Contax T2, or other

[Mewael]

I'm looking for a smallish/lightish camera that is not too expensive for everyday use. I want to carry this camera everyday, even when I don't anticipate shooting, similar to how many people use their smartphones.

I'm thinking about the Contax T2 but I'm open to other options. Focal-length wise, I prefer 40mm and 50mm. 35mm, honestly, is too wide for me but it might work. The T2 is 38mm and so it is close enough to 40mm.

I don't know too much about these cameras but I believe that the T2 is sufficient. To my understanding the T3 is a great camera (maybe better) but it is much more expensive. I don't mind a slightly bulkier T2. The T I believe is manual focus but I'm not sure if a manual-focus rangefinder in such a small package is practical.

More specifically,
1. How is the battery life.
2. How is the auto-focus.
3. How is the shutter lag.
4. How is the durability/build quality.

Full story:
I prefer all-mechanical, all-manual, and all-metal (well, mostly metal) cameras.

My favorite 35mm cameras are my Leica M and my Rollei 35, but not for everyday use, and any light use.
The M is too bulky. I thought about a collapsible lens on my M but it still would not be pocketable. I only use this camera for deliberate shooting.
The Rollei 35 cannot focus without external assistance (via external rangefinder) or incredible guesstimating abilities. I only use this camera in the daylight for scenes. I don't want to rely on an external rangefinder and I don't have faith in my distance gauging to shoot more closely.

I've tried folders. I don't mind the image quality and I don't mind the size/weight, but I can't get past the ergonomics.
I've tried a few digital cameras, but I hate the battery life, I question the durability (lcd screens prone to breaking), and I don't like the image quality. They images are technically good, but not my taste.

Now, I think that I will compromise and go with a film point and shoot.
I had a Hexar AF, great camera. I sold it for non-related reasons. I have no complaints for what it is but it is too large for what I am thinking.
I have Olympus Epics, OK cameras. I don't like the image quality but everything else is good-enough (AF, durability, battery life, user controls). I'd prefer that the AF were less noisy and that I have more control over the exposure but I have to compromise some things. Same with the XA.

Alternatively, I might just go with an LTM with a collapsible 50. This honestly might work but I fear that I'm sacrificing usability. This is not a bad option but I feel that a film P&S would be simpler to use and faster to operate. I might end up trying this anyways...

 

[bernard_L]

I have Olympus Epics, OK cameras. I don't like the image quality but everything else is good-enough (AF, durability, battery life, user controls). I'd prefer that the AF were less noisy and that I have more control over the exposure but I have to compromise some things.

I have both Olympus Stylus (Mju2) and Contax T4. Assuming the T2 is similar (not really). Apart from the relatively small difference between 38mm and 35mm focal length (come on!) they have, to me the same qualities and shortcomings. (Very)Good optical quality, no control over exposure, defaults to auto-flash at each power-on (need to cycle to flash off), shutter lag because the focus is pre-determined (and locked) with half press, but the lens actually moves only when fully depressing button. Maybe the T4 has a closer minimum focus (35cm), don't remember what it is for the Mju2; don't know for T2. Both are somewhat noisy (focus+film advance).

To answer your list of requirements.
1 battery life. Mju2: OK, in the sense that cost of battery replacement is negligible compared with cost of film. However long the battery life, you need to carry a spare battery. Yashica (T4 in my case) not enough experience
2 auto focus. Good for both Mju2 and T4. Must remember to center main subject, lock focus, frame, shoot.
3 shutter lag. Not negligible for "decisive moment". Mechanical camera better in that respect.
4 durability. Had the Mju2 for >10 years; no problem. Bought a T3 and a T4 for peanuts, obviously not new, both work OK.

So, OK, I did not really answer your questions because the T2 is a different (better?) camera than the T4. Have a look at:
http://www.iambidong.com/2013/03/contax-t2-review-20-years-too-late.html

Why not get yourself an Olympus 35RC? Estimate the exposure (you get to learn pretty quickly, the exposure meter only confirms your guess), zone focus or use the rangefinder depending on whether speed or accuracy is more important. A lot more silent than the plastic P&S. Total control over exposure. Plus, you can use filters in B&W (near impossible with a P&S) if you can find the 43.5mm filters. Or, another 70's rangefinder with 46mm or 49mm filter size (several choices).

 

[Mewael]

Thank you Bernard.

The difference between 38mm and 35mm is nitpicky. 38mm has a very slight (but I admit negligible) edge. I wouldn't choose a seemingly superior 35mm camera over a 38mm.

I do remember, borrowing my cousin's Yashica T4 and the image quality was superior to my Olympus Epic. I might have a had a bad MJU II. It was noticeably unsharp at f2.8 and it flared. I figured that Olympus sacrificed image quality or a more practical camera. Actually, what they achieved was great: fast/compact/affordable.

The cost of a battery replacement isn't that big of a deal. I'm not too familiar with electronic cameras but I am borrowing an X100 and the battery life is awful. Maybe I am using it wrong but a battery is reliable only for one shooting. I do admit that I capture more exposures with digital than I do with film and so it isn't a fair comparison. Essentially, I'd like to have a camera where I only need to change the battery every few months, a year, or 20-40 rolls. Something along that line. I just don't want to worry about it dying or having an extra battery with me everyday (as I intend to use it).

An Olympus 35RC might be another viable option. A little bulky, but it might manage. It isn't too expensive. I can estimate exposure well enough. I don't meter with my 35mm cameras, I guess.

 

[bernard_L]

I might have a had a bad MJU II. It was noticeably unsharp at f2.8 and it flared.

True, my longtime MjuII had serious flare in night photos with point sources; otherwise very happy with that camera. Like it so much that I bought a second one recently for 10€, on the chance that it would be flare-free, and it passed the test. There was a recent thread on Photo.net where other members shared the same experience.

The cost of a battery replacement isn't that big of a deal. I'm not too familiar with electronic cameras but I am borrowing an X100 and the battery life is awful.

Indeed; for digital cameras it is the screen that drains the battery (yet it is hard to see in daylight). My wife's powershot is awful in that respect. With film P&S this never was an issue for me.

I just don't want to worry about it dying or having an extra battery with me everyday (as I intend to use it).

However long the battery life, it will end at some time. Just in time to make you miss that unique shot, if you don't have a replacement. Unless the camera gives you advance notice. Unsure how these P&S behave in case you need to change a battery mid-roll?

Other advantages for a 70's compact rangefinder. No shutter lag. No electronics; what's not there can't break down. No battery if used in manual mode. And the 35RC has a f.l. of 42mm. Closer to your f.l. spec: Minolta 7sII, 40/1.7 rokkor, but larger size.

If that can help, I attach (or will try) two pics from a recent short vacation. One with a T4 (expired fujicolor), and one with a 35RC (FP4).

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

I love my T2 but it's a little heavy in the pocket. From what you describe I think you should go for a Olympus XA.

 

[Rolfe Tessem]

The T2 is great for performance, but the T3 is smaller and better as a P&S.