Contax T3 - User Comments, Discussion (PART 2)

[philip_bonner]

And I was hoping that my sprocket problem was a one-of-a-kind, one

time, problem. Looks like we may have discovered a weak spot.

[philip_bonner]

Been experimenting with taking flash photos using the TL 200 wired to

the T3 through the off camera cord and SR-2 bracket. Have great

results with portraits using normal flash sync speeds aiming the

flash offset high and wide of the subject. Also good results obtained

in LT (Long Time) mode firing the flash as a fill. With the T3 flash

set to no flash, the camera chooses the LT exposure time and the TL

200 will still fire. Results were slightly overexposed. Does anyone

know if I can use the exposure compensation adjustment for LT shots?

 

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Pardon me for asking this again. This was asked before but I did not

understand whether the answer was a "yes" the exposure comp works in

LT mode or a "no" the exposure comp does not work under LT mode.

[fernando_collalti]

Phil...Tommy

I was thinking of buying the T3 this week (my shop/supplier still as

3 T3s after the xmas period - I know him pretty well and he told me

that they sold around 20 pieces from november to december). Now,

after reading all the great posting I was pretty convinced to

go and buy my new T3... but then I've read the problems that

both of you had with the film "sprocket" breaking down... So

what should I do????

I posses a CONTAX G2 with 28, 45 and 90 mm and I'm really happy with

it but I want a "quality" P&S camera to be always with me...

Do you think I should wait and see if Contax becomes aware of this

problem, or these things never happen? Thanks. - Milan, Italy

[kwen_wan1]

Phil a crude form of compensation for LT shots would be to

cover the light sensor with a density filter and calculate the

exposure depending what density, density filter you used.

2x 4x etc.

 

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To go the other way, to underexpose you put the density filter over

the lens.

 

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But I thought the compensation dial worked for LT?

[j.martin]

Fernando, although I have only had the T3 since the end of

October i used it extensively in Bolivia, and my advice is to buy

the T3 rather than wait for Contax to acknowledge, let alone fix,

any problem. Fortunately, I have not had the problem--yet. And

hopefully never will. I had a loading problem with my T2 shortly

after I bought it and had to send it in to Contax for repairs, never

had any problem after it was repaired, and did not hesitate to buy

the T3 after reading the glowing reports, many of them by

contributors to this posting.

[ron_buchanan]

Fernando, I have to concur with J. Martin. I've used my T3

extensively since I bought it in August and have yet to have any

problem. If there were any other P&S that came even remotely close

to it in terms of features, useability and performance, I might

reconsider. But as things stand, there really is no competition.

[philip_bonner]

I believe that a company with the reputation of Contax will identify

the weakness, install redesigned/stronger ones on new T3's and

respond to those that go bad by replacing the defective ones with the

stronger redesigned one.

 

<p>

 

I'll send an email to Contax about the recurring reports here which

seem to indicate an inherrent weakness. If it is an inherent

weakness, I would imagine that it would already be reflected in

repair requests.

 

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Anyone have a good email address for Contax?

[philip_bonner]

I sent a message to Contax about the possible take-up spool sprocket

weakness and included copies of all the related posts from this board.

 

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I would treat this problem as a "toothing" problem which all new

equipment is prone. I believe Contax will design and provide a

permanent remedy to the problem for those who have trouble with it.

 

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Overall, the camera has proven to me to be a great photographic tool

that fulfills the P&S role better than anything else out there, i.e;

it's design lends itself to ease of carry and quick P&S applications.

Due to the quality of the photos that it renders I do not feel that I

am compromsing image quality by using it instead of my SLR ficed foal

lenght lenses.

 

<p>

 

To the contrary, the T3 lense has given equal

contrast/color/resolution performance, and has less flare and

vignetting than my Canon 50mm f1.4 - my baseline for

quality/sharpness.

 

<p>

 

I've already reported about the wide latitude that the camera's built-

in features and accessories afford the user - virtually most of the

exposure control of an slr and dedicatred flash but in a much more

handy "point and shootable" package.

 

<p>

 

I have confidence that the take-up spool problem will be researched

and corrected. It should not be considered a major flaw and is not

indicative of the overall quality that I have found when constantly

using the T3.

