Contax RTS Camera Review & Sample Photos

[@iandonald8843]

I really enjoyed watching this video. This is the first review I have seen of a Contax RTS. I remember that as a young man in 1982 I had been saving hard to buy my dream camera - a Canon A1. In England, at that time, most towns had a camera shop or two, owned and staffed by enthusiasts who knew their stuff and who specialised in cameras, lenses and accessories but nothing else. In the large shop window I remember, sitting on a higher level than anything else and on its own velvet display cushion, was a Contax RTS. I stood and admired it, drooling! The Canon A1 I was saving to buy cost about 250 British Pounds but the Contax cost about 1000. There was no way on Earth I could afford that much. The shop owner knew this but he still let me handle and try the Contax and some different lenses. It was very kind of him - knowing all along that I wasn't going to buy it. I will never forget that day - and your video has brought all those memories flooding back. Thank you so much for that. I eventually bought my A1 and enjoyed using it for many years - but I really wanted that Contax! I always enjoy your videos - they are so professionally presented and relaxing to watch. Kind Regards from England

[@saschamilenkovic4320]

Lovely story, thanks for sharing.

[@dalkapur]

I have to comment. I have two film cameras, a Leica M6 and a Contax RTS II with the Carl Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 Planar and a 100mm f/2.0 Planar. Spooky huh!! The RTS is a joy to use as is the M6 in a different way. I'm twice your age, and my eyesight isn't so good, so fail to nail focus with the 50mm at 1.4 too many times. I'm much better with a rangefinder. My daughter uses the Contax now, but I still use my Carl Zeisses with an adapter for my Canon 6D. Using Live View and the magnifier, I nail focus and the images are simply the most rewarding of all my lenses. Thanks for the review.

[@AnalogInsights]

Richard Huggins Well that is funny indeed. Thanks for leaving such a nice comment and sharing your gear setup. :)

[@carbondragon]

I love the Contax RTS, the problem is that their "first gen" electronics are fragile and kind of jammed into the body. My local repair guy was a Yashica repair tech for his whole life, but the parts just aren't available anymore to repair/replace the electronics. I've had 2 RTS 1s, and 1 RTS 2 and they're all unserviceable now. I bought an RTS III and it developed a fault too but my local tech found a source in Japan for the part. Only took 2 years to find. Anyway the RTS III and Aria are still working and you're right it's a wonderful system to use. If you have a working one, treasure it. I think they nailed the user interface. Great video and keep up the good work.

[@Jacob98376]

OMG what an amazing story! I love those stories about old camera finds!

[@GaIvatr0n]

Becoming one of my favourite channels. Thank you for this archive of gems. I've had my eye on these but never seen a review until now. Wonderful videography, review and photos.

[@AnalogInsights]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback. I really appreciate it.

[@DonalLeader]

Thank you Max and Jules for this beautiful tribute to the Contax range of cameras. I really admired your compositions, so clearly considered and perfectly executed. You did the RTS proud. I picked up a Contax 139Q O’Meara years ago complete with lens and winder for a small sum of money in a Paris flea market. Some repairs were reared but worth the investment. I have since added the Contax 167MT and on the watch for a Contax RX at a reasonable price. The sense of physicality and the superb engagement with the image-making is what I like. Eye, brain and mind must all work together. Well done you guys!

[@fxvsdx35]

Great job Max. Contax made some of the highest quality and unique cameras. you will be pleasantly surprised when you try the super solid Contax RTS III (built in vacuum back to flatten the film), and the Contax AX which will autofocus with the manual Zeiss lenses (no kidding, just look into it). Keep up the good work.

[@brunoeiler8192]

How is Great to keep same hobbies and or profession of past generations of relatives and good friends ... To be able keep using and producing remarkable images with their original equipment , perpetuating and providing continuation to their actions and work in photography, keeping a history on them and on their câmeras and lenses .... That is passion for photography ;-)

[@bagazheful]

Bruno, there's a photographer John Free on KZbin, that told a story how he photographed his new born son with Nikon F3 and his son did same thing when he had his own child. That's a great example.

