What is the Contax RTS II?

The Contax RTS II is a 35mm SLR film camera produced by the German manufacturer Contax. It was introduced in 1982 as an improved version of the original Contax RTS.

What is the film format of the Contax RTS II?

The Contax RTS II uses 35mm film, which is also known as 135 film. This is a standard film format that is widely available.

What type of lens mount does the Contax RTS II have?

The Contax RTS II features the Contax/Yashica (C/Y) lens mount. This mount is compatible with a wide range of lenses produced by Contax and Yashica.

Does the Contax RTS II have manual exposure control?

Yes, the Contax RTS II offers manual exposure control. It has a built-in light meter that helps you set the correct exposure settings.

Does the Contax RTS II have autofocus?

No, the Contax RTS II does not have autofocus capabilities. It is a manual focus camera, which means you have to manually adjust the focus of the lens.

What is the shutter speed range of the Contax RTS II?

The Contax RTS II has a shutter speed range of 1/4000 to 1 second, plus a Bulb mode for long exposures. It also has a built-in electronic self-timer.

Does the Contax RTS II have a built-in flash?

No, the Contax RTS II does not have a built-in flash. However, it has a hot shoe on top of the camera body where you can attach an external flash.

Is the Contax RTS II a reliable camera?

Yes, the Contax RTS II is known for its excellent build quality and reliability. It was designed for professional use and has a robust construction.

Can I still find accessories for the Contax RTS II?

While the Contax RTS II is no longer in production, you can still find accessories such as lenses, filters, and camera bags on the used market or from specialty camera stores.

Is the Contax RTS II a good camera for beginners?

The Contax RTS II is a more advanced camera that may not be suitable for beginners. It requires some knowledge of manual exposure control and manual focus.

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Contax RTS II

Name: Contax RTS II
Brand: Kyocera
Rating: 3.9 (11 reviews)

Slr

35MM

Kyocera

Japan

Size & Weight

Camera Size for Contax RTS II146 x 92 x 50 mm
Camera Weight for Contax RTS II690 g
Camera Build Material for Contax RTS IIMetal

Focus

Camera Focus Mode for Contax RTS IIManual Focus
Camera Focus Type for Contax RTS IISplit Image

Exposure

Camera Shutter Speed Range for Contax RTS II4 sec – 1/2000 sec
Camera ISO Speed Range for Contax RTS II12 ISO – 3200 ISO
Camera Exposure Modes for Contax RTS IIManual, Aperture priority
Camera Exposure Meter for Contax RTS IICenter-weighted
Camera Viewfinder for Contax RTS IIPentaprism

Lens & Accessories

Camera Lens Type for Contax RTS IIInterchangeable Lens
Camera Lens Mount for Contax RTS IIContax/Yashica mount
Common Camera Lenses for Contax RTS II Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 85mm f/2.8
Camera Flash for Contax RTS II No Built-In Flash
Camera Common Accessories for Contax RTS II Contax Power Pack P-3 Contax Real Time Winder W-3 Contax Data Back D-4

Battery

Camera Battery Type for Contax RTS II2 x SR44
Battery Life for Contax RTS IIApproximately 1 year with normal use
Battery Replaceable for Contax RTS IIReplaceable

Manual

Camera Manual for Contax RTS IIShow Manual

Use Cases

Camera Use Cases for Contax RTS II
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Street Photography
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Portrait Photography
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Travel Photography

Description for Contax RTS II

The Contax RTS II is a professional-level 35mm SLR film camera that was introduced by Contax in 1982. It is part of the renowned Contax RTS series and is highly regarded for its robust build quality and advanced features. The camera features a metal chassis and a durable titanium top cover, making it sturdy and reliable for professional use. It has a bright viewfinder with a split-image focusing screen and a built-in light meter for accurate exposure control. The RTS II offers full manual control as well as aperture-priority and program modes. It has a vertical metal shutter with a maximum speed of 1/2000th of a second and a flash sync speed of 1/125th of a second. The camera is compatible with a wide range of high-quality Carl Zeiss lenses, which are known for their exceptional optical performance. Overall, the Contax RTS II is a versatile and dependable camera that is highly sought after by both professional photographers and enthusiasts.

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Some notable features of the Contax RTS II include a motor drive option for continuous shooting, a self-timer for delayed shutter release, and a depth-of-field preview button for checking the depth of field before taking a shot. The camera also has a built-in hot shoe for attaching an external flash and a PC sync socket for off-camera flash synchronization. It uses a standard 35mm film format and has a film advance lever and a rewind crank for easy film handling. The Contax RTS II is powered by two LR44 or SR44 batteries, which provide power for the light meter and other electronic functions. It is a reliable and durable camera that can withstand the rigors of professional use. The Contax RTS II is a highly regarded camera among film photography enthusiasts and collectors due to its exceptional build quality, advanced features, and compatibility with Carl Zeiss lenses.

Example Photos for Contax RTS II

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Pros and Cons for Contax RTS II

Solid and durable construction

Accurate and reliable metering system

Interchangeable viewfinders and focusing screens

Compatible with a wide range of high-quality Carl Zeiss lenses

Quiet and smooth shutter operation

Excellent build quality

Advanced exposure control modes

Highly customizable settings

Relatively heavy and bulky

Limited availability and high price on the used market

Requires batteries for full functionality

How to Use the Camera Contax RTS II

How to Load Film Contax RTS II

Potential Problems and Fixes for Contax RTS II

Electrical Failures

The Contax RTS II is an electronic camera, and as such, it can be prone to electrical failures. These can range from issues with the metering system to the shutter failing to fire. Regular maintenance and battery checks can help prevent these issues.

Focusing Screen Dust

The RTS II's focusing screen can attract dust, which can affect the clarity of the viewfinder. It's recommended to clean the focusing screen regularly with a soft brush or air blower.

Mirror Bumper Deterioration

The foam used for the mirror bumper can deteriorate over time, causing the mirror to become noisy and potentially damaging the shutter. It's advisable to replace the mirror bumper foam every few years.

Frequently Asked Questions for Contax RTS II

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