Switching to Contax from Nikon

Jessestr · Jun 6, 2016

Hi all

I recently gave my first exhibition and I felt it's time to try something new. I want to get into documentary and photojournalism. I have 3 nikon body's FE, FM2n and a F3 "Press". I love these camera's to work with.

However I like the lenses, they don't really have a superb 35mm manual focus lens. So I was aiming to get a Contax Aria again (had one before) with the 35mm 1.4 , a basic 50 1.7 and maybe a 28mm. The thing that stops me is how reliable is Contax and what are other good bodies that can be used/abused for press/docu photography.

And I'm not a flash guy, but I need it for some purposes. I was getting a Nikon SB-19. Is there something alike for Contax?

Many thanks

ColColt · Jun 6, 2016

I have no problem with my 35 f2 Nikkor but if you do, why not try the Zeiss 35 f2(or f2.8) before going to Contax?

https://photographylife.com/reviews/zeiss-distagon-35mm-f2-zf2

Jessestr · Jun 6, 2016

ColColt said:
I have no problem with my 35 f2 Nikkor but if you do, why not try the Zeiss 35 f2(or f2.8) before going to Contax?

https://photographylife.com/reviews/zeiss-distagon-35mm-f2-zf2

I also like the smaller form factor of the Aria, and having the motor wind function built in.

Richard S. (rich815) · Jun 6, 2016

I went from Nikon to Contax back around 15 or so years ago. I love Contax Zeiss lenses and mostly went that way because of my love for my Contax G2 and it's wonderful but limited range of lenses. I had a Nikon FE2 and FM2 and sold them off and went Contax RX. Since I have also obtained an RTS, RTSII and AX. However my favorite lenses for SLR are normal to short-Tele, such as the 50/1.7 (which is everything the 1.4 is except maybe build quality), 60/2.8 Macro, 85/1.4, 135/2.8 and 180/2.8, not the wider ones you want. Also love the 100-300 Vario Sonnar one of the sharpest lenses I've ever used, zoom or otherwise. Oh, and the wonderful (but big and bulky) 35/2.8 PC lens. The Aria for me is too small and too light and too plasticky for me. I'd recommend you consider an RTSII or better the III if its durability you're after. Now all that said I went back to Nikon too a few years ago while keeping all my Contax gear! I just love the old F-era Nikkor lenses from the 60's and 70's and how they draw in B&W, a lovely classic signature and look. So I got my first F2, and later added back again a beater FE2 (for $15!) and similarly cheap F3 and FM2! Plus a whole slew of beater Nikkors like the 35/1.4, 50/2, 50/1.4, 24/2.8, 85/2, 105/2.5 and 200/4. Yes I have gas but use and enjoy them all!

ColColt · Jun 6, 2016

Never been a Contax sort of guy so, I can't comment on them. I have been most happy with the Nikon F, F2 series and associated lens I've used with them-50 f1.4 in AI and non-AI, 35 f2 and 105 f2.5 primarily. Ditto the Leica M and similar lenses.

Paul Howell · Jun 6, 2016

Although not a Contax guy, but if you really want a Zeiss lens but if you want a small body, try a Yashica Fx3 or FR II with the motor drive, many Contax users gave Yashica bodies high marks for reliability. Not sure what the problem is with Nikon glass, I had the 28 2.8 and 35mm 2.0 used with a F2 and F3 P when working as a PJ in the 70 and 80s, both fine lens. On the other hand when working most often, I used the classic 105 2.8, bought it as a Non AIS lens and had it converted by Nikon. The other coveted Nikon lens for press were the 180 2.0, Nikon 55 1.2 or 14.

Huss · Jun 6, 2016

I had an RTS and RTS2 and both had electronic failures which killed them. One day they worked, the next, nothing. At the time I did not know of anyone who could fix them (this was maybe 15 yrs ago) so I gave up on them.
My primary film SLR kit is now Nikon (even though I also use Minolta XK and Sr1s) with Voigtlander or Zeiss lenses. I would say my favourite lens is the CV 40 f2.

destroya · Jun 6, 2016

although it not small at all, the rokonin/samyang 35mm 1.4 lens is great. I tried almost all of the nikon 35mm ai and later lenses and it came out on top for me. you can get it new for under $300 as well which is nice. again its not small, taking a 77mm filter but its end results are worth it for me.

another nice thing about it, is while its manual focus, it acts like a nikon P lens. It has the contacts to act like an AF/P lens, so I can use it on bodies like the N80 which cant use manual focus lenses.

Richard S. (rich815) · Jun 6, 2016

destroya said:
although it not small at all, the rokonin/samyang 35mm 1.4 lens is great. I tried almost all of the nikon 35mm ai and later lenses and it came out on top for me. you can get it new for under $300 as well which is nice. again its not small, taking a 77mm filter but its end results are worth it for me.

another nice thing about it, is while its manual focus, it acts like a nikon P lens. It has the contacts to act like an AF/P lens, so I can use it on bodies like the N80 which cant use manual focus lenses.