[@danmadrid335]

I once owned a contax range finder. The images were amazing better than any Nikon or Cannons that I owned. The lens were very unforgiving with portraits. Great story by the way, thanks .

[@steveg8322]

A family heirloom, Max ,nothing gives greater joy.

[@metocvideo]

Another very nice review, Max, and a great story to go with it. I am a subscriber, and apart from the reviews, the comments section is such a pleasure to read, with lots of old timers like me who remember the cameras you talk about when they were brand new! It pleases me to think that young people are still able to enjoy using these wonderful cameras from the 1960’s and later, before digital. I think it was the “golden age” for cameras.

[@sjootme8496]

I recentely purchased a pristine 1975 Contax RTS + Planar 50mm 1.4 + Real Time Winder. 299 euro in total and it came with a 12 months warranty. That's how sure this well known shop was of this camera. I looked up just the going rates for the Planar and I couldn't find it (in NL) under 400 euro. Aside from that, this camera is such a joy to use (oh, that satisfying sound and feel, indeed)...and the metering is spot on accurate (passed the litmus test: Ektachrome E100)! Of all my cameras (incl digital) this is now my favourite. I don't think I'll ever part with it. Oh, here's the punchline: I watched this video back in 2017, again late 2018 and I'm pretty sure this had subconsciously stuck with me, until I happened upon the opportunity in Feb 2019 :). Cheers.

[@brianmccutcheon3205]

Totally enjoyed your video, so much so brought a Contax RTS straight away and some lens. It is a pleasure to listen to you. Thanks again. Regards Brian

[@AnalogInsights]

Brian McCutcheon Thanks so much for your comment. Makes me really happy to hear that. Hope you enjoy the RTS as much as I do. :)

[@pervertt]

Good to see this great camera enjoyed by a new generation of photographers instead of being stuffed away in an attic. In 1982, when I first took up photography, the closest I came to the RTS was gazing at one in a shop window with covertous eyes. I loved the clean body styling (Courtesy of FA Porsche) and could only imagine what the Zeiss optics might have been like. A number of SLRs went through my ownership in the 80s and 90s. Sadly, none of them was a Contax. Then the digital tsunami hit the photography world and 8 years ago I managed to buy an RTS on eBay. It was in excellent condition, partly because it had been owned by someone who had worked in a camera shop before and who treated it with care and respect. I couldn't use it as it was the body only, and I had to wait another 2 years before I found a matching Zeiss 50mm Planar lens. It is a shame that Contax cameras are no longer being made. I'd love to see a Contax DSLR for the contemporary market, if anything to ensure that older Zeiss lenses with a C/Y mount are used as intended.

[@Seele2015au]

pervertt It is also worth mentioning that the actual design of the camera was mostly penned by Dr Katsuiko Sugaya, especially the shutter which was, and still is, of quite outstanding performance.

[@mortis7957]

I just now came across your channel for the first time. Very nice video and review, and you have a very pleasant and warm voice and manner. I owned the RTS back in the '70's when it first came out, along with the 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.4, and the 25mm f2.8. All wonderful lenses but that 85 f1.4 was an astonishing portrait lens. I also had the motor drive. I loved that camera and lenses and the results I got from it. I sold the whole kit in the mid 80's and have missed it dearly ever since. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story.

[@AnalogInsights]

MORTIS Thanks for your wonderful comment. I really appreciate it. Too bad you sold that kit! It must have been amazing. Especially that 85mm f/1.4 lens sounds fantastic!

[@carandmel]

I just got my RTS ii and a 45mm f/2.8 and can't wait to put a roll of Portra 400 and test it. Thank you for this video, it was one of the reasons why I decided to purchase this camera. It feels very solid &the shutter sounds amazing. I am so happy with it!

[@WillAustin]

Thanks for sharing this great story and for your images. The RTS was my first pro camera. A pro photographer friend of mine said he would send me his 2nd body to try out with a couple of Zeiss lenses and my first proof sheet blew my mind. Even seeing the images tiny they looked 3D and the colors were beautiful. I bought the camera and got a few more lenses and my career was started. I still have the camera and lenses plus a couple more bodies. One thing I don't think you mentioned is that Yashica hired the Porsche Design Studio to design the camera. Seen in person it is difficult to imagine a more beautiful camera. It is still more of a modern design than anything available today. And yes, looking through the viewfinder is incredible, it will ruin you for most any modern digital camera.

