Contax TVS III - current experience?

[Peter_S]

Hi,
I am thinking to get a film camera again to complement my Ricoh GR3x. I used to have a Contax T3, but sadly lost it. I tried the TVS and T, but both had problems that forced me to get rid of them. The images from the T were great but the TVS did not convince me (filter tread is a real plus though).
I owned a TVS III before the T3, and the image quality was really good. Prices are acceptable on the used market also.
To current TVS III owners - how have they stood the test of time? Any regular issues?

Note: I know the TVS series has electric components that can fail. However, my experience with mechanical cameras is worse, and I live in Norway with limited options to repair anything that’s not standard/common properly.

 

[valdas]

I think all Contax models with electric parts are “time- bombs” waiting to explode (i.e. brick the camera). I am Contax lover, but my experience with this brand is not the best. The list is long - G2 developed shutter issues, AX developed some problems with electronics I could not shoot anymore, Aria developed strange film rewind issue (when the film rewind is started automatically mid roll). Even the mechanical S2 has an issue - the only electric part -lightmeter- stopped working. I sold my T2 because I was afraid it will brick one day. I still have T (but the LCD does not work properly and the shutter starts failing when the battery is low), I also have 167MT, S2 and RX, but I never take them as my main camera if I travel. So, it is not about TVSIII, but my general idea is that Contax with electronics is not to be trusted in the long run.

 

[Peter_S]

I think all Contax models with electric parts are “time- bombs” waiting to explode (i.e. brick the camera). I am Contax lover, but my experience with this brand is not the best. The list is long - G2 developed shutter issues, AX developed some problems with electronics I could not shoot anymore, Aria developed strange film rewind issue (when film rewind is started automatically mid roll). Even mechanical S2 has an issue - the only electric part -lightmeter- stopped working. I sold my T2 because I was afraid it will brick one day. I still have T (but LCD does not work properly and shutter starts failing when the battery is low), I also have 167MT, S2 and RX, but I never take them as my main camera if I travel. So, it is not about TVSIII, but my general idea is that Contax with electronics is not to be trusted in the long run.

You are probably right. It's hard to let go of them, but perhaps it is time. The relatively low cost makes me consider the TVSIII, as the potential damage is bearable.
Will think a bit. No rush, as the GR3x does a great job at just about anything.