Contax T3 for 1400 USD, or Klasse S for 1100?

[David Hughes]

First I've heard of it...

 

[Orthogonal]

You can get another P&S that does 90% of what the T3 does for 10% of the price, and in a potentially more reliable package, but if you're not willing to compromise there's only one option.

 

[jsrockit]

You can get another P&S that does 90% of what the T3 does for 10% of the price, and in a potentially more reliable package, but if you're not willing to compromise there's only one option.

Like what? Let`s remember he has the T2 that he`s not satisfied with and specifically wants to T3 for a reason. With that in mind, like what?

 

[HHPhoto]

.....

Now, both T3 and Klasse S have pretty much identical features. Exposure charts look the same – both cameras in aperture priority mode when you shoot wide open can go all the way up to 1/500th. Hello Portra 400 on a sunny day. Both have same custom features, like leaving the film leader out after rewind, but also EXTENDING THE LENS ON HALF PRESS. I am super excited about this feature.

Both have a comparable (on paper) lenses, 38mm on the Klasse does not bother me at all, since it's what I currently use on the T2.

In auto mode T3 can go to 1/1250th, while Klasse goes to 1000. It's not a deal breaker at all, Portra will handle that quarter stop just fine in case the camera's shutter maxes out.

So for me it's an absolute tie between the two, and what would sway me one way or another are these factors:
Price
Size
Lens sharpness
Focusing accuracy and speed

Price wise Klasse is obviously cheaper.

Size wise is where I see differences too. T3 is just so small, I can already imagine having it in my pocket, while Klasse is a tad bulkier. I'd imagine it would handle better, but in terms of ease of carry T3 is a winner.

So again, it's a tie, and here's where I need your help guys. I'm pretty sure there's someone here who can elaborate on how the lenses would compare, and how accurate and fast the autofocus is.

I'd appreciate any other insight as well!

I would also consider reliability and repairability / service. You pay a lot of money for both. Paying such prices makes only sense if there is big chance that you can use these cameras for many years.

Despite the uninformed rumors on the internet the T3 can still be repaired by some experts.
One with lots of experience in repairing the T2 / T3 (and lots of other electronic point and shots) is Pierro Pozella:
https://www.ppprepairs.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/PPP_repairs/

The Klasse cameras are still serviced by Fujifilm. They are also a bit younger then the T3 (the Klasse line was introduced when the T3 was discontinued).
And the Klasse cameras are also serviced by Pierro Pozella. Just some weeks ago he has explained how well designed and repair-/service friendly the Klasse cameras are,much better than most other cams in that class:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_ftyygnY4r/

Cheers, Jan

 

[jawarden]

You can get another P&S that does 90% of what the T3 does for 10% of the price, and in a potentially more reliable package, but if you're not willing to compromise there's only one option.

The OP is looking for something specific:

"I could NOT find any cheap ones that would have a decent shutter speed, do pre-focus with lens extension on half-press of a button, and have a retracting lens in a 35mm range. T3 and Klasse S are pretty much the only two options."

What is the compromise you were thinking about and what camera do you suggest? If you compromise on even one of the OP's three requirements he's not getting 90% of what he wants, he's getting 66%, and he already has that with his T2.

 

[Orthogonal]

Like what? Let`s remember he has the T2 that he`s not satisfied with and specifically wants to T3 for a reason. With that in mind, like what?

The Yashica T2, Konica Big Mini, Chinon 3001, first jump to mind - possibly not more durable but sub-$100. From memory (it's been a while) these extend on the half press, though I'm not sure about the shutter speeds relative to aperture. So, depending on how you take photos any of those may be interchangeable with a T3, but, to repeat my point, none of these give the combination of size, FL, aperture, rendering, etc. that the T3 does.

 

[aizan]

Re: Focus lock at half press

The Konica Big Mini's lens doesn't move into focus until you fully press the shutter. Nothing moves at half press.

I have a dead Fuji DL-300 / Cardia Hite, and it did move into position at half press.

 

[RObert Budding]

Probably not the best camera to use as an example of reliability, given that the 35RD is notorious for expensive-to-fix shutter failures... 🙂

Lubricants get old and, yes, at some point, shutters need service. I'd prefer that to a $1,400 camera that will eventually develop electronics problems that will send it to a landfill. Besides - a shutter service isn't that expensive, and there are still plenty of technicians that can service an RD.

 

[Huss]

Mine has not failed once in over 30 years. It is also cheap.
If you find a working one, it will stay working most likely. We are talking about a $100 camera.

When was the last time you used it?

 

[GarageBoy]

Are there any other cameras besides the Klasse and the T3 that auto focuses and moves the lens into position on half press (SLR style)? Besides those two, the only other ones I can think are the very late zoom Canon Sure Shots

 

[Beemermark]

I opted for an Olympus RD for times when I need a smallish camera. It only cost $175 with a CLA a couple of years ago. .

I can't imagine paying $175 for an Olympus RD.