[@rbruce63]

So nice to learn that photography runs so deep in your family!

[@WyantWin]

I've watched this video like 3 times. So excited for my own, still shipping from Japan! Hope you do more gear oriented- In the field , in depth review of more 35mm bodies!

[@AnalogInsights]

Oh, that's really wonderful. Glad you enjoy the video and are looking forward to your own Contax RTS. I can really relate to that feeling. And yes, we have a lot more 35mm body reviews planned. :)

[@VirtualGuth]

I am old enough to remember the Contax RTS when it was still in production. It was very highly regarded back in its day. Much was made of the fact that the Porsche Design Group handled the industrial design of this camera. (It shows as this is a gorgeous piece of gear.) I was still in my teens when the RTS was around and can recall my local camera store allowing me to handle this camera even though it was far beyond my means at the time (I instead purchased a used Praktica LTL). Given the great background story involving your aunt and her time spent at Zeiss, this camera along with the lenses are definitely keepers.

[@pixelpanache]

I didn’t see you using it, so I would like to point out that the f/3,5 200mm has a built-in lens hood. The thin ring in front of the rubber focus collar is the end of the hood. Pull it forward to extend it. The whole RTS series are wonderful cameras and the lenses are amazing. Thank you for bringing attention to them.

[@contaxpaulharrison942]

Nice video, I started out with my mothers camera sadly it was a Kodak instamatic. I bought a Yashica Fx3, and when my brother asked me what camera to buy I suggested a Contax, and he bought a 137ma and he eventually passed it on to me, So I got in to Contax via my sibling as well although I had a bit of a hand in it. I still have the 137ma and it still works after 30 years so. I have ended up with quite a few contaxes, and do own an RTS although it is being serviced at the moment, and is stuck in the repairers under lockdown. I used my RTS II this week, and the quality of it stood out. Most of the Contaxes are very good, with good viewfinders and excellent Zeiss lenses. The later contaxes have more metering options and better specs, although they still tend to operate in similar ways.

[@behindeachfilmgrain]

I love my Contax RTS too Max! I wish I could afford the Contax 85mm F1.4 & the 50mm F1.4 Planner lenses! Maybe one day? The body and functionality are amazing! So simple to use and the meter is spot on! I have the 50mm F1.9 Yashica lens and works just fine.

[@AnalogInsights]

I couldn't agree me. I'd also love to own the 85mm f/1.4 lens. It must be fantastic and I'd love to give it a try. :)

[@TheresaPewal]

Ich hab diese Kamera heut erhalten und bin dank eurem sehr netten Video noch motivierter. Vielen Dank! :)

[@AnalogInsights]

Cool, das freut mich. Viel Spaß damit! :)

[@VortekShow]

Wirklich tolles Video. Danke das du dir dabei so viel Mühe gegeben hast

[@AnalogInsights]

VortekShow Dankeschön! Machen wir doch gerne. :)

[@Nerdzombiedisco]

Contax RTS, Nikon F, Canon F-1, Leica M4-P, Pentax 67. The robust Legends.

[@bradleyzimmerman4184]

My grandfather was a photographer but he died when I was 3. He used to test film for Kodak and equipment from various manufacturers. His main work was in the oil business and used to go to the Middle East for his job and carried "Spy" cameras to take pictures secretly. My Grandmother sold off a lot of his gear and let me pick over some she hadn't sold yet when I was around 10 years old. Not knowing what I had my hands on back then I kick myself in the ass with how I treated it. He had a couple of real old rangefinders he bought when new (and they still looked new) as well as some lenses. Some of the names I remember were Leica, Leitz, Zeiss, Voigtlander, Minox etc.. Years later, as my passion for photography grew, resulting in me co-managing a camera store, I really got to learn what I actually had at one time in my hands. I treated them as though they were toys. Well you can guess at my dismay. I wished it were different, like your lovely story of how you got this equipment. Now, I couldn't care less about its monetary value. Its historical value and family heirloom value would far out weigh the cost. When I think of those boxes full of all that gear! From micro film, and 35mm to 4x5 veiw cameras and Speed Graphics. Focusing rails, light meters, movie cameras, projectors etc.. All gone! What a shame and a true pity.

