Ok, I've obviously got some knowledgeable folks here. I've always been curious about the C/Y cameras and lenses. If I wanted a basic body and lens (I prefer 50s but am not adverse to a decent 35) for as low a cost as possible while still being as feature-full as possible 🙂 what would your recommendations be?
Contax?
Yashica?
Mix?
Thanks!
I've owned the following (√ = current)
RTS II √
RTS √
ST
RX
Aria
139 √
159MM √
137MD √
And used the following:
AX
S2
167MT
Considering this is a bargain thread, I'd not recommend the Aria or AX or S2 as the going rate today doesn't put them in the category, but there are always outlier deals, if one is patient.
🙂 The Aria is quite light and a built-in motor, the AX has the innovative AF system but is kinda big/bulky. S2 didn't seem to be built to the same level as RX or ST, seemed cheap, yet the market price is high.
I prefer the smaller lighter bodies. The 139 and 159 are the same size, the 139 is notorious for disintegrating covering, so what might appear as a trashed camera could actually be a super nice example just by adding a new covering. The one I have falls into that category, I got new leatherette for it from Hugo Studio and the camera now looks nearly new. The 159 has a nifty red LED readout of the aperture in the viewfinder (for comparison the139 has an optical readout) and has a rubberized cover so no disintegration problem, and a faster 1/4000 shutter. I got a second 159 a few weeks ago from KEH for $65, only has a couple of marks on it.
The 137MD is basically a 139 with a built-in winder, I think it actually was the first SLR offered with one built-in. Same leatherette issues apply as with the 139. I got one of these recently from KEH for $5.25, it looked new except it had no covering at all; they sold it "as-is."
RX and ST are later models, extremely well-built, solid/heavy. No leatherette issues, and seem to sell in the same price range. Ergonomically excellent, LCD readouts on the top plate, with a UI more PASM-like, similar to a modern digital.
RTS of course is the oldest model, cloth shutter; RTS II has a Ti shutter in the same size body.
167MT is relatively small, 1/4000, motor, but a somewhat unusual control layout. Precursor to the ST. More from
@davidde1000 here.
The usual recommendations apply to these older cameras: most will need mirror damping foam, and seals, and Contaxes are prone to slipping mirrors. All are easy to address.
Can't comment on Yashica bodies, but can recommend the ML lenses.
For a basic shooter with minimal expense, get a 139 and a 50 ML of some variety.