lonemantis
Well-known
Has anyone ever found a good solution to using filters on the Contax T or T2? (since they're essentially the same lens) I managed to find a 3rd party DIY adapter on the auction site, but it's less than ideal - it covers the entire lens down to the aperture ring, and falls off easily.
Something that clamps or slips on firmly to the end of the lens without blocking the aperture ring would be ideal - has anyone found anything like this?
Something that clamps or slips on firmly to the end of the lens without blocking the aperture ring would be ideal - has anyone found anything like this?
Gregm61
Well-known
Having owned a T2 many, many years ago when first introduced, all I see happening when I imagine mounting a filter is forgetting to remove it, which I have no doubt I'd do within 10-12 uses, when turning the camera off and the lens assembly jamming/breaking when collapsing back into the body, which is most likely an unrepairable situation today.
rolfe
Well-known
The T3 has an adapter that allows one to use 30.5mm screw in filters.
For the T and T2, I think you're out of luck...
Rolfe
For the T and T2, I think you're out of luck...
Rolfe
lonemantis
Well-known
I should specify that I have an original T, but I understand your concern! Just thought I'd open this up to T2 owners as well.
I'm not too worried about cover on the T since it folds manually, and the worst that could happen if I forget to remove it is it bumps the cover a bit.
I'm not too worried about cover on the T since it folds manually, and the worst that could happen if I forget to remove it is it bumps the cover a bit.
randy stewart
Established
T2 filters
T2 filters
I dealt with this problem when I bought my T2 many years ago. I raided by local camera shop's supply of old series adapters, finding one which had a diameter large enough to fit loosely over the front of the lens (but did not fit far enough back to over the aperture ring). I lined the inside of the adapter with loose cell foam of the type used for camera light seals (which I had on hand). It adapted to 30.5mm filters and a lens shade, of which I had a large selection. The fit was firm enough to stay in place, but loose enough so that if I shut off the camera, retracting the lens into the body, the adapter would just pop off. In practice, it worked perfectly, but I rarely found a need to use it.
T2 filters
I dealt with this problem when I bought my T2 many years ago. I raided by local camera shop's supply of old series adapters, finding one which had a diameter large enough to fit loosely over the front of the lens (but did not fit far enough back to over the aperture ring). I lined the inside of the adapter with loose cell foam of the type used for camera light seals (which I had on hand). It adapted to 30.5mm filters and a lens shade, of which I had a large selection. The fit was firm enough to stay in place, but loose enough so that if I shut off the camera, retracting the lens into the body, the adapter would just pop off. In practice, it worked perfectly, but I rarely found a need to use it.
I'm looking for a solution to this for my newly acquired T. I don't shoot color, just need to fit a yellow filter. But I don't want to have to attach the filter every time the front is flipped open...this won't be easy. 
RJ-
Whole Plate Photographer
(
When the Contax T2 was released in the 1990s, the best solution for using filters was the portable Cokin A300 square 67mmx67mm dedicated compact camera filter holder.
The filter holder is tripod bush mounted by the whitworth thread and locked in position with a flip hinge bracket accommodating up to 3 square filters, giving sufficient clearance for 2 filter spaces, allowing for the lens coming out from the switched off position. The digital crowd have twigged onto this elegant solution and now use it for their machine gun shots by the thousands.
With the T2's aperture priority and non TTL metering, there were two metering options. The photographer could either hover the filter below the metering eye and lock the exposure holding the release half way, and then insert the filter fully in position. Alternatively, simply to meter with the filter in place and use the exposure compensation dial, albeit less accurate during to the filters fooling the centre weighted metering cell.
Its advantage is it can be left in situ, although it tended to scrape away at the titanium base of the Contax T2 and needed some cushioning.
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/42110109?image=0
When the Contax T2 was released in the 1990s, the best solution for using filters was the portable Cokin A300 square 67mmx67mm dedicated compact camera filter holder.
The filter holder is tripod bush mounted by the whitworth thread and locked in position with a flip hinge bracket accommodating up to 3 square filters, giving sufficient clearance for 2 filter spaces, allowing for the lens coming out from the switched off position. The digital crowd have twigged onto this elegant solution and now use it for their machine gun shots by the thousands.
With the T2's aperture priority and non TTL metering, there were two metering options. The photographer could either hover the filter below the metering eye and lock the exposure holding the release half way, and then insert the filter fully in position. Alternatively, simply to meter with the filter in place and use the exposure compensation dial, albeit less accurate during to the filters fooling the centre weighted metering cell.
Its advantage is it can be left in situ, although it tended to scrape away at the titanium base of the Contax T2 and needed some cushioning.
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/42110109?image=0
Usable, but completely impractical for a pocket camera like the T series.
DMA1965
Established
That is why the Rollei 35 reigns supreme. The Rollei 35 is a true photographer’s camera. The other super compacts (Minox, Contax T, Olympus XA) are for casual snapshooters. There is almost nothing I can’t do photographically with a Rollei 35 that I can do with any other 35mm camera.
David Hughes
David Hughes
To add to the misery, the even smaller APS Contax Tix had a filter thread and a lens hood and so took filters as well on its brilliant lens.
Regards, David
Regards, David
Peter_S
Peter_S
You could ask Heliopan. They make (used to make?) custom filters. I had one made for the T, but one that only covers the inside of the lens (glue-on). My T is a beater, so that was OK. You may find a more elegant variation.
ACullen
Well-known
If wanting to use filters i'd use my Rollei 35s rather than the Contax T. Both are formidable cameras with excellent lenses which are just that bit better ( wide open most noticeably) than the Olympus XA. I find the XA is soft at closer focus distances when shot wide open.
I'm not sure I'd bother with fitting filters on the T but I like the idea of using a step ring lined with felt/foam as mentioned above. I did exactly that for using filters on the CV15mm LTM.
I'm not sure I'd bother with fitting filters on the T but I like the idea of using a step ring lined with felt/foam as mentioned above. I did exactly that for using filters on the CV15mm LTM.
Larry H-L
Well-known
Kodak Wratten gelatin filters are super thin and easily cut. Couldn't you just cut out a circle and tape it to the front of the lens barrel?
I may try mounting a yellow filter (probably a gel) on the inside of the T, behind the shutter blades. Then adjust the ISO.