Changes: Contax T2

Revision as of 03:46, 4 November 2012

Released in 1990, The Contax T2 was the second of the Contax T series of high-end compact film cameras targeted at the professional and luxury consumer markets. The Contax T2 was offered in in champagne silver, black and gold plated finishes.

The Contax T2 was renowned for its Carl Zeiss T* multi-coated Sonnar 2.8/38 lens comprising 5 elements in 4 groups and user friendly controls. While it offered full automation, including Autofocus and Program AE, the Contax T2 was one of the most readily user-controllable cameras of its era, featuring Aperture Priority AE selection on a dial on the retracting lens body, and manual focus on a thumb dial. Exposure compensation of +/-2 EV in 1/2 EV steps is controlled by a dial at the top left and the EV compensation is given in a small window. Shutter speed and focus lock confirmation is given in the viewfinder.

Contax T2 Major Specifications
Film	35mm (135 cartridge) DX ISO 25 - 5000 Non-DX default ISO 100
Lens	Carl Zeiss T* Sonnar 38mm F/2.8
Aperture	F/2.8 - F/16
Shutter Speed	8s - 1/500s
Exposure Compensation	+/-2 EV in 1/2 EV steps
Flash	Builty-in only Anti-red eye preflash option Range 0.7m - 3m at lSO100 Recycle 3.5s
Battery	1 x 3V CR123 or equivalent
Size	Width 119mm x Height 66mm x Depth 33 mm 295g without battery

Competitors

The Contax T2's closest rival was the Leica Minilux. It is of a similar specification, design philosophy, size and weight.

Quirks

The Program AE mode is the same setting as Aperture Priority F/2.8. Therefore, the camera cannot be shot wide-open unless the exposure level demands it.

Flash can only be used in Program AE mode.

Like the Contax T before it, the Contax T2 lacks an accessory/hotshoe.

The viewfinder can be used with both eyes open, but it is hard to use while wearing glasses.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[File:ContaxT2_Front.jpg|left|thumb|188px|Contax T2]]Released in 1990, The Contax T2 was the second of the Contax T series of high-end compact film cameras targetted at the professional and luxury consumer markets. The Contax T2 was offered in in champagne silver, black and gold plated finishes.
+[[File:ContaxT2_Front.jpg|left|thumb|188px|Contax T2]]Released in 1990, The Contax T2 was the second of the Contax T series of high-end compact film cameras targeted at the professional and luxury consumer markets. The Contax T2 was offered in in champagne silver, black and gold plated finishes.
-The Contax T2 was renowned for its Carl Zeiss T* multi-coated Sonnar 2.8/38 lens comprising 5 elements in 4 groups and user friendly controls. While it offered full automation, including Autofocus and Program AE, the Contax T2 was one of the most readily user-controllable cameras of its era, featuring Aperture Priority AE selection on a dial on the retracting lens body, and manual focus on a thumb dial.  Exposure compensation of +/-2 EV in 1/2 EV steps is controlled by a dial at the top left and the EV compensation is given in a small window.  Shutter speed and focus lock confirmation is given in the viewfinder.
+The Contax T2 was renowned for its Carl Zeiss T* multi-coated Sonnar 2.8/38 lens comprising 5 elements in 4 groups and user friendly controls. While it offered full automation, including Autofocus and Program AE, the Contax T2 was one of the most readily user-controllable cameras of its era, featuring Aperture Priority AE selection on a dial on the retracting lens body, and manual focus on a thumb dial. Exposure compensation of +/-2 EV in 1/2 EV steps is controlled by a dial at the top left and the EV compensation is given in a small window. Shutter speed and focus lock confirmation is given in the viewfinder.
 [[File:ContaxT2_Back.jpg|left|thumb|Contax T2 Databack]]
@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 |+Contax T2 Major Specifications
 |Film
-|35mm (135 cartridge)<br />
+|35mm (135 cartridge)<br />DX ISO 25 - 5000<br />
-DX ISO 25 - 5000<br />
 Non-DX default ISO 100
 |-
@@ Line 51: / Line 50: @@
 ==Competitors==
-The Contax T2's closest rival was the Leica Minilux.  It is of a similar specification, design philosophy, size and weight
+The Contax T2's closest rival was the Leica Minilux. It is of a similar specification, design philosophy, size and weight.
 ==Quirks==
-*The Program AE mode is the same setting as Aperture Priority F/2.8.  Therefore, the camera cannot be shot wide-open unless the exposure level demands it.
+*The Program AE mode is the same setting as Aperture Priority F/2.8. Therefore, the camera cannot be shot wide-open unless the exposure level demands it.
 *Flash can only be used in Program AE mode.