[@marcp.1752]

I do know Carl Zeiss as a brand (nowadays only ZEISS) since i was 9, and made my 1st shots with a cheap 0815 compact camera. Nowadays, i do own the Contax139, the Contax RX and the Contax RTS. I do love the Contax Zeiss (C/Y) Lenses, also the Yashica ML Series for it. I never felt the same amount of joy with any other System, which means Minolta, Canon, Nikon, Pentax etc. back into it's day - and even nowadays. I am collecting C/Y Lenses since decades, and still shoot with them, also digitally adapted onto my Sony A7.

[@alexcheetah79]

Thanks to this video Contax rts prices will skyrocket on Ebay.

[@davidnixon8106]

Beautiful video and wonderful camera! Thank you for sharing it.

[@marcp.1752]

I do love my RTS Series, have the RTS I, II & III. Sadly, the III isn't working anymore. There's nothing more enjoy-able than Film Photography, much more than "digital". Even i have my RTS since decades, i've watched this Video over & over...well done.

[@BriteFrog]

Another wonderful, and insightful video Max. When I first entered photography back in the early '80's, I fell in love with this camera, with its design, and the Zeiss optics of course. I had to settle on a Pentax K1000 , but was fortunate to have learned (mostly by trial and error) the art of photography, and freedom of being in complete control over the results. It would be interesting if you could do a comparative video between the RTS (all models), 167MT, and 139Q...A review of the Contax 645 would be nice as well...One can read all the specs anywhere, but you have a knack of bringing the details to life :)

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks so much for your kind comment. I really appreciate your praise. We probably won't manage to pull of a comparative video between the camera's you've mentioned. But a review of the Contax 645 might be possible one day. :)

[@amosk24]

your videos are the best. i watch them and get inspired to go out shooting. keep up the great work 😊

[@AnalogInsights]

Oh wow! Thanks so much for your lovely comment. This really means a lot to me. Glad to hear that we can inspire others to go out and shoot more film. :)

[@markahomer]

I remember the reviews in the 70s. Highly regarded camera. Interesting video.

[@signalvideo1]

Another great review Max! Wonderful family treasure. Hope your Grandmother is in good health! Lovely portrait of her.

[@trevorwarner6196]

Wow! How nice. I too am a contax user i have have two bodies and several amazing zeiss lenses including the three that you mentioned. I would say that the 60mm f2.8 macro in unquestionably the finest lens that I have ever used. I purchased a Sony A7ii and an adapter that allows me to shoot with my many zeiss lenses, and i am always astounded with the brilliant optical performance. I still shoot film but not as often.

[@pandaenthusiast01]

what an awesome find. The macro lens especially was lovely paired with the portra.

[@AnalogInsights]

Miles Jackson Thanks! Glad you like the macro images on Portra. :)

[@matteovrizzi]

the sharpness and colors of that Makro Planar lens are incredible.

[@robiulahmed]

Nice. You really nailed the focus, exposure and composition to yield some great results!

[@angelisone]

Max, ATG/Yashica/Kyocera actually built & made three versions. The fourth was abandoned because ATG gone and made a bigger model to compete with Hasselblad & Rolleiflex, the Contax 645 came into the world. The Contax RTS came to Photokina 1974 and available in camera stores of 1975. Contax RTS II (signed by ATG in rare Scientific/Medical versions) in 1982. Contax RTS III came out in 1991. I have three RTS with the motordrive, engraved (signed) by ATG. Did your Aunt ever meet ATG when working with Zeiss? She may not, because it was top secret that only a few from Hensoldt & Grenzschutzgruppe 9 (GSG 9) would know about ATG. And did she ever get to see the ATG/Zeiss T* 210/0.03? This lenses was the world and still the fastest lenses ever built. Very rare that many photographers will not sale. I have the modified model, ATG Zeiss T* 210/0.03 Kim X3 with adapters for Canon, Olympus and Sony. But the rare model & unique at that time was the ATG's Contax AX - manual lenses turns to AF. ATG also assisted with unique cameras that also use Carl Zeiss lenses, the Rolleiflex 3000 and 3003. Well done, Max and Jules.

