Contax 167MT
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| image by Paulo Moreira (Image rights) |
The Contax 167MT is a 35mm SLR camera produced by Kyocera in under the Contax brand name.
This camera has a electronically-timed shutter unit with speeds from 16s to 1/4000. Flash synchronisation is electronic at 1/125 of a second. It uses a Contax/Yashica bayonet lens mount. It is compatible with MM lenses which have a metal flange that allows the camera to set the aperture. Some program modes cannot function without MM lenses; the camera will automatically switch to Av mode if an improper mode is selected.
There are six program modes, to select press and hold the mode button while sliding the operating lever.
- Program: Normal program mode
- Program High: Favors a higher shutter speed
- Program Low: Favors lower shutter speed
- Tv: Shutter priority exposure
- Av: Aperture priority
- M: Manual exposure also with bulb setting
There are three metering modes that can be selected when powering on the camera. Setting the power dial to "square" will put the camera in center-weighted mode, "circle" for spot metering mode, and AEL auto-exposure lock. The TTL center-weighted or spot metering system features a SPD with a range of 0 to 20 EV (ISO 100 with f/1.4 lens) with a film speed of 25 to 5000 ISO. An exposure compensation dial make it easy to adjust settings and can be changed from -2 to +2 EV in 1/3 step.
The viewfinder has a horizontal split-image spot as well as a micro prism to aid in focusing. The top of the finder is illuminated with LED settings. Flash, exposure compensation, number of exposures from 00, shutter / ISO speed (switchable with the ISO button), spot metering mode indicator, aperture value, and program mode.
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| top view image by Raúl Sá Dantas (Image rights) |
The motorized film transport supports three types of drive modes, S: single, C: continuous and S-T: self-timer mode. The setting can be changed with the dial located by the top shoulder LCD panel. When using the self-timer the exposure counter counts down from 10. Two types of 35mm film can be used, DX code film with a range of 25 to 5000 ISO. Non-DX film can also be used which can be set by holding the ISO button and sliding the operating lever. DX encoded film can also be overridden in the same manner. The 167MT will also retain the last used setting of Non-DX encoded film. Properly advancing film will can be easily check on the camera back with the film check window. Rewinding the film can be done by pressing the release button on the shoulder and sliding the switch towards the pentaprism, mid-roll rewind is also possible.
The camera is powered by 4x AAA batteries, a battery check feature is available. While powering on the camera hold the mode and ISO button at the same time, if every item on the LCD panel is lit battery is sufficient. An additional battery grip is also available that uses longer life AA batteries.
