Difference between revisions of "Contax T"

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{{Flickr_image
 
{{Flickr_image
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/26092923@N02/2451136374/in/pool-camerapedia/
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/26092923@N02/2451136374/in/pool-camerawiki
|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2451136374_2d58f48ae3_m.jpg
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|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2451136374_2d58f48ae3.jpg
 
|image_align= right
 
|image_align= right
|image_text= Contax T
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|image_by= Jack Hufnagel
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|image_rights= wp
 
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Introduced in 1984, the Contax T is a high quality, exceptionally compact [[35mm]] [[rangefinder camera]] manufactured in Japan by [[Kyocera]]. The camera is manually focused utilizing a coincident [[rangefinder (device)|rangefinder]]. The lens, a superb unit-focusing [[Carl Zeiss]] Sonnar 38 mm f/2.8 (5 elements in 4 groups) focusing to one metre, retracts into the camera body, where it is covered by the hinged lens cover.  This same cover, which superficially resembles the bed of a [[folding|folding camera]], is also used to extend the lens from the body - in a similar way to the [[Minox 35]]. The lens has a manual [[diaphragm]] that stops down to f/16.  The electronic between-the-lens shutter is automatically set by the camera's [[aperture priority]] exposure system, with speeds from 8 seconds to 1/500th.
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Introduced in 1984, the '''Contax T''' is a high quality, exceptionally compact [[35mm]] [[rangefinder camera]] manufactured in Japan by [[Kyocera]]. The camera is manually focused utilizing a coincident [[rangefinder (device)|rangefinder]]. The lens, a superb unit-focusing [[Carl Zeiss]] Sonnar 38 mm f/2.8 (5 elements in 4 groups) focusing to one metre, retracts into the camera body, where it is covered by the hinged lens cover.  This same cover, which superficially resembles the bed of a [[folding|folding camera]], is also used to extend the lens from the body - in a similar way to the [[Minox 35]]. The lens has a manual [[diaphragm]] that stops down to f/16 with 7 blades.  The electronic between-the-lens shutter is automatically set by the camera's [[aperture priority]] exposure system, with speeds from 8 seconds to 1/500th.
  
 
The camera lacks an accessory/[[hot shoe]], but came with a Contax T14 electronic flash unit (two AA batteries) that attaches to the side of the camera and was controlled by the Contax T's silicon photocell. Designed by FA Porsche, the camera's body makes extensive user of titanium, and Kyocera's expertise in ceramics is showcased by the use of a synthetic ruby shutter release. The [[light meter|meter]]'s [[film speed|ISO setting]] is manual. [[Film advance]] is by manual lever, but the frame  counter is electronic with an [[LCD]] display.  A backlighting button increases exposure by 50%.  Mine has run for well over ten years on two MS76 silver batteries.  The camera was available in both silver or black,
 
The camera lacks an accessory/[[hot shoe]], but came with a Contax T14 electronic flash unit (two AA batteries) that attaches to the side of the camera and was controlled by the Contax T's silicon photocell. Designed by FA Porsche, the camera's body makes extensive user of titanium, and Kyocera's expertise in ceramics is showcased by the use of a synthetic ruby shutter release. The [[light meter|meter]]'s [[film speed|ISO setting]] is manual. [[Film advance]] is by manual lever, but the frame  counter is electronic with an [[LCD]] display.  A backlighting button increases exposure by 50%.  Mine has run for well over ten years on two MS76 silver batteries.  The camera was available in both silver or black,
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Dimensions: 98m (W) x 66.5mm (H) x 32.5mm (D)  
 
Dimensions: 98m (W) x 66.5mm (H) x 32.5mm (D)  
 
Weight:  270 grams
 
Weight:  270 grams
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== Links ==
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/micromoogman/3345848295/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3345848295_0f9412b873.jpg
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|image_align= right
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|image_text= With dedicated flash
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|image_by= micromoogman
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|image_rights= wp
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}}
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* [http://www.dantestella.com/technical/contaxt.html Article on Contax T] at Dante Stella's [http://www.dantestella.com website]
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* [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/contax/contax_t/contax_t.htm PDF Manual] at Mike Butkus's [http://www.butkus.org website]
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* [http://www.warrenworks.com/cameras/ContaxT.shtml Contax T article] at [http://www.warrenworks.com www.warrenworks.com]
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* [http://www.submin.com/35mm/collection/contax/cameras/t_black.htm A black Contax T] at [http://www.submin.com/ www.submin.com]
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[[Category:Contax]]
 
[[Category:Contax]]
 
[[Category:Kyocera]]
 
[[Category:Kyocera]]
 
[[Category:Japanese 35mm rangefinder]]
 
[[Category:Japanese 35mm rangefinder]]
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[[Category:35mm ultra compact]]

Revision as of 05:18, 26 September 2018

Introduced in 1984, the Contax T is a high quality, exceptionally compact 35mm rangefinder camera manufactured in Japan by Kyocera. The camera is manually focused utilizing a coincident rangefinder. The lens, a superb unit-focusing Carl Zeiss Sonnar 38 mm f/2.8 (5 elements in 4 groups) focusing to one metre, retracts into the camera body, where it is covered by the hinged lens cover. This same cover, which superficially resembles the bed of a folding camera, is also used to extend the lens from the body - in a similar way to the Minox 35. The lens has a manual diaphragm that stops down to f/16 with 7 blades. The electronic between-the-lens shutter is automatically set by the camera's aperture priority exposure system, with speeds from 8 seconds to 1/500th.

The camera lacks an accessory/hot shoe, but came with a Contax T14 electronic flash unit (two AA batteries) that attaches to the side of the camera and was controlled by the Contax T's silicon photocell. Designed by FA Porsche, the camera's body makes extensive user of titanium, and Kyocera's expertise in ceramics is showcased by the use of a synthetic ruby shutter release. The meter's ISO setting is manual. Film advance is by manual lever, but the frame counter is electronic with an LCD display. A backlighting button increases exposure by 50%. Mine has run for well over ten years on two MS76 silver batteries. The camera was available in both silver or black,

The camera has developed something of a cult status and demands high prices (> $300) on the used marketplace. It is reported to have been a favorite of celebrated photographers Henri Cartier-Bresson and Costa Manos.

Dimensions: 98m (W) x 66.5mm (H) x 32.5mm (D) Weight: 270 grams

Links