[@steveember8972]

Another fine review, with charming story of your fortunate serendipitous find! Tempted to look for one myself.!

[@Xirevam]

Hi Max, you and Jules are excellent photographers but you are awesome videographers as well. The choice of music is also great. A very good review of Contax RTS. It made me want to try one of them. Personally I'm interested in the all manual Contax S2 or Yashica FX-3 Super 2000 and trying Carl Zeiss lenses on one of them. Cheers.

[@AnalogInsights]

Oh wow! Thanks so much for your kind words and comment. Jules and I feel flattered and really appreciate it. Yes, the Contax S2 is also an interesting (and significantly newer) option to explore and to try some Carl Zeiss lenses. :)

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Lovely story. Lovely photos. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[@marcp.1752]

I've had this SLR twice, sold it, and bought it again. It's nowhere being perfect, as the "perfect" SLR or Camera into general doesn't exist, but it does make me smile, whileas being using it. Besides this, i do also like the 139 Quartz very much. These old C/Y Yashica ML Series & Zeiss (MM) Lenses are being excellent. Still my fave ones, over Decades.

[@SuperNovember28]

Great job working with this wonderful camera and lens..

[@mariodiponio3014]

Nice pictures! Especially the portraits.

[@AnalogInsights]

Mario Di Ponio Thanks a lot for your kind comment. :)

[@bwest6275]

Wow, your aunt had excellent taste! Nice find, congrats. I’ve always wanted an AX myself 👌

[@coquiangel]

I enjoyed this video/review. Thank you for sharing.

[@AnalogInsights]

coquiangel Glad to hear that! Thanks for your comment and kind feedback.

[@NickExposed]

Great video! Ive always wanted to get my hands on one of these to try out. I used the 50/1.4 once before. I came across one that had been converted over to Nikon mount and used it on a FM2 I had for a bit. Fantastic lens!! And thats a great story on how you came across it. Ive had family members mention they have film cameras they want to give to me, but its always been point and shoots. haha. Never anything as wonderful as this!

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks so much for your comment, Nick! I really appreciate it that you're taking the time to watch my videos. :) It appears that the conversion to Nikon mount you're mentioning was quite common as others have pointed that out as well. And yes, this is definitely my best find in my family so far (besides my father's Minolta XD7). :)

[@NickExposed]

Of course I take time to watch the vids, I love what you are putting out! Always an inspiration!

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks so much, man. Means a lot to me. Unfortunately, I hardly manage to watch any other KZbinrs these days. :( I'll try to take more time for that again.

[@domgreco7]

Another quality video. Thank you both for the great content.

[@jacktouristt]

Another great video, Max! Just one remark, when you're talking about the buttons like mirror lock up and depth of field, it would have been nice to see a close up. It breaks the consistency a bit, because you showed ISO dial, exp. comp. and the meter button. Preview of the viewfinder was a nice touch, although that was a bit bright. Keep it up!

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks so much for your kind comment and pointing that out. We've missed filming and integrating the other buttons in this case. Sorry about that! The viewfinder section was filmed with my iPhone and we made an attempt to stabilize it in AfterEffects and then I forgot to reduce the brightness in DaVinci Resolve afterwards. Sorry! :)

[@n1k1george]

Brings back memories...thank you.

[@Unidente02]

Hi. Working on a limited budget, and I am getting a Contax 137 MA. I don't mind making adjustments in the field when taking photographs. Still, your video is most informative, and I liked the photo samples, particularly the portraits. Such beautiful detail! The camera I am getting does not come with Zeiss glass, unfortunately, but I will look for it in the near future. The story about how you got the camera is also enjoyable, and you received a wonderful heirloom.

