Contax S2B

[Jeff L]

Sorry I dont want to start new thread, but can somebody give me advice please which camera to choose if I have choose from these two Contax RTS (first one) or Contax 139Q?

Thanks

A hard call based on age alone. Look at condition and parts/service availability.
A late RTS II might be a better choice. Just my opinion.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Sorry I dont want to start new thread, but can somebody give me advice please which camera to choose if I have choose from these two Contax RTS (first one) or Contax 139Q?

Thanks

I would be hesitant about either of those two bodies. The RTS I is a very old camera now, and certain parts are in short supply, and IIRC it needs a mercury battery to operate which is no longer available. The 139Q was not as robust a camera as the RTS and I would prefer something more modern. You'd be better off shopping around for a good 167MT or at least an RTS II.

 

[ContaxRTSFundus]

It's a tough call as they're very different beasts. The RTS is a vastly superior camera to the 139Q which was a model brought in to compete head-on with the Olympus OM1 and aimed at the well-heeled amateur. The RTS was always aimed at the professional camera and you only have to hold the two to feel the difference - the RTS was designed to take a lot of punishment; I still use my one bought in 1977 with a 5fps PMD drive; all I've had to do is change the leathers once and every 6 years, change the mirror damping foam and light baffles. BUT once you have an electronic problem with the RTS, it is in effect a write-off - your only solution is to buy another or if you know a good technician, buy a damaged one (where the problem is very different) for a few pence and use it as a donor for your own camera. The benefit of the 139Q, apart from slightly more contemporary components, is that they are very cheap to buy in top condition and so can easily be replaced. The RTS is more versatile - winders & motors, Polaroid and bulk backs, even a Scientific version that as a few advantages over the standard model - but is a lot heavier than the 139Q. Both cameras are totally battery dependent (though with a drive the RTS can be powered by AA batteries - not possible for the 139Q). While I would never use a 139Q if I have a working RTS, it would be the cheaper option. Personally, if I was to consider an early Contax other than the RTS/RTSII, I'd go for the beautiful 137MA (not the Auto only MD) which shares many of the features of the 139Q but has the advantage of an in-built motor drive and uses 4 AA batteries and not LR44 cells.

 

[pdmk]

Thank you for replies. RTS has landed in my mail box. And it is beautiful camera in very very good condition and fully working. Good thing is that it is not a problem to get battery for it. But yes I am fully aware that once there would be problem with electronics I can throw it out of window..
My biggest disappointment is that I was looking for 35mm lens and basically they are not available any more, mostly only Zeiss lenses for huge money . I was lucky to grab yesterday older Yashica FX-D in used condition (these Yashicas FX-something have big problem with leather all of them if you check ebay are in very used condition) with Yashica ML 35/2.8 which didnt look bad in reviews for like 40GBP. I bought it just for lens, and will sell yashica for some cheap money at least something will get back to my account..