 

<p>

 

BUT, we'll see how Contax handles it.

[kwen_wan2]

This thread and the content is possibly the most useful Contax

T3 resource on the web, however, it getting a bit long! Over

200kb. Somebody suggested an alternative forum but required

registration.

 

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I'm a web designer and can knock up a quality forum board just

for Contax T3 with zero registration or spam or advertising.

Would it be of use?..if so, what categories should be set up?

[nikitatuan_nguyen]

Kwen,

 

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I'm not familiar with web design, what hardware and amount of work it

may require. Beside this T3 thread, I also follow the Contax G Pages

http://www.contaxg.com/ and Minolta Users' Group

http://camerasystems.info/showlist.jsp?forum=4&nocookies=1

 

<p>

 

It would be awesome if T3 users have a webpage like the Contax G. If

not, the format for the Minolta Users' Group is great start. It makes

it easier to browse through the various subject-matter. We should

encourage people to start posting pictures, which brings them back to

learn and share their experiences.

[ron_buchanan]

Kwen, I think it would be great to have a site such as the Contax G

site mentioned by Niki (though that site seems a bit cluttered to my

eyes). I'll give some thought to what categories I'd like to see...

[philip_bonner]

I have a feeling that this thread will have a limited life. I have

learned to get the most from my T3 from the experiences posted by

others here.

 

<p>

 

Also, if problems arise with the T3, the combined voices of everyone

in a T3 Group could speak with Contax with far more force of

authority than just an individual.

 

<p>

 

Great idea.

[kwen_wan2]

Great to see there is a response, otherwise there would not be

much point in setting up a board ; )

 

<p>

 

The beauty of this board is that it isn't moderated (I think its not

anyway) yet the personalities on this board all have great

integrity. No friction, no bad language, self moderating : )

 

<p>

 

As there will be no advertising banners : ) the hosting will be

funded out of my own pocket.

 

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I will draw up a short list for the categories distilled from the

content of this board and your suggestions.

 

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This one will be for the users, not driven by any commerical

concern. Need to think of a domain name too...

Will it be OK for a .co.uk name? e.g. contax-t.co.uk ?

I thought T3 would be too specific e.g. if there is a T5 launch!

[ming_ting]

I'd visit the site! Look forward to it.

[john_mccormack]

I think a Contax "T" user group site is a good idea. The more non-

commercial the better. An alternative might one of the Yahoo or

Topica groups. I belong to groups on those sites and they are run

pretty well - no spam and minimum advertising.

 

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http://groups.yahoo.com/

 

<p>

 

http://www.topica.com

[craigee]

Just shot my first role and the pictures are awesome. My question

is regarding the noise of the shutter releasing. My camera seems

to "crunch" when I shoot rather than the usual "click and whirl".

Since the shutter is in the lens I wonderif tere is less dampening

than an average P&S

[kwen_wan2]

Craigee, glad that you are pleased with the results of the lens!

 

<p>

 

Strange, it appears that the T3 has almost too types of build.

Some people's T3 is fairly quiet like mine, and others are quite

noisy, noisy enough to prompt people to post a question is it that

noisy?

 

<p>

 

Unless some people are more critical than others.

T3 is much quieter than my other cameras T4, 35Ti, Contax G1

and Pentax MZ1.

[r_fossum]

My initial impressions of this camera after 10 rolls of film ( this

review does not posess the depth of more experienced users since its

still in its infancy and I havent taken advantage of all it has to

offer )

 

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My first few rolls were black and white. I purchased the B plus W

yellow filter and the contax filter adapter. Since, I dont currently

use the darkroom I have my Black white contact printed.

However, based on my results with color slide film any enlargements

are going to be a pleasure.

 

<p>

 

My Chromes were shot with fuji sensia bought at walmart. The chromes

possesed a clarity that only one 35mm lens I have ever used does and

thats the 95 dollar made in china plastic af 50mm 1.8 nikkor ( a damn

sharp lens that looks like a pheonix or vivitar! )

 

<p>

 

Most of the time I am using a program mode with this camera. Since I

was shooting slides I would often take advantage of the easy to use

exposure compensation function that no other point and shoot camera

posseses to my knowledge. Experienced photographers will love this

feature as it enables tweaking of exposure in third stops.