[@Otokichi786]

Those were the days, when Carl Zeiss lenses came back to the market on a (relatively) affordable camera body. I was/am a Nikon user, so all I could do then was look at it through the camera store window and wonder if I was missing something. It's 2017, the digital photography age, and I'm still wondering if I should put the Nikon D7000 aside and search eBay for a Contax RTS and fresh 35mm film. As for the Contax/Yashica cameras, the leatherette covering has been known to fall apart, leaving sticky adhesive + "fuzzy mange" on camera bodies. I never ran into that problem on any other camera system, from Petri to Nikon to Ye Olde Leica IIIa.

[@aytacyariktas2389]

Beautiful music choices! Thank you!

[@khronokraze]

what a great discovery!

[@AnalogInsights]

Yes, indeed. :)

[@photog1529]

I have an RTS II...like the RTS, beautifully built and feels wonderful in your hands. I'd also recommend the 35-70/3.4 lens...so sharp and crisp, you'd think it was a prime lens.

[@babarfyi]

Great story and, as always, great content. I've passed on buying that camera many times in flea markets. Obviously a mistake...

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks so much for your kind comment. Haha, maybe you should get an RTS if you come across one at the next flea market. :) I'm usually a bit worried about camera conditions on flea markets and have never had a good find so far. Hm... :)

[@amosk24]

Amazing image quality!

[@jazzman1626]

I have a Contax RTSII that needs the light seals replaced now. It has a Carl Zeiss 50mm f1.7 , a 70- 210mm Zeiss Jena and Yashica 28mm lenses . The shutter release is very sensitive, so I have to keep my finger away from it until I want to activate it 😂. With my hand shaking, the sensitive shutter button is actually an advantage along with the heavy weight of the camera.

[@khairhouu1]

I love contax rts, very handsome design, easy to use and very great pict with cz 50/1,4.

[@bagazheful]

I really hope someday my children (non existent yet) could appreciate my modest camera collection :)

[@carltanner9065]

Just shows you what a few years can do for prices. On ebay, there is a beautiful RTS for sale, in very much the same conditions as your camera. However, 130 euro wouldn't buy the ISO dial on the camera!!! The average prices these cameras go for now is around $1000 Australian (around US$600/600 euro). This camera came with a Carl Zeiss 40-80mm f/3.5 Vario Sonnar lens. Knowing how good these cameras and lenses are, I'd love to buy it but unfortunately my budget doesn't quite stretch that far. I also eyed off three other Carl Zeiss lenses that would go really nicely with the camera. Whole system would set me back close to $3000, but if I had the money I'd buy it in a heartbeat :) If you're looking for some extra lenses to go with your RTS, I can give you the links to the lenses, if you'd like.

[@frstesiste7670]

I'm (unfortunately) old enough to remember the RTS launch. I was just getting into photography and the RTS looked really cool and was fairly expensive. While certainly an interesting camera I couldn't find any real advantage to switch from my Canon gear. Zeiss lenses maybe, but Canon and Nikon also made excellent lenses at that time and had a much wider lens selection. The same was to some extent true for Minolta, Olympus and Pentax and that's maybe why the Contax cameras never became more than niche products. Yashica made a series cameras with their own name and the same mount, but lower prices. That didn't help much either for market share and this system never made out of the tiny niche category and finally faded away when everyone else moved to autofocus. They certainly made some excellent cameras, but probably were too late to take on the "big five" that dominated the SLR-market at the time.

[@haithamalmuzayan3050]

thank you for such an amazing review !

[@JHurrenPhotography]

I've always thirsted for these lenses, but you have made me take a square look at the camera itself. You helped me with this information with another camera... I have to ask if the shutter can do 1/2 or 1/3rd stops, if the owner has control over this. Specifically I'm wondering about the RTSii. This is one of your most inspiring films. Thank you for making them

[@streetskier]

Amazing video! I still feel as though the contax zeiss lenses are a secret that we should all keep very hush hush, as the prices are still very affordable! I love that 60mm! If you can get your hands on the Leica 60mm macro I would love to see a comparison of the two!

[@andresrojas5222]

love the colors 😍😍😍

[@johngraver2828]

Brilliant video, really enjoyed . . . . thank you . . . .

[@mamiyapress]

Enjoyable as always but I feel so ashamed, I have the RTS in my collection but I have never used it, this is about to change having watched your excellent video.

