Contax T?

[ChrisPlatt]

I recently purchased a nice used Contax T 35mm rangefinder, the original folder.

Besides having a nice lens, and potential frame overlap problems,
I haven't been able to find much information on this model.

Is anyone out there a present or former Contax T user?
If so, do you have any advice or experience to share?

TIA,
Christopher Platt

 

[Beniliam]

I used the contax T. Its a good pocket camera. I like the design. The viewfinder is relative bright and have a nice meter. The lens is quite good, maybe I prefer the Sonnar of the Rollei 35SE... The camera is silent, have good compesation mode. I recomend the camera, maybe its expensive... and odd. Here in Madrid are one shop that sell the black Contax T for 1000€ with flash ey!! 🙂

I dont know if the Minox cameras are best option, but for me the rangefinder its very important. I dont like when uses wide apertures miss shots for stimate the distance... The situations never repeat again, and you missed the photography.

Post some photos when you develop some film.

 

[Flinor]

I've used four of them over the years, I still have two. One goes with me everywhere. If you load it "tight" like loadfing medium format, you shouldn't have any overlap problems.

 

[Rico]

The Contax T is so much fun that I own three! You probably don't need the instruction booklet, but feel free to ask questions. Film loading is a bit more involved than pulling leader to the red mark, but is easy after the first couple of times. Remember to set film speed (no DX bullshit for this camera).

 

[ChrisPlatt]

I have a copy of the instructions, but I was looking for some user hints.
Some users use the open door as a lens shade. Is the lens flare-y?
Is a real lens hood available? And what about mounting filters?

Chris

 

[Beniliam]

No the camera dont admit filters or lens hood. If you want protect in difficult shots the probably of produce flare, turn the camera.

 

[phototone]

This looks so similar to the Minox EL, can someone explain the differences. The Minox has a wonderful lens on it.

 

[Beniliam]

The Contax T have the best of this both cameras: Olympus Xa and Minox 35 mm cameras. The design its similar to the Minox, but have in my opinion better viewfinder. I dont know if the new model like Gt-e are better viewfinders... and have rangefinder patch, like Olympus Xa. Its heavy this camera, solid yes, I prefer the charge film method of the Xa, because you dont separate the body... Good cameras all: T, XA, Minox, in good hands can do fantastic photos!

 

[Flinor]

I've had both Minoxes and T's. The T is better built, has a better lens in my opinion. Of course, that could be because the Minox is scale focus which I am lousy at while the T is a rangefinder camera with a good VF/RF.