 

<p>

 

I'm not thrilled with the the focusing distance option that is in

meters and not ft ( americentric I geuss but I always appreciate my

primes having distance information on the lens in ft. ) Not a big

deal though since its supposed to be a point and shoot right?

 

<p>

 

I have had a small problem that has neccesitated sending the camera

back to kyocera temporarily. There is a small transluscent black band

running thru the upper left hand corner of all my horizontal shots.

Its not a huge deal as most printing I do would allow for a crop

given the sizes I enlarge to. However, having paid half the GNP for

the camera I expect perfection. I will update on what experiences I

have with Kyocera warranty.

 

<p>

 

One last comment from my limited use: I dont really see the Zeiss

mystique with this lens. Sharp as hell for sure and astounding for a

package this small but I still do not see any differences in tonality

between this and my sharpest nikkor prime ( my untrained NONZEISS eye

perhaps? ). However, the razor shop optics have tweaked my interest

in the contax g2 as its a more versatile camera with seemingly

affordable lenses of varying focal lenghts.

 

<p>

 

In conclusion, a real gem. The best part is the beautiful charcoal

grey titanium finish !!

[nikitatuan_nguyen]

Robert,

 

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If you're shooting only B&W and using only sharpness as the measuring

stick, then Zeiss optics isn't really necessary. Both pro series

Nikkor and Canon optics are quite sharp, but if other factors (shadow

details, color rendition for color films) are taken into effect, then

Zeiss is superior in my opinion...

 

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btw, what B&W do you use?

[r_fossum]

Hi niki,

 

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I use tri-x for Black and White and occasionally tmax 400.

 

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I bought the camera mainly because I can take it everywhere with me

and its insconspicous.

 

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Still dont see differing color rendition with the zeiss yet. Only 10

rolls total to date. When I bought the camera I wanted something that

would equal my 50mm nikon chinese plastic prime. The t3 does this (

perhaps exceeds it but I cant tell from my analysis intially ).

Further shooting will give me more information. Not ready to trade in

my current MF system for a blad ( not that I could if I wanted to

anyways so this is fantasy )

 

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A beautiful little camera if one can afford it.

 

<p>

 

RF

[efrank]

I enjoy using this camera, but find that at times I wish the filter

ring was always on my T3. Problem is, I use the case that came with

the camera, so I have to remove the ring everytime I stow it. Any

opinions on leaving the ring on the camera when putting it in the

case? (No filter or shade.) Am I leaving myself open to problems due

to pressure exterted by the leather case on the barrel of the lens?

 

<p>

 

The only reason this is an issue is that I find that I must attach the

filter adapter separately before screwing on a filter or the shade.

If the adapter is attached to a filter/shade, I cant get the adapter

to lock on the lens. I'm only interested in doing this for the sheer

convenience of it...if only the case wasn't quite so snug.

 

<p>

 

Thanks,

Eliott

[nikitatuan_nguyen]

I have the same concern. Contax has the other case for $85 that has a

neck strap and allows filter, hood and cap. What is this called...

predatory marketing??? ;-)

[philip_bonner]

I have the ever ready case. Use both the belt and the ever ready

depending on shooting/activity. This weekend was in the mountains.

Very cold, snowy weather. Kept the T3 protected inside my jacket

hanging around my neck from straps of ever ready case with cover

removed. For a walk in the park on a nice day I'll jut use the hip

belt case. Nothing is faster and more convenient.

[philip_bonner]

Still no Contax answer to my query whether the single sprocket film

take-up/winding spool is a common/frequently requested T3 warranty

repair item. Contax is usually very responsive. Therefore, their non-

answers, in lieu of a denial or an acknowledgment of problem, could

be viewed as an begrudging admission.

[armand]

I read quite some suggestions about films that give good results

in the T3. Personally I really like the Kodachrome 64 slide film,

but I haven't tried it in the T3 yet. The film is hard to get here..

Has anyone tried it in his/her T3 ?

 

<p>

 

Thanks,

Armand