TC-1 or T3

[mrisney]

T3 prices have shot up. I had a complete G2 system, sold it off, and am pretty happy with my Mamiya 6 outfit. However I miss the Zeiss look from the Contax G2. I am considering getting a Contax T3, but have started to consider the Minolta TC-1.

I would like something that is small, well built, auto focus.
Both cameras fit what I am looking for, except the price point on the Contax T3 is ~$400-500 more than the Minolta TC-1


Tell me more about the TC-1, images would be appreciated 🙂

 

[Rico]

Prices have inverted over time: used pricing was once $500 for T3 and $1000 for TC-1.

 

[WJJ3]

Tell me more about the TC-1, images would be appreciated 🙂

Hi there, have you looked at this thread?
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158367

 

[xyz3450]

I have the T3 -- nice camera. Shoot with it less frequently than I should though....

 

[splitimageview]

I was in the same boat and opted for a Contax Tvs. I figure it's a 28mm f/3.5 (same as the Minolta) with a bonus zoom option. And it feels and handles the same as my old T2. I also had a T3 a while back, but both of them have zoomed up in price.

 

[Archlich]

People should hear the sound of the TC-1 operating at least once in their life. Excellent piece of gadget.

As for usability the two cameras are on par with each other...with the T3 having a slight edge - it's marginally faster. The TC-1 has more functions, some of which are unique like spot metering and the -/+ 4 stop exposure compensation. Both cameras are easy but not intuitive to use. The T3's lens is, while Zeiss calls it a Sonnar, actually very similar to the (Sonnar derived, non-symmetrical) pre-war Biogon. The TC-1's G-Rokkor is an advanced retrofocus design delivering sharper results, but with hefty vignetting.

With both cameras being excellent, I'd say it's always easier to get the cheaper one first to see if you like it enough. I liked it enough that I even got a G-Rokkor in LTM...

 

[mrisney]

Well curiosity got the best of me. Trying out Portra 400 and 160

 

[mrisney]

Sharp, but still on the fence if I should have gone for a Contax T3.

From the Noritsu scans, I see pinkish tint, similar to my Autocord images

 

[jmilkins]

That's the kind of renderingI'mfamiliar with from the TC-1 and it suits me. Your black model is gorgeous.

You could pick up the TVS with the money you didn't spend on the T3....

 

[Addy101]

I'm flabbergasted that the T3 is so much more expensive - if anything, I expected the opposite.....

Maybe you saw this, but 35mmc write up on the T3 compares it to the TC-1. His conclusion isn't quite clear, but it seems the TC-1 is more enjoyable and the T3 is more practical.

 

[Tsai]

Well curiosity got the best of me. Trying out Portra 400 and 160

Wow! So nice in the black! Glad your enjoying it! Keep up the great photos!

 

[jsrockit]

Wow, nice equipment. Enjoy!

 

[Archiver]

Heck, the TC-1 is the same size as the Sony RX100? That's nuts!