T2 is fun to ride, and the T3 is easy to shoot more and more automatically.
It can be said that the T2 is more enjoyable for manual shooting that is unique to film.
If you want to enjoy the taste of the lens, T2
And the lenses are different between T2 and T3.
Both are Carl Zeiss Sonnar T *, but T2 is 38mm F2.8 and T3 is 35mm F2.8, which are different in terms of focal length, and their depictions are different.
Although the excellent depictions unique to Zeiss are common, from the perspective of “taste”, there is definitely an appeal that only T2 lenses have.
The T2 lens has excellent catalog specifications and texture, but it is by no means an honor student lens.
However, if you look at the rise of the photograph you took, when you are “addicted” to it, you can get a rich depiction only with this lens, which can never be realized with other cameras.
On the other hand, the T3 lens is an honor student and has a very high average, but it doesn’t hit a big home run like the T2 lens.
Is it a T3 that hits stably, or a T2 that is second to none in the distance of a home run?
It’s the ultimate choice, but I’ll add that when the T2 hits a big home run, it’s possible to get a godly one.
Used price is much cheaper for T2
Another big advantage of T2 is that the price of second-hand goods is low.
As of 2017, when this article was written, T3 can cost more than $1200.
On the other hand, depending on the condition, T2 can be obtained from the $300 range, even for individuals in very good condition for about $600.
Of course, there is a 10-year difference in the release year, but the appeal of a high-end compact camera remains the same.
A high-class compact that is now used and can be obtained by stretching a little.
That is the Contax T2.
Why don’t you hit the gate of luxury compact with Contax T2?
The Contax T2 is a camera that has opened up the world of high-end compact cameras.
It is a world-famous camera and has a large number of balls in the second-hand market, so it is easily available.
If you are interested in film cameras, you should definitely get a high-end compact.
If you choose one of them, the Contax T2 is perfect because it is the original, it is easy to obtain a used one, and it is easy to enjoy a film camera.
Why don’t you experience the world of high-end compact cameras with the Contax T2?