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks for your comment. Ah, you shouldn't be ashamed. It only means that it is about time to run a roll of film through your RTS again. :)

[@geoffreyanthony4276]

Very good video as we expect from you. Well done! Just a thought though - the age of these fine cameras means that spares for the electronic shutters may become difficult or impossible. I have a Contax 167 and a 139 with the Planar lenses. I bought a Yashica FX-2 with a mechanical shutter so I can continue using the Planars in the vent of an electronics failure. Geoff A

[@fabiencazeau1506]

Great video. I'm also impressed by the quality of your scans... What scanner and soft are you using?

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks for your comment and question. As mentioned in the video description, these images were scanned at my trusted lab (www.meinfilmlab.de) on professional Fuji Frontier SP-3000 or Noritsu scanners.

[@fabiencazeau1506]

Thank you very much for your answer. I'll have a look at this! That's a really great quality.

[@SammySantiagoIrizarry]

Great video and review!!!!

[@AnalogInsights]

Sammy Santiago Thanks a lot! 🙏🏻

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks! :)

[@philmtx3fr]

Great camera even if I prefer theRTS 2 à little bit better every where but all give access the the Contax lenses which are of course great.

[@rorythorns1597]

Got mine yesterday! cant wait to go out and shoot! Awesome video :)

[@milodermick2981]

I buy this Contax rts, wonderfull video...

[@riddance77]

Klasse Story zur Kamera. Ich hatte auch einmal eine 167MT mit Yashica Linsen. Da sie mir aber zu schwer war, w.g. Motor, Batterien und dem lauten Vorspulgeräusch. Ich bin halt ein Nikon Fanboy :D

[@AnalogInsights]

riddance77 Haha, da kann man dann wohl nichts machen. Irgendwer muss mir mal die Nikons näher bringen. :)

[@riddance77]

Vlt. kann man sich ja mal in treffen. Ich will vlt. auf der Wiesn ein paar Cinestill 800d verschießen.

[@gunnarlahmann754]

Hallo Max, ich antworte mal an dieser Stelle. Denn ich möchte hier kurz einbringen, dass die Nikon FM2n in meinen Augen die genialste Spiegelreflex ist, die ich kenne (bis jetzt). Ich bevorzuge Sie vor allen anderen SLRs die ich verwende oder verwendet habe. Einen Test kann ich nur empfehlen... Vielen Dank für das großartige, informative Video in gewohnt hoher qualität und beste Grüße.

[@AnalogInsights]

Sehr gerne mal treffen. Du wohnst ja ohnehin in der Münchner Gegend, oder? Nur auf die Wiesn bekommen mich keine vier Brauereipferde. Da müssten wir uns etwas anderes überlegen. :) Können ja mal auf Instagram schreiben.

[@AnalogInsights]

Hi Gunnar! Danke für den Hinweis und deinen lieben Kommentar. Freut mich sehr! Habe schon viele von der Nikon FM2n schwärmen hören und möchte die Kamera unbedingt mal ausprobieren. Es muss sich nur eine passende Gelegenheit zum Testen ergeben. :)

[@msamiullah001]

what a great story

[@user-mq5ty8qn6p]

Dachbodenfund - geil. Bin gespannt was du da als naechstes findest 👍 Schoenes Video again!

[@francoisthailande2440]

Hi Max, at 10:31 I assume you've chosen to include this plan with the Porsche as a nod to the RTS camera, which is also a Porsche design !

[@AnalogInsights]

Haha, good spot, François. No, that brief Porsche feature was not intentional. But we had recorded a moderation section on the camera's design (ergonomical study by Porsche Design group and so on) but decided to cut it out in order to avoid unnecessary length of the video.

[@GeorgeStar]

Much better value than a Leica R with equivalent quality lenses.

[@joangilisuarez7090]

Max congratulations on your video. The reviews are always insightful and very complete. Just one question if I may, can I adapt Minolta lenses to this camera body (i asume not), the camera is cheap but some of the lenses cost more than 1000€ (the 35 and 50mm are ok in price but short teles...)