Slight correction if I may? The N80 can use most manual focus lenses it just won't meter with them.

chip j · Jun 6, 2016

Nikon non-AI lenses are as bullet-proof as anything ever made by anyone. I'm staring to collect them, even though I have a pretty full AI/AI-s set!

gone · Jun 6, 2016

Why don't you put an adapter on a Leica R 35 2 Summicron and shoot it in stop down mode on your Nikons? I can't imagine that the Contax lens is better, unless you need that 1.4 vs the Summi's 2.0. I had an R 90 2.8 Elmarit on my Nikons, and it was hands down the best lens I ever used in 35mm. It had everything. Beautiful bokeh, sharpness, great portraits wide open. Built like something for NASA. The R 50 is good too, but everyone says the 35 is much better.

rwreich · Jun 6, 2016

destroya said:
although it not small at all, the rokonin/samyang 35mm 1.4 lens is great. I tried almost all of the nikon 35mm ai and later lenses and it came out on top for me. you can get it new for under $300 as well which is nice. again its not small, taking a 77mm filter but its end results are worth it for me.

another nice thing about it, is while its manual focus, it acts like a nikon P lens. It has the contacts to act like an AF/P lens, so I can use it on bodies like the N80 which cant use manual focus lenses.

I second the Rokinon 35 f/1.4! It is a bit larger than the older Nikkor designs, but my copy is superb for sharpness, C/A, and rendering. It is a modern design, so there is that, but I'm very comfortable using mine on the FM2n. It's also relatively inexpensive, IMO.

Jessestr · Jun 7, 2016

Thanks for all the useful advice! I decided to stick with the trusty Nikons which have proven theirself over years of use. Will invest in some other glass!

Richard S. (rich815) · Jun 7, 2016

Jessestr said:
Thanks for all the useful advice! I decided to stick with the trusty Nikons which have proven theirself over years of use. Will invest in some other glass!

Not a bad decision. And if you ever get so curious to try a certain particular Contax lens the advice of a cheap Yashica body is a good one. They can be had for $5-20 sometimes and the lens can usually be resold later for what you paid.

TheFlyingCamera · Jun 7, 2016

Since you've already made up your mind, this is just some icing on someone else's cake. I'm another Contax fan. I've had 167MT bodies, an RX, and currently have an RTS III. They're quite rugged and durable - I never had a problem with shooting with them, even taking them to some pretty challenging tropical conditions (Mayan ruins in the jungles of Belize, the temples at Angkor Wat). The downside of what you were looking to do is that since the age of digital, people have become rather enamored of the fast prime lenses in the Contax lineup because they can be adapted to work on other systems, so the 35 f1.4 (which is also a pretty massive lens) is back up to near-OEM pricing. Unless you HAVE to have the fast primes because you're shooting in low light, look at the 35mm f2.8 - It's a very nice, bright, sharp lens that is much smaller, lighter, and cheaper than the 1.4 (by a factor of 3 or so - the 1.4's are going for $800-1K, the 2.8s in the $300 range).

RalphLambrecht · Jun 7, 2016

ColColt said:
I have no problem with my 35 f2 Nikkor but if you do, why not try the Zeiss 35 f2(or f2.8) before going to Contax?

https://photographylife.com/reviews/zeiss-distagon-35mm-f2-zf2

I also think the Nikkor 35f/2 is quite excellent;mine is an AI-ed from the 1970s

Alan Gales · Jun 7, 2016

How about a Contax S2 or S2b? They were mechanical Contax SLR cameras. I don't know much about them but you can google.

I owned a 139 and later, a couple 167MT's.

TheFlyingCamera · Jun 7, 2016

The S2/S2b are manual film advance, IIRC, and the OP wanted something with auto-wind/motor drive.

Alan Gales · Jun 7, 2016

TheFlyingCamera said:
The S2/S2b are manual film advance, IIRC, and the OP wanted something with auto-wind/motor drive.

Sorry, I missed that info. Looking back, I see that he did say that in a second post. Thanks for the correction.

blockend · Jun 7, 2016

Auto advance manual focus cameras fill a niche, but I'd be tempted to get an autofocus Nikon, or a winder for a Nikon manual camera. Contax went down the electronic route and like other manufacturers, they haven't fared well in terms of long term serviceability and some are prone to the sticky bodies that plagued Nikon cameras.

His decision to stick to what he knows is what I'd recommend.

kobaltus · Jun 7, 2016

RalphLambrecht said:
I also think the Nikkor 35f/2 is quite excellent;mine is an AI-ed from the 1970s

Mine Nikkor 35 mm f2 single coating flare like hell and it is sharp only at close distance. Performance improve , when I put on some bw filters.

Now I use much better Vivitar 35 mm lens.

And I regret, that I once sold Flektogon 35mm f2,4. Do not like use prakticas, but this lens was excellent in all respects.

John_Nikon_F · Jun 7, 2016

^Mine is fine at long distances. Use HN-3 lens hood. Ghosting problems go away for most part. Flare usually caused by scratched front element.

-J

Switching to Contax from Nikon

Jessestr

ColColt

Jessestr

Richard S. (rich815)

ColColt

Paul Howell

Huss

destroya

Richard S. (rich815)

chip j

gone

rwreich

Jessestr

Richard S. (rich815)

TheFlyingCamera

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RalphLambrecht

Alan Gales

TheFlyingCamera

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Alan Gales

blockend

kobaltus

John_Nikon_F

Switching to Contax from Nikon

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