Contax RX, Aria

[fuwen]

RTS III really feels different as the top end model from Contax. U can feel the speed. Of course u can also feel the weight. The prism is bigger but is designed for 100% viewing of the negative area, and as a result a lower magnification. Aria on the other hand has higher view finder magnification but as someone mentioned slightly not so easy to focus at the corners but is acceptable to me.

I have never used or seen a RX before but heard that it is very stealthy, being very quiet in operation and very low vibration.

As for view finder info display, I am a old school user and much prefer the individual LEDs for all shutter speeds (or for the case of RTS III individual blue LCDs) rather than the modern way of showing only 1 shutter speed.

 

[jaap]

I have never used or seen a RX before but heard that it is very stealthy, being very quiet in operation and very low vibration.

I've also owned a RTS3 but found it a bit to heavy. The RX has all the advantages of the rts 3 at lest for me. And indeed the Rx is very stealthy and has a more normal size and weight. On paper specs the rts wins from the rx in practice the rx wins for my way of shooting

 

[Rico]

RTS III really feels different as the top end model from Contax. U can feel the speed.

That is true: the RTS III responds with real urgency when you depress the shutter release. The rangefinder Leica M4 and Contax T are faster, but barely. 🙂 As evident by jaap, the RX has its own fan club, and I watch eBay regularly for a good specimen (the top LCD often decays on this model). The quietness and moderate weight are attractive. Looking back, Kyocera engineers delivered for Contax RTS before the big meltdown. Sigh.

 

[shadowfox]

I'm more of a bottom-feeder compared to most of you Contax users who responded to this thread.

I'm perfectly happy with the 137 MA and the Yashica FR-I with a huge dent on the prism (and counting the frames by my fingers and toes 🙂 ... more or less)