handling, build quality feeling

(if that would be one)no matrix metering

Very good camera, more solid build then Aria (at least from the feeling). All features you might want to have included, except matrix metering. Look for more infos at: www.contaxinfo.com. This is the ultimate source for every Contax user. For every Contax-system!

Similar Products Used:

almost all Contax cameras

Exceptionally well built and of the highest quality. Takes absolutely fantastic Zeiss manual focus lenses. Built-in date-back is standard and imprints the date/time between frames. Built-in diopter and viewfinder shutter Controls are logically placed and although they appear to be standard dials they are actually microswitches that coimmunicate to the camera electronics. It is quite easy to change settings without having to take your eye from the viewfinder. There are 9 custom functions and Contax includes a sticker sheet for the bottom of the camera to summarize the functions. The camera does NOT have mirror lock-up. I have NOT included this as a weakness however because the camera is so well damped that it doesn''t need one. The camera is incredibly quiet for a 3fps motor drive SLR. In all it is a wonderful camera to use.

Like any camera that is not made of plastic, the RX is heavy. The DFI focus does not lock when you press the shutter button and, if you expect it to operate like a standard AF camera you might be mislead. Once you remember that this is a manual focus camera with a secondary confirmation you will not expect the DFI to lock. Focus isn''t really changing since you have to move the focus ring.

The RX represents one of Contax''s approaches to integrating autofocus technology into a camera while retaining the use of the exceptional Zeiss manual focus lenses. What Contax has done is build in all of the electronics of an AF system into the camera without the motors to move the lens. That job is left to the photographer. In fact, the RX is always used as a manual focus camera and the Digital Focus Indicator is only used as another confirmation of correct focus in addition to the standard focusing screens. The DFI also provides a digital representation of Depth of Field in the viewfinder.

Customer Service

Top of the line. Never any difficulties with getting parts or accessories and the camera has no defects in manufacturing or any other problems.

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Yashica 108MP, Contax 167MT

Solid, quiet operation. A joy to hold and use. Fit and finish is fantastic and extremely durable

none I have found

With DFI I can use a manual camera again, but the RX and RTSIII put Leica and many others to shame.
The camera is simply a pleasure to use, it is intuitive in the layout of controls and Carl Zeiss lenses are as good or better than anything in 35mm I have seen. Absolutely worth every cent of the purchase price.

Customer Service

Haven't used it.

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Nikon N90s, F4s, F5, Eos-1N, Leica R4, R6

Build Quality; Ultra-quiet, vibration-free operation, bright viewfinder, excellent ergonomics, focus assist, depth of field "meter", and of course Zeiss glass

Focus assist not usually functional in poor light (when you really need it), relatively primitive flash system (compared to Nikon)

Excellent, rugged tool for access to Zeiss glass + excellent ergonomics and viewfinder (makes manual focus easy in good light). Only real weaknesses are less than SOTA flash metering and poor response of focus assist in dim light.

Customer Service

Not used yet

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F5 and F100
Canon EOS 1

Clearly the fit and finish on this camera is excellent, well thought out controls, digital focusing aide a plus.

DFI is a little slow. Also, it could be a little more percise.

This is an excellent camera. My 167MTs were a little too over automated and too small. RX is just the right combination of automation and analog controls. Autobracketing and exposure compensation are excellent features that perform dead-on. Digital Focusing Index is a help in tough focusing situations notwithstanding the above stated weaknesses. Good solid feel to the body that balances well with heavy Zeiss lenses. I did my homework and have shot a couple of hundred rolls with this camera and can testify that this is an excellent camera that you could enjoy for many years to come.

Customer Service

Have had no need for it.

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Had two Contax 167MTs traded them for the RX. Have 35/2.8 and 85/2.8 Zeiss lenses. My brother, a professional, has the

Very user friendly camera layout.
Excellent build quality.
Almost all the useful features for a manual focus camera (except MLU .... )
And, yes, Digital Focusing Indicator !!!!! I really love it !

No MLU, but I suspect I might not need it because when I depress the shutter release button, I can not detect the mirror vibration like other cameras I have ever used.

All I can say is I love this camera. If you can afford RTS-III, buy it. Otherwise, RX is the camera for you.
However, I think you should consider what kind of lens you will want before buying a body. Zeiss lens is excellent if you want popular lens like 28, 50, 85, they are great and cheap!!! But if you want 15, 16, 21, macro lens or anything longer than 200, watch out your wallet ( well, but Leica is 2X........ )

At the end, I wholeheartedly recommend the RX !]

Jerry

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Yachica FX3-2000
Yachica FX-D
Canon Elan II QD

Elegant in its simplicity and quality.
Best unique feature is the digital depth of field/focus indicator. This allows precise manual focusing with attention to depth of field.

Lack of autofocus. Lack of mirror lock-up.
Expensive lenses.
Limited accessories in Contax line.

Excellent camera.

Customer Service

Unkown.

Similar Products Used:

Contax 167MT

DFI, rugged, take Carl Zeiss, Metering activated button. ABC bracketing

Expensive, no MLU, No matrix metering, no vertical grip

Great camera for the current price. I wish it would have MLU or vertical grip.

Customer Service

don't know yet

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F5, Nikon F100, Nikon N90, Nikon N70, Nikon FM2N, Nikon F3HP
Contax Aria, Contax S2, Contax ST, Contax RTSIII,

Durable, Beautifully crafted, Precise, Lenses are very sharp and have great color rendition, overall a fine crafted piece of art.

expensive (but not as bad as leica)

If you have the money, Contax gives you reason to spend it.

Customer Service

NA

Similar Products Used:

Nikon manual and AF, Canon FD and EOS, Minolta maxxum.

Feels really good in you hands. You can get to every control without moving your hands. Nice viewfinder. Generally sturdy.

Viewfinder too nice! It makes everything look like a great picture! It's also hard to find used (or new) accessories.

This camera is just amazing! The analog controls and the layout are very intuitive. You can figure out all the basic functions without the instruction manual. The digital focus indicator is great, too. My pictures are sharper than ever. Overall the camera feels and acts like a precision instrument, and you always know exactly what is going on.

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Yashica FX-3
Canon EOS