Contax 645 AF

[jmooney]

Hi All,

Been toying with picking up one of these cameras and I'm curious about the AF. I know it's not as fast as you find on a modern 35 AF body but how do you find it for quick snapshots? I also plan on maybe trying this for train photography, how does the tracking work? I'm not talking trains at full speed but excursion trains near the stations and at crossings and freight at crossings.

Take care,

Jim

 

[MikeSeb]

I own and use this camera with nearly all of its complement of lenses. I've shot skateboarders with it on motion-tracking mode so the AF gets it done. Biggest problem is that it has only one AF sensor, right in the middle of the viewfinder. I find it's much better to AF with the AF button under your right thumb than with a half press on the shutter.

It will work fine for what you have in mind, I think. Great camera, outstanding lenses. Need to buy any? I have a full system I'm toying with selling.

Mike

 

[WRSchmalfuss]

I own and use this camera with nearly all of its complement of lenses. I've shot skateboarders with it on motion-tracking mode so the AF gets it done. Biggest problem is that it has only one AF sensor, right in the middle of the viewfinder. I find it's much better to AF with the AF button under your right thumb than with a half press on the shutter.

It will work fine for what you have in mind, I think. Great camera, outstanding lenses. Need to buy any? I have a full system I'm toying with selling.

Mike

Why do you want so sell this beauty?

 

[dwdmguy]

Mike, how do you like the 80mm f/2? I'm beginning to sell my entire RZ67 kit to pick up this combo.

 

[MikeSeb]

Tom, the 80 is a very good lens, like every lens in the lineup. I have, or have had, the 35, 55, 80, 130, 140, 210, and 350. All are excellent; the 35, 55, 120, 140, and 350 are stellar.

The camera itself has about the best handheld ergonomics of any MF camera I've used. It's ideal for handheld shooting. Metering accuracy is exemplary; controls are well laid out; camera is built like a tank.

Only reason I'm considering selling my system is because I've become spoiled by the huge 6x7 negatives
from the Mamiya 7 and RZ67. I haven't yet done it out of a sense that I'll regret parting with such a superb instrument.

 

[dwdmguy]

Thanks Mike. I'm going to pick up a Contax for sure. Just have to sell my RZ kit which I put up here on Apug.
The RZ is indeed an amazing camera with stunning negs, but I have a condition that weakens my arms and legs and can't hold on to her anymore.
Thanks again.

 

[GraemeMitchell]

I'll second that the 55mm and 120mm makro are stellar. That 120mm in particular is a very very good peace of glass.

 

[dwdmguy]

Thanks, I look forward to getting this. Found around me someone has the camera body, back and finder for $600.
I recently put up my RZ kit and price so we'll see.
Best,
Tom

 

[GraemeMitchell]

Just a heads up, in my experience, the contax's can have electronics failures in the bodies. They'll just stop working. Completely. Happened twice to me with two different bodies.

All cameras break, and maybe I just had bad luck, hence I'm always wary of saying negative things like this as I don't intend to suggest my experience is the norm. I'm mentioning it so if need to have a camera, then I'd pick up a back up body or two. Always a good idea, but not something I'd necessarily go out of my way like this to suggest to a RZ owner or Hassy V owner.

 

[dwdmguy]

Thanks for the heads up. How did you reslove your electrical failure?

 

[GraemeMitchell]

In both cases I called the rental houses and they couriered me new bodies immediately. It began b/c I had played with a friends very briefly and liked it, so then rented one for a job and it failed. Rented one again from another rental house for another job and it failed too. That was the last time I shot them. Shame, b/c the glass and ergonomics are really nice. Both rental places confirmed later the bodies had indeed tanked, and neither seemed particularly surprised.

Keep in mind though that rental gear, especially older models like that, have seen A LOT of use in NYC, so I'm not claiming this is the norm. I've also had it happen with Pentax 67s, w/ the film transport mechanisms failing. Again, a shame, b/c like the contax it is one of my favorite systems as far as shooting and lenses. Though, I still rent the Pentax's when needed but always make sure to get 2 bodies, at least.