Contax TVS (II) prefocus question

[2wenty]

Hey guys,

I have a question regarding the prefocus on the Contax TVS II, I think it should be the same for the I.

I just bought another TVS II off ebay since I hazed the lens on my other one and ended up breaking it trying to fix it.

My question is, the one I just got off of eBay does not make a sound during half press (prefocus). Im pretty sure my other one did. A quick search on youtube shows some that make a sound (prefocus) on half press and some that don't. So now Im confused. As far as Im aware there are no hidden menus on the TVS to turn this on or off.

I want to try and figure out whats up so I can contact the seller if there is an issue since I paid $200 and should be able to get one working in good condition for around that.

Thanks

 

[2wenty]

Holy crap. Decided to mess around and see if there is a hidden menu and struck gold on the first try.

For anyone that wants to know.

I turned the camera on and held the flash button down till it started blinking (this is how you set the default flash setting). When it starts blinking if you look at the frame counter lcd mine said 0 and the only button to mess with is the timer switch. I switched it back and forth and the frame counter window turned to 1. It activated half press prefocus. Awesome.

 

[trisberg]

Glad you found the way to change it. That's how I prefer to set mine up as well. It's outlined in the manual on page 49 of the downloadable one from here: http://www.butkus.org/chinon/contax/contax_t_vs_ii/contax_t_vs_ii.htm

-Thomas

 

[Mr. Fizzlesticks]

Holy Crap! is right. I have had my TVS for years now and never knew this could be done! I guess it pays to read the manual....

Thanks!

 

[2wenty]

Thanks guys. I looked through the manual I had but didn't see it. Must of missed it.

 

[Maximilian]

Hi,

Can I ask, is there any benefit to have the lens focus after the shutter is pressed, compared to have it set so it focuses at half press? To have the lens focus at half press should result in less shutter lag, but since both this camera and the T3 are set at default to focus after the shutter is pressed, I'm guessing there is something positive to this setting as well?

Many thanks,
M

 

[2wenty]

The only advantage I see is parts wear out slower. Id rather have the speed. Wished the T2 extended the lens on pre focus.

 

[Maximilian]

Thanks. I agree, I'd also rather have the speed.