Contax RTS - help needed

[santino]

Hi all!

I know that that's the rangefinder forum but I've got a problem with my Contax RTS. After some tests I noticed that in fast times (1/500 and faster) one curtain doesn't travel fast enough and half of the frame isn't exposed at all. As far as I know the RTS's shutter is electronically controlled, so what is it? does it need CLA? I CLA'd some russian gear but I think I wouldn't dare to open the RTS (opened a wasted FRI, it's terrible).

thanks 🙂

 

[ray_g]

I think it does need a CLA. I would recommend Mark Hama. He used to work for Yashica - the RTS and Yashica FR-1 were produced on the same production line.

 

[Socke]

Yes there is something very wrong, and worse, there are no spareparts for the Contax RTS and Yashica FR-1 left. I had mine at Foto Huppert for a checkup in 2003. There are eyelashes inside the viewfinder which can't be cleaned out due to parts which have to be replaced when they want to get to the prism, so I just had new lightseals and a new mirror damper installed.

 

[santino]

thanks!
my mirror damper is totally off, I saw some light sealing kits on ebay. maybe I'll get some. first the CLA.

the RTS is btw. my fav. SLR I think, I've got the normal winder, databack and the 5 fps winder (without battery part 🙁)
I can't afford real Zeiss lenses in C/Y mount because my rangefinders goe first so I use yashica lenses (note: they are excellent, rumours are going around that they are Zeiss lenses differently coated - no T*). whatever, I like their performance.

 

[Socke]

Yes I like the RTS, too.

The Yashica lenses are as good as but not Zeiss designs, ok, in certain situations Zeiss is better but you need a tripod and techpan to make use of the difference.

I have the the cheaper Zeiss lenses, 35/2.8, 50/1.7 and 135/2.8 and use them on a 167MT mostly. The RTS is for the moments where I get this funny feeling in my thumb which can only be cured with a wind lever 🙂

 

[jaap]

yes the contac rts slr are fine machines but i do like mine RX also very much.although my thump has nothing to do when im using it :->