Contax T3 - User Comments, Discussion (PART 2)

[armand]

Hi Tony,

 

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In a Swiss (online) review of the T3 I read that you can use OR a

(UV) filter OR the hood (in combination with the adapter), but that

using both the hood AND filter causes vignetting (according to

that review). I really do not see why this should be true (I am not

technically enough) but it might be an explanation for your

vignetting. The review can be found here:

http://www.fotoline.ch/FOTOintern/01-06/Contax-t3.htm

The remark about the vignetting can be found at the end of the

review, in the first line of the specs (accessories): "Adapterring

T3: Zum Anschluss von Filtern oder Gegenlichtblende (nicht

beides gleichzeitig: Vignettierung)"

If someone knows WHY vignetting can occur when using a filter

and hood together...I am interested to hear....

 

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Regards,

Armand

(Tony, can we see some of those pictures online ??)

[nikitatuan_nguyen]

The lens hood (w/filter) blocks out the lens' view at the corners and

therefore causes vignetting.

 

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The manual states the same warning... not to use BOTH a filter and

lens hood simultaneously because vignetting will result from such

combination. However, I read in part 1 of this thread that someone

used an "ultra-thin" Heliopan filter in conjunction with a lens hood

successfully without vignetting. "Ultra-thin" equates "double the

price". Contax filters are quite thick. :~{

 

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Niki

[john_mccormack]

Re: Vignetting and Filters/Hood

 

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I just shot a roll of film using the hood and filter (Contax 81B)

together and did not get any vignetting. The size of the filter(s)

may have some effect on vignetting.

 

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A linear polarizing filter is appropriate for the T3 as their is no

AF through the lens like an SLR. Note that polarizers have a

significant effect on sky and water and overdoing it may be

detrimental, i.e., produce a "black sky" effect.

[philip_bonner]

My wife has the Leica Minilux zoom which also delivers beautiful

pictures; particularly people shots. The zoom makes it easy and neat

work to frame individuals and small groups at a gathering or in a

roomfull of people. I could be mistaken but the Leica lens seems to

lend a cetain luminescence to flesh tones.

On the other hand the T3 is faster to deploy and to shoot; especially

with the lens focusing set to activate at half shutter release.

Although I like the Leica's bigger heft and fit/feel in my hands, I

prefer the T3 for it's truly pocket-size compactness, speed (ease of

use) and wide flexability.

 

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The crisp sharpness of the T3's images is simply terrific to behold

and iut's images compare favorably to any images that I have taken

including the Leica and any SLR prime lenses I have ever used.

 

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John described comparing Lieca Minilux and T3 images as being like

comparing two kinds of gourmet ice cream. Both are equally pleasing

and have their own subtle unique quality.

 

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Given the choice I reach for the T3 more often due to it's larger,

brighter and more comfortable viewfinder, plus, speed and ease of

deployment and shooting. I can get from Point "A," camera in the

pouch, to point "B," image captured, twice as fast with the T3 as

with the Leica Minilux zoom.

 

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In fact since it's compactness facilitates always carrying it with

me, it had quickly became second nature to reach for the T3 on my

belt, capture the image and stow it in nearly one seamless motion.

 

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In sum, by becoming second nature to carry and to use, and by

delivering 1st class images, IMHO the T3 most successfully fulfills

the role of a point and shoot camera.

 

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The flash bracket is suprisingly small. My intention is to have it

for use in photo sessions where I'll be taking multiple shots - like

of my 2 year old scooting around or at gatherings where I need more

range and better fill. We'll see how it delivers versus the Leica

with it's separate flash which does nicely.

 

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(Actually I may have subconsciously gotten the separate T3 flash and

bracket to just to see how it would measure up against the Leica

Minilux with separate flash).

 

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The above text appeared June 14, 2001, in the original T3 thread with

the link referenced above. My impressions remain the same.

[tony1]

John: I agree with you that linear is more appropriate. But they do

not have the stock now. So I just get the circular polarizer since it

is compatible for all types of camera. am I correct?

[tony1]

I have uploaded the scan photos. Note that I scan from negatives and

the photos are side by side for easy comparison.

 

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http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder.tcl?folder_id=159525

 

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Note: Poor picture quality displayed is solely due to scanner, the

print is fantastic!

[john_mccormack]

Re: Polarizer

 

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Tony, the circular polarizer should work fine. I just hope it's thin

enough to avoid vignetting.

[john_mccormack]

T3 back from the hospital.

 

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Just received my T3 back from the Contax service dept. in New Jersey.

They replaced the film compartment door. Hopefully, the scratching of

negatives (intermittent problem) is now fixed. Total time away was

only six days. :)

[philip_bonner]

Tony,

 

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Just looked at your pics. Those dark/nearly black corners in your

pics appear to be more of a lens obstruction than vignetting which

would be indicated by a more gradual light fall off at the corners.

 

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Niki was right. The manual plainly states that mounting both the

filter and the hood will cause vignetting. I've had both mounted for

awhile but have not noticed any vignetting.