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks for your kind words. I really appreciate it. Well, from what I could find on a quick Google search, there are no adapters for Minolta (MC/MD?) lenses to this camera body. But maybe you should take another look yourself. It is true that some of the Carl Zeiss lenses are still quite expensive (the 60mm Macro we use in the video still goes for 500-600 Euros on eBay) but they are certainly worth it!

[@the_last_rangefinder_society]

Peach of a camera (once you’ve mastered the ‘I was just cleaning it and it went off’ electromagnetic shutter release………)

[@sergeykonov8859]

Superb!!!

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks. :)

[@luigiscarpelli74]

I have a Contax RTS too. I have mounted a Carl Zeiss f2.8 - 28mm. The battery works properly but I cannot see anything through teh viewfinder. Can you explain why to me, pls?

[@AnalogInsights]

Is there maybe a problem with the mirror? Does the shutter release work properly including the mirror flipping up and back down again?

[@faihafirdaus8313]

@@AnalogInsights i have a same case with juris and have check the mirror. It didn't flip automatically. Do you know how to fix this?

[@SomeUnremarkableGuy]

Man I am impressed how you nail that focus. Are there any tips and tricks you can share? I am shooting with Minolta x570 which has nice bright viefinder, but sometimes not sure whether I got the focus or not, and I tend avoid to those taking pictures then.

[@nocommentnoname1111]

Had that cam - great!

[@neilpiper9889]

Cloth shutter? I am surprised. My Yashica fxd quartz has a vertical Copal Square focal plane shutter. I bought it complete with a Yashica 50mm f2 ml lens for £20. Excellent results.

[@michaelcook7206]

I enjoyed your video and you seem to be getting similar quality as the Leica M6 at a fraction of the cost. One question, when focusing does it have a split image or similar on the centre of lens to assist focusing. Many Thanks Mike

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks for your kind feedback. Yes, there is a focusing mechanism in the center of of viewfinder. It's not a regular split image but works really fine. I couldn't find the English term for this mechanism but it is described in the camera's manual which you can find online here: www.butkus.org/chinon/contax/contax_rts/contax_rts.pdf

[@salaf4609]

I like your reviews because your attatute and language suits the film camera era most reviewers here in UK and US use faul language i wished they were never on KZbin Keep it just like this👍

[@sols9449]

What kind of focus is it two half circles come together? Do the lenses also work on the yashica cameras

[@cosminovidiumunteanu]

Nice.. well, I never did get Contax's idea of placing the shutter speed and iso controls the other way around. If Someone would like acces to Zeiss Contax lenses is good to know that they can be mounted on Yashicas too. Might be even cheaper.

[@AnalogInsights]

Cosmin Munteanu Thanks for your comment and pointing this out. Indeed a valuable information that I could have mentioned. :)

[@vinegarhillny]

It was such a weird choice! The other thing I don't like about the RTS is that when you press the button on the front to show the meter reading it doesn't stay on at all, you have to keep the button pressed. I would have preferred the display to stay on for 5-8 seconds like my Nikon FM2 and FE2. In spite of those flaws I still really like the RTS. It's beautiful and has a really nice feel to it. I use it almost exclusively in aperture priority mode and you don't notice the weird controls configuration as much. Yes, there's a whole slew of Yashicas you can also use. I have an FX-2 as a backup body. It's fine but kind of cheap looking and basic compared to the RTS.

[@vhapre]

Thank you.

[@justcallmesando]

"Now I understand why my aunt´s last name was Zeiss..."

[@igogee]

Very nice video thanks

[@michelejones5538]

I almost bought one. My camera repair guy had one with 3 Zeiss lenses. But I already have tons and tons of cameras, so I didn’t buy it. Maybe I should have.

[@filmniyom]

Cool camera😊

[@user-pt1kj5uw3b]

I would love to see you try out the Contax G1 or G2

[@AnalogInsights]

Case Potter Alright, noted. Will do. :)

[@docsportello5833]

thank you for sharing and all the information, very helpful. I wanted to find a camera to shoot mij carl zeiss distagon 28mm lens. I ended up buying the yashica fx-3 :)

[@user-tt2di9bn3i]

Hi Max! Great review, thank you! I have one small question, what would be your personal choice between this contax and an Olympus om 4/4ti, and why? Thank you in advance.