Contax RTS vs RTS2 whats the difference?

[harlequin]

Dear Photorio Members,

I have an opportunity to get a Contax RTS2, in trade for some items.

I have used an RTS many years ago as my camera was being serviced.

Is it possible to get an adaptor for Nikon or canon lenses on it, as the Planars etc
are still very pricy, even the 50mm 1.4 is almost at Hasselblad levels...

Does any APUG member have sample shot with this camera, was wondering
if there is anything to look out for other than a sticky feeling on the body....

Thanks!

Harlequin

 

[IN468]

the only reason to buy a contax RTS /RTS2 are the Zeiss lenses, you cant adapt nikkor or canon lenses without a lens in the adaptor

the dream lenses are distagon 1,4/35 and planar 1,4/85

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Contax RTS III, Zeiss 50mm f1.4

Contax RTS III, 50mm f1.4

Both shots on Ektar 100.

 

[bimmey]

I have used both, and still have the RTS. The lens kit is 28mm 2.8 50mm 1.4 and 85mm 2.8 As IN468 said the lenses are the only reason to get the RTS II. Some samples had electrical problems, and my camera repair guy had disdain for them. The improved LED data display is enough to opt for the RTS II.

 

[bimmey]

A couple of pics with the Planar 50mm 1.4

https://flic.kr/p/21FEoDP


https://flic.kr/p/21um58m

 

[Alan Gales]

http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Contax_RTS_II

To add to this, the RTSll has an electronic self timer instead of a mechanical one. The RTSll also has a switch to lock the shutter release where I don't think the original RTS did.

I've never owned one but I shot a Contax 139 for many years. I also owned a couple 167MT's. Like others have said, the main reason to own Contax is for the Zeiss glass. I have found Contax are the most ergonomical 35mm cameras followed by Leica R series. Of course this was with my hands.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

An RTS II would be a quality upgrade over an RTS - the RTS is getting old enough that the internal electronics are no longer reliable. These days, though, an RTS III is quite affordable, relatively speaking. It's a brick of a camera, though - not for the small of hands or weak of forearm. The RTS II can at least be used with the motor winder detached if you want to lighten the load. What are you being asked to trade for the RTS II, and what guarantees do you have as to the serviceability of the camera?

 

[Fixcinater]

The RTS can be used with the relatively inexpensive Yashica lenses, which seem to me to be typical Japanese quality from the era. Also, there is an M42 adapter available (Fotodiox) that will allow infinity focus, if you get the one without a lip around the entire mount. Has to look like the original Pentax M42/PK adapter, and you could grab a Tamron Adapt-all lens mount and use some of their SP or otherwise nicer lenses in that lineup as well.

The Planar 50/1.4 is very very good, however, it's the reason I have an RTS body.

 

[Alan Gales]

The RTS can be used with the relatively inexpensive Yashica lenses, which seem to me to be typical Japanese quality from the era. Also, there is an M42 adapter available (Fotodiox) that will allow infinity focus, if you get the one without a lip around the entire mount. Has to look like the original Pentax M42/PK adapter, and you could grab a Tamron Adapt-all lens mount and use some of their SP or otherwise nicer lenses in that lineup as well.

The Planar 50/1.4 is very very good, however, it's the reason I have an RTS body.

So is the 50mm f1.7 lens that came with my Contax 139. It's cheaper too but of course not as fast. Before I bought my Zeiss 180mm f2.8 lens I had a Tamron SP zoom lens. It was a very nice lens!

 

[colin wells]

I use an RTS with the lens adapter for M42 mount the M42 adapter opens the door to a whole host of cheap quality lenses Zeiss, Pentacon, Pentax are all usable with excellent results .For some reason M42 are cheap even Zeiss

 

[naaldvoerder]

The rts and the rts 2 are two very different camera's with a very similar look. The 2 has a titanium shutter and a bigger viewfinder coverage, among other improvements.

 

[pentaxpete]

I was given an RTS II Quartz ( saved it from 'The Dump'') with winder, huge flash etc and the 50mm f1.4 Planar T* but it seems to suffer from 'back focus' at f1.4 -- to get it sharp enough I have to focus forward. I don't reckon it is any better than my 1975 era 50mm f1.4 SMC Takumar - the famous 'Radio-Active' one , I used the Planar on my Yashica FR-1 saved form The Dump at the same time to see if the focus is better.
50mm f1.4 Zeiss Planar T* at f1.4 on FR-1

 

[Paul Howell]

Dear Photorio Members,

I have an opportunity to get a Contax RTS2, in trade for some items.

I have used an RTS many years ago as my camera was being serviced.


I guess if your getting a decent trade, but if you want to shoot with Zeiss glass for a lot less money get a Yashica, with the same mount.

 

[philosli]

Dear Photorio Members,

I have an opportunity to get a Contax RTS2, in trade for some items.

I have used an RTS many years ago as my camera was being serviced.

Is it possible to get an adaptor for Nikon or canon lenses on it, as the Planars etc
are still very pricy, even the 50mm 1.4 is almost at Hasselblad levels...

Does any APUG member have sample shot with this camera, was wondering
if there is anything to look out for other than a sticky feeling on the body....

Thanks!

Harlequin

As many said, the reason you want to use Contax bodies are the Zeiss lenses. Most of these lenses are not cheap because they can be adapted to digital bodies for still and video.

The best bang for the buck in the lens line up, IMHO, is the 50mm f/1.7. It is probably less than $200 on the used market but I haven’t checked the price for a long while. I have used both 50mm f1.4 (which I own now) and f1.7. I actually prefer the later.

I have 4 lenses: 28mm 2.8, 35mm 2.8, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.4. The 85mm 1.4 is the most special among the 4. But it is really a portrait lens, because it’s really heavy and bulky to be carried around.

 

[Paul Howell]

Again why not a Yashica FR or FX, in good condition under $50.00, the FR will take a motor drive, use any Zeiss lens in Contax/Yashica mount.