[grant_young1]

I just bought a Yashica T4/T5. The lens is excellent and I find the

color balance to be superior to my Nikon SLR equip. However, the

shutter response time on the T4/T5 is way to slow and I wish I had

more manual control. I know with the T3 I get more manual control,

but is shutter response time better? I will shell out the $ for a T3

if it is faster. Also, can anyone compare the T3 to other high end P

& S for shutter response times? I shoot mostly kids so shutter

response is really important. I would get an M6 but I want something

SMALL! Thanks - grant-

[jay_goldman]

The column by Bill Pierce in the November issue of the Digital

Journalist (web magazine) seems to imply that he is using the T3.

[jay_goldman]

Grant;

If you set the T3 to mechanical prefocus mode, that by holding the

shutter release down halfway you lock in the focus. Then when you

decide to take the picture it is almost instantaneous.

[john_mccormack]

Grant,

 

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I agree with Jay. The shutter response of the T3 is excellent, much

better than the T4/T5. In fact, I don't use custom function 2

(extend lens during AF) any longer; for me response time is fast

enough without having the lens extended prior to releasing the

shutter.

[grant_young1]

Thanks! On my T5, pre-focus only stores the focal distance, but does

not actually move the lens. Then after depressing the shutter

release button there is at least a .5 second lag. This drives me

nuts when photographing people.

 

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Any comment about the durability of the black finish on the T3?

Black looks better but I would guess also shows wear more easily.

Any thoughts on this? Thx in advance!

[robert goldstein]

Grant,

 

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I asked the same question recently,and the answer was

provided by Nikki Recob on October 27. Check his posting

above. The black model is somewhat more expensive than the

silver one. Contax is having a "National Event" in the USA on

November 9-12, where everything is discounted 10%, so it might

be worth checking out.

 

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Rob

[k1]

? I just purchased a black t3 after some equivocation. Is the

rhythmic whirling sort of noise when you turn the camera on and off

normal (as the lens extends and retracts)? And when you depress the

shutter button, is the whirling sort of sound, esp. at the end

normal? It's hard to explain-- it is not loud or bothersome, it just

sounds a bit unnatural to me. When you depress the shutter, there is

a sort of aural aftertaste so to speak. I didn't hear it at all in

the shop with the demo version, but that could be because the sounds

were masked by ambient noise. I just want to make sure I did not

get anything defective by chance. thanks.

[nikitatuan_nguyen]

Yes, the sound you're hearing is natural.

[ron_buchanan2]

Has anyone found a good source for 30.5mm filters? B&H is about the

only place I've found that lists them, but they seem to be out of

stock on nearly everything.

[nikitatuan_nguyen]

30.5mm filters usually need to be special ordered. B&H has Heliopan

linear polarizers and a few B&W filters for black-n-white photography.

 

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A good online source for filters is http://www.2filter.com but you

would still need to place a special order.

 

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Hope this helps...

Niki

[nikitatuan_nguyen]

...BTW, does anyone know why Kaesermann filters are so expensive?

Aren't they also made from the same Schott glass as B&W and Heliopan?

[ming_ting]

Quick question. I just purchased a black T3 and am shooting

the first roll and more during the next couple days while

I'm in Las Vegas for Comdex. I had tried out the SA2 bracket

and TLA200 setup on a demo at the store. I liked the way it

felt, but I was wondering who has this combo and how do they

feel about the way it works? Thanks in advance.

[nikitatuan_nguyen]

In general, the Contax flash system doesn't provide as balanced and

beautiful flesh tones as Leica's. After a few test-shots I can say

that Contax is usually on the hot side (too bright). So you have to

play with it a little and figure the best distance to shoot.

 

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The SA-2 bracket and TLA200 flash works nicely with the T3, expanding

the flash range to a maximum 7m (23ft) w/100 ASA film and 10m (46ft)

w/400 ASA film at wide open aperature (f2.8). The table in the user

manual for this on page 59 is on the conservative side. The camera

operate the built-in flash and/or the TLA200 depending on the

situation...

 

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If the subject is within range for the built-in flash, the camera

will NOT use the TLA200. Once outside the built-in flash, the TLA200

will be triggered. In red-eye reduction mode, the built-in flash will

preflash and the TLA200 provide the illumination. Recyle time of 3

seconds is quite fast for a Point-n-Shoot.

 

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Overall, I like the SA-2 bracket and the TLA200 Flash. BTW, the SA-2

bracket also has a socket for L-Cable Switch.

[tony1]

To all who ask about 30.5mm filter, I am using a Hoya 30.5mm

Polarizer filter. As for UV filter, i am using Contax.

 

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Actually, I think Contax is quite dumb by making the Filter and Lens

Hood not to be used together as they will cause vignetting. But the

lens cap can only fit to the lens hood! If I just use the filter, how

am I going to protect the filter? That means I have to attach the

hood to it so as to use the metal cap. That means I will have to

unscrew the hood every time I need to use in order to prevent

vignetting. That, I find, is very dumb of contax.

 

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Not to mention the very poor English of its Japan support.

 

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Other than that, Contax T3 itself is an excellent camera.

[tony1]

BTW, on the filter, Hoya 30.5mm is meant for Digital cameras, video.

and it is not multicoated too.

 

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Other brand such as heliopan and B+W are non coated too. And it is

very expensive. My Hoya cost me only US$18.

[nikitatuan_nguyen]

Tony,

 

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Have you taken pictures with the polarizer? How is the difference? Do

you recommend it?

 

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TIA...