Would you swap a Nikon 28Ti for a Contax T3?

I think the 2 "packages" are in the same rough price range, but a lot would depend on condition (is the T3 minty, too?). I don't know too much about T3 prices, but I was recently shopping for fancy point & shoots & ended up w/a user 28Ti. IIRC, there was more than 1 black version of the T3, w/the "70th Anniversary" edition being the most expensive, so that affects pricing (as well as whether the T3 you're looking @ has a databack, etc.). Personally, I would make the decision based on features that you find important, e.g., the T3 has a slower lens, but can take filters (via adapter).
 
furcafe said:
I think the 2 "packages" are in the same rough price range, but a lot would depend on condition (is the T3 minty, too?). I don't know too much about T3 prices, but I was recently shopping for fancy point & shoots & ended up w/a user 28Ti. IIRC, there was more than 1 black version of the T3, w/the "70th Anniversary" edition being the most expensive, so that affects pricing (as well as whether the T3 you're looking @ has a databack, etc.). Personally, I would make the decision based on features that you find important, e.g., the T3 has a slower lens, but can take filters (via adapter).
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Correction, both are f/2,8. The contax is almost as nice what it seems.
 

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I've owned the T3 and found of all the T series, it was the best picture taker producing a higher # of keepers. Once you get the hang of it's fiddley controls, it's a great package. On the other hand, I've read some nice things about the 28Ti and it's big improvement with the flash function over the 35Ti. It's controls seem more user friendly than the T3 but you would know better based on your own experiece. I would definitely consider the trade if the 28 is too wide for general shooting. Image and build quality seem to be a draw in my opinion. Instructions are a must on the T3 but the last I looked, they are free on line from Kyrocera.
 
Lens in the T3 is likely much better (I have the T2 and a 28Ti) but if you're not printing huge I don;t know that it would matter enough. More important is FOV- the 28 is more handy for me sometimes.
 
Are you gonna use it?
The Nikon is mint in the box, if you’re a collector or are concerned about your investment, then the Nikon is the choice. Just don’t use it.
I own a black T3 and use it often, it’s an ‘older’ version with only one cog on the take-up spool. The newer model has two cogs on the take-up spool.
The resale value of a T3, mint in the box, would be greater than the same Nikon 28i package. But since the T3 is not boxed it’s resale value will suffer some compared to the boxed Nikon. Mint in the box T3’s can bring in some coin, though like everything else lately, the prices are inching a bit lower. I would guess that the DEMAND for either of these camera's currently favors the T3.
The resale value of these two items, as described, is close. Over time, their respective resale value will favor the boxed camera. The T3, considered a 'user' sans box and documentation.
The T3 is smaller and more convenient to carry. It’s performance is excellent.
If you are going to use the camera and mark them up with signs of use then the choice should come down to your personal preference regarding focal length, camera size/weight, and the user interface/operability.
If it’s an investment, than the mint in the box camera wins. Probably, definitely maybe? Who knows? 😱
 
That pretty much sums up my own thoughts...I will use it if I like it. Eventually I'll sell it (I know myself) and then the deal must be regarded as an investment too. But if the demand is higher for the T3...
Some weak points in both cameras, one is the interface where I find Ricoh Gr1 series much more convenient to use. Also no manual ISO override which is annoying (Hexar, Gr1v and Gr21 have it). The matrix metering system and the 833 point AF (switchable to center weight) in the 28Ti must be superior to the Contax. And the lens is almost as good as my prime 28/2,8 AIS lens. It's also possible to manually set the shutter speed, is that even possible with the T3?
I have not found the ultimate compact to use, if I do I'll keep it and use it. Maybe it's the T3?
 
It's hard to beat the T3 in size/performance. I keep checking for alternatives (Hexar AF being the latest one) but I always come back to the T3. It's just great. It delivers without fuss.
 
I need more input from people knowing both...the Nikon is darn good! Easily the best compact I've tried. I know it's more scarce and I will probably end up with people that are more familiar with the T3...
 
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I purchased a Nikon 35Ti when they came out so no experience with the 28Ti. The electronics failed and had to go back to the depot for repair. After that I didn't trust it anymore. There was a problem with the AF system. The focus confirmation light (LED) came on to confirm focus, and the lens made all the right noises going in and out, but all the images were OUT of FOCUS. I did continue to use it for a bit until the flash system failed. This time I got rid of it.
I also had a TVS but really found it too bulky and I am not a great believer of using flash anyway, being a low light (LTM/M6) shooter so preferred to have something without flash and manual focus if possible. I acquired two Contax T's. One black MINT in box as a keeper, and a silver, beat up one as a daily user - and it has been everywhere and dropped many times and just keeps clicking. Excellent lens with RF
In your case I would prefer the T3 over the Ti as I just don't trust them IMHO, of course
 
I've had a Nikon 35Ti for a few weeks now and had also owned the T3 for a couple of years before I sold it. Optically, I'd say it's a draw. The Ti series has a panoramic feature, something you might find useful for composition or to give the image a wider angle look with it's letterbox framing. I personally like the T3's passive AF over active IR AF in the Ti as it seems more reliable with tricky subjects. The matrix metering is quite good and it's presence eliminates the need for any AE lock when one has to use the AF lock for off center subjects on the T3 thus simplifying shooting in tricky lighting. Viewfinder framing is also a bit more comprehensive with the Ti and it also roughly compensates for field as well as framing. Shutter speeds are also better displayed in 1/2 stop increments with the Ti rather than 2 or 3 stop increments in the T3. I find this very useful in borderline low light where an indication of 1/10 or 1/15 sec with the Ti far more helpful than LT with the T3. Custom functions are easier to set with the T3 while neither is very intuitive. The T3 also has more useful custom functions like film leader out after rewind. Frameline illumination is also better on the T3 as it's lit from the front rather than the top with the Ti, but the Ti does have a built-in frameline illuminator, something useful in poor light. The T3 can take filters with an adapter someting the Ti can't unless held in place. Top shutter speed on the T3 is 1/1200 in P and only 1/500 for the Ti, something of minor consequence on a wide angle lens unless shooting high speed film and you want a wide aperture for minimal dof. Service on both might be dicey due to discontinued models and Kyrocera Contax is out of the camera business. I think that covers almost everything. Both are good cameras, it comes down to a preference in features.
 
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I have a 28Ti and have owned a 35Ti. Both cameras are excellent in every way, but beware that the titanium shell is more resilient than the electronics within, so a camera that may look undamaged may have all its contacts knocked loose inside. My second hand 35Ti shot well but the LCDs were partly inoperative and the flash cancel button and dial display illuminator weren't connected. If yours is in 100% condition, I'd hang onto it.
 
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