135compact.com 35mm ultra compact cameras Contax T
The
Contax T is one of the two smallest 35mm film rangefinder cameras ever
built (the other being the Olympus XA). Designed by FA Porsche and
built by Kyocera, it has a Zeiss Sonnar lens and a full metal body and
it was called a rich man's vacation camera. Nevertheless several
reknown photographers adopted it immediately, when it was released in
1984. Technically it is close to the Minox G-series with the same kind
of hinged cover, but with a real rangefinder added. Its main
features are:
38mm F2.8 Sonnar T lens, 5 elements in 4 groups, coupled rangefinder, min. focus 1m Aperture priority (2.8-16), electronic shutter, 8sec.-1/500, speed indication 1/30-1/500 in the viewer/rangefinder window Size 98x66,5x32,5, Weight 270 gr. 25-1000 ISO, backlight compensation, self-timer
Well protected behind its hinged cover.
Back side. ISO indication, ISO setting release, view/rangefinder, 1-stroke film advance lever, grip.
Seen from above. Rewind knob, exposure compensation, self-timer, shutter button, LCD exposure counter.
Seen
from below. Rewind unlock button, tripod socket, back cover release, battery compartment. It takes 2 LR/SR44 batteries.
Cover open. Focussing ring in front of the lens, aperture setting via the second ring with click stops, half stops possible.
Camera open, 7-blade iris.
With
flash attached. The flash is entirely controlled by the camera
photocell and synchronizes at all speeds/apertures. Flash guide number
14 (m/100 ISO), takes 2 AA batteries.
Just a single On/Off switch, all settings made by the camera.
Flash control lamp. Flash makes nearly no noise.
Camera open. The pressure plate is hinged.
Film compartment.
The
Contax T is an extremely well built camera with a reknown top class
lens. It is incredibly small, but gives you full manual control. The
rangefinder is very clear and big for such a small camera. It belongs
to the few top class ultra compacts. Prices are still high, but if you
ever held one in your hands you understand why.
