Contax T2, Minolta TC-1 -- worth $600 to $800?

[bvy]

I'd love one of these cameras but just can't justify these prices. And they seem to be rising (I've been watching them for a while). What gives? For not much more, I can get an older Leica...

 

[zanxion72]

Unfortunately, nowadays this is how it goes. Once something becomes a collector's item, its price becomes outlandish.

 

[RattyMouse]

I have seen Contax T2's sell well over $800. It's impossible for me to think about spending that kind of money on a pocket camera. They must be damn good.

 

[Paul Howell]

Every bit as good is the Konica Hextar (sp?) still pricy but less than the T2 or TC 1.

 

[silvergelatin]

I have both, and they are quite good. I would say the T2 is a bit overpriced, though. The TC-1 is a work of art, much more pocketable, more rare, and the lens is among one of the best I've used in a compact (I'm a Leica shooter, so a bit snobby about such things!). It will stay on you all the time. I'm not a fan of the controls, but I feel it's worth it. Good enough for Araki...

The T2 has the best layout and ease of use of anything other than a GR1 (some may prefer the T2, even). It's just big. I tend to reach for a Leica before the T2. Having said that, I sold my T3 and kept the T2, if that tells you anything.

I think I paid about $300 for the T2 and $500 for the TC-1 a few years ago. I'm ok with those prices.

 

[John Koehrer]

To a collector, price isn't a consideration

 

[John Wiegerink]

I thought about one a few years back, but decided to stay with my puny Minox 35mm. Super light, super compact and a very good lens in my book. Plus, if it breaks, gets lost or is stolen I can replace it for peanuts. The reason I stayed with the Minox was that I decide to buy a Contax G1 and the 28mm, 45mm and 90mm. I got all of it for less than the cost of the T2. I think it was a smart move on my part, but I'm not a collector and just a user. Collectors have no morals when it comes to spending money on something they want or like. Now, are my lenses as good as the T2's? I'm not going to say the 45mm I have is better, but I certainly have no complaints about it. I have used many lenses, including Leitz and have to say the 45mm f2 Planar is possibly the best lens to date. Oh, and I used to own the Konica with it's stunning 35mm f2 lens also, but sold it after 2 or 3 years(focus problems that Konica said they fixed twice. End of story on that). Do I still want a T2? Heck ya! But the wallet is going to stay in its place at the going prices.

 

[Fixcinater]

I happened to get a T2 that needed a simple shutter cleaning (that I've now done myself) for much much less than the current going rate. At current asking prices, I would go for the Nikon 35Ti over the T2, but the T2 is that next step better in lens and manual focus ability.

They both are at least on par with my Contax IIIA + Opton Biogon, which gets rave reviews for "classic RF lenses."

 

[GarageBoy]

I do the "poor man's" version with a 40 2.8 and a Canon rebel - lens is sharp, and the set up is about$ 100

 

[Cary Lee]

Doesn't help to have Kendall Kardasian using the Contax T2 for her photography..Luckily I bought mine for 500.00 in almost mint condition from japancamerahunter.

 

[uwotm8]

yea kendall has ruined the t2 for now and who knows what she will start using next

having said that i would still pay those prices for one in good condition