Contax RTS Camera Review & Sample Photos

In this video, Jules and I review the Contax RTS, a professional segment analog SLR camera which hit the market in 1975. The Contax RTS was the result of the cooperation between Carl Zeiss and Yashica (which later became Kyocera) and comes with a beautiful shutter sound, high built quality, and access to Carl Zeiss lenses. Take a look at our review for all the details.

Films used:
Kodak T-Max 100
Kodak Portra 400

Dev & Scan:

Music:

[iandonald]

I really enjoyed watching this video. This is the first review I have seen of a Contax RTS. I remember that as a young man in 1982 I had been saving hard to buy my dream camera - a Canon A1. In England, at that time, most towns had a camera shop or two, owned and staffed by enthusiasts who knew their stuff and who specialised in cameras, lenses and accessories but nothing else. In the large shop window I remember, sitting on a higher level than anything else and on its own velvet display cushion, was a Contax RTS. I stood and admired it, drooling! The Canon A1 I was saving to buy cost about 250 British Pounds but the Contax cost about 1000. There was no way on Earth I could afford that much. The shop owner knew this but he still let me handle and try the Contax and some different lenses. It was very kind of him - knowing all along that I wasn't going to buy it. I will never forget that day - and your video has brought all those memories flooding back. Thank you so much for that. I eventually bought my A1 and enjoyed using it for many years - but I really wanted that Contax! I always enjoy your videos - they are so professionally presented and relaxing to watch. Kind Regards from England

[JaySpoke]

OMG what an amazing story! I love those stories about old camera finds!

[GaIvatrn]

Becoming one of my favourite channels. Thank you for this archive of gems. I've had my eye on these but never seen a review until now. Wonderful videography, review and photos.

[carbondragon]

I love the Contax RTS, the problem is that their "first gen" electronics are fragile and kind of jammed into the body. My local repair guy was a Yashica repair tech for his whole life, but the parts just aren't available anymore to repair/replace the electronics. I've had 2 RTS 1s, and 1 RTS 2 and they're all unserviceable now. I bought an RTS III and it developed a fault too but my local tech found a source in Japan for the part. Only took 2 years to find. Anyway the RTS III and Aria are still working and you're right it's a wonderful system to use. If you have a working one, treasure it. I think they nailed the user interface. Great video and keep up the good work.

[dalkapur]

I have to comment. I have two film cameras, a Leica M6 and a Contax RTS II with the Carl Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 Planar and a 100mm f/2.0 Planar. Spooky huh!! The RTS is a joy to use as is the M6 in a different way. I'm twice your age, and my eyesight isn't so good, so fail to nail focus with the 50mm at 1.4 too many times. I'm much better with a rangefinder. My daughter uses the Contax now, but I still use my Carl Zeisses with an adapter for my Canon 6D. Using Live View and the magnifier, I nail focus and the images are simply the most rewarding of all my lenses. Thanks for the review.

[DonalLeader]

Thank you Max and Jules for this beautiful tribute to the Contax range of cameras. I really admired your compositions, so clearly considered and perfectly executed. You did the RTS proud. I picked up a Contax 139Q O’Meara years ago complete with lens and winder for a small sum of money in a Paris flea market. Some repairs were reared but worth the investment. I have since added the Contax 167MT and on the watch for a Contax RX at a reasonable price. The sense of physicality and the superb engagement with the image-making is what I like. Eye, brain and mind must all work together. Well done you guys!

[fxvsdx]

Great job Max. Contax made some of the highest quality and unique cameras. you will be pleasantly surprised when you try the super solid Contax RTS III (built in vacuum back to flatten the film), and the Contax AX which will autofocus with the manual Zeiss lenses (no kidding, just look into it). Keep up the good work.

[metocvideo]

Another very nice review, Max, and a great story to go with it. I am a subscriber, and apart from the reviews, the comments section is such a pleasure to read, with lots of old timers like me who remember the cameras you talk about when they were brand new! It pleases me to think that young people are still able to enjoy using these wonderful cameras from the 1960’s and later, before digital. I think it was the “golden age” for cameras.

[mortis]

I just now came across your channel for the first time. Very nice video and review, and you have a very pleasant and warm voice and manner.
I owned the RTS back in the '70's when it first came out, along with the 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.4, and the 25mm f2.8. All wonderful lenses but that 85 f1.4 was an astonishing portrait lens. I also had the motor drive.
I loved that camera and lenses and the results I got from it. I sold the whole kit in the mid 80's and have missed it dearly ever since.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story.

[carandmel]

I just got my RTS ii and a 45mm f/2.8 and can't wait to put a roll of Portra 400 and test it. Thank you for this video, it was one of the reasons why I decided to purchase this camera. It feels very solid &the shutter sounds amazing. I am so happy with it!

[brianmccutcheon]

Totally enjoyed your video, so much so brought a Contax RTS straight away and some lens. It is a pleasure to listen to you. Thanks again. Regards Brian

[rbruce]

So nice to learn that photography runs so deep in your family!

[danmadrid]

I once owned a contax range finder. The images were amazing better than any Nikon or Cannons that I owned. The lens were very unforgiving with portraits. Great story by the way, thanks .

[signalvideo]

Another great review Max! Wonderful family treasure. Hope your Grandmother is in good health! Lovely portrait of her.

[SuperNovember]

Great job working with this wonderful camera and lens..

[WillAustin]

Thanks for sharing this great story and for your images. The RTS was my first pro camera. A pro photographer friend of mine said he would send me his 2nd body to try out with a couple of Zeiss lenses and my