nikitatuan_nguyen

When I got my T3 'bout 4 years ago, I thought the mechanical sound generated by the lens and winding motors were "metallic" and different from the cameras I've used. With the rear door opened, you can see that the lens is driven by a metal helical shaft, which might be the reason for the "metallic" quality of the sound.

Unlike the traditional "click", the shutter has a quiet "zzzt... zzzt" sound. Sometimes in situations of high ambient noise, I can't tell if the shutter was released unless I look at the counter.

It took a while but I got used to it. Actually, I kinda wonder if Kyocera designed it that way.

Armand,

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The "regular" Semi-hard leather case is matte black, not glossy. The

lower part, to which the camera is attached via the bottom plate, is

designed a bit differently. The cut around the lens is square, not

round like the 70th Anniversary edition. The square cut doesn't look

as good.

Thank-you Kwen for setting up the new T3 message board. I'll be

posting there from now. I wonder if we could (or should) do a group

email to all those on this threads, inviting them to join? Any

thoughts?

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T3 Focus: Al hit it on the nail. T3 needs contrast and vertical lines

to perform its focus. If vertical lines are not available, just turn

the camera (with the focus plane fixed) to achieve focus, push AF

Lock button. I usually just hold down the shutter release button and

reframe to shoot.

John,

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I wonder if Glen would let us have our own T3 list, or perhaps all T-

users' list? I'm currently on the G-User list, which has many people

but only a handful contribute regularly... those who are quite active

with photography. It's a good way to communicate with the group and

notifying them to check out the latest photos.

John,

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I too would follow it. Also, I think if we can imitate some of the

traits of the Contax G site, i.e. posting photos so to induce more

regular visitation. The T3, although a P&S camera, can capture some

wonderful images.

Jibby -

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I've never heard of Kenlock filters, so I have no idea of the

quality. As a guideline, I generally use German brand filters for

German lenses and Japanese filters for Japanese lenses. So Contax,

Heliopan and B+W filters are probably best for your T3's Zeiss glass.

CLARIFICATION: I meant to say Agfa "Vista" 100 & 400. This series is

a recent release.

Jibby,

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My favorite all-around color films... Fuji Superia 400, Fuji Reala

100, and recently I've tried Agfa 100 & 400.

I'm looking for a polarizer for both my T3 and Rollei 35S (same

size). Just curious... do polarizers for digital cameras work on film

format cameras?

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TIA,

Speaking of zooms. Has anyone tried the Rollei QZ35T? It has a f2.8-

5.6 38-90mm zoom lens. I've been interested in this sucker for a long

time for its SLR-like specs but there seems to be 2 camps... one

praising it and one cursing it. Any opinions on its performance? Is

it on par with Leica Minilux Zoom?

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??? ;-)

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?

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

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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.

Didn't even notice that till you brought it up. I guess they don't

have RECALLS in the camera manufacturing business. ;-)

Bruce,

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The lens motor maybe dead or malfunctioning. I would call up Contax

service and ask what to do.

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I'm sure you can remove the film from the chamber since it's rewound.

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Good luck,

The next time I visit my Silicon-groomed cousin, I'll have him scan a

few pics. I'm still lagging behind the time... no cell phone, no

pager, no voicemail, no scanner, no fax, just dial-up access...

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...but I have my T3. ;-)

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Niki

=======================================

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Niki,

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Get faster internet access!!!!! Hey post some of your pictures. I

want to see! I'll try to post my pictures as soon as I get a better

scanner. What resolution do you all scan at?

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-- Ming Ting (saiyans@hotmail.com), December 31, 2001.

Great pics! Took my laptop 5 minutes to download each, but great

stuff.

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I've also compared T3 pics against G 45mm/2.0 - the sharpest of the

series... it's hard to tell the difference!

Art,

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If you're considering a "fixed" lens, T3 all the way. Must say I

still admire the aesthetics on the T2 better, but the pocket-size and

features of the T3 and its lens are best in its league, imo.

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If a zoom lens is what you're after, I would also consider the Leica

Minilux Zoom. Although with fewer features than the TVS2, the Leica

lens is a better performer. Leica flash is also better too.

Of the cameras listed above, I've played with the Minilux extensively

first and almost bought it but the Contax T3 came along and made the

decision for me. :-) (No experience with Hexar)

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I'm holding the T3 here in my hand and can tell you that f2.8 in AE

is possible. I've shot using all f-stops from 2.8 to 16. The optical

performance of this new Zeiss Sonnar is wonderful... no fall-off,

very flare-resistent and almost as sharp as my Contax G 45mm lens,

also a Sonnar.

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Other features I like:

-Can set different Flash defaults

-Lens can be set to pre-focus when the shutter release is lightly

touched

-Long Time (LT) exposure ranges up to 180 secs

-Separate AF Lock button

-Manual Focus and Exposure Comp can be set in various ways

-Bright, clear and contrasty VF

-Takes filters and lens hood

-Can accomodate the TLA200 Flash with SA2 bracket

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As for size, that's personal preference. Noise... not silent like

Canon EOS and USM, but doesn't bother me at all. With ambient noise,

your subject won't likely hear the camera's operation.

Rollei is a great company. There're songs peppered with "Rolleiflex"

in them, but Rollei should stop hopping around and stick with one

partner just as Contax with Kyocera. Rollei's been bought, sold and

shared so many times, I've lost count. First Samsung now Fuji. Years

ago Rollei was even owned by a major German department store "Hertie"

and then photographic retailer "Hansa Photo". I can't imagine Contax

or Leica owned my Nordstrom. And this has resulted in very

inconsistent and often poor customer support... or sold I've heard.

Contax just release a new digital camera based on the N1 with 6.xx

Megapixels. As for the T3, I think the ball is now in Leica's court.

Maybe even Rollei's. :-)

Tony,

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Can you post some pics using Superia 400? Btw, are you using the

TLA200 flash at night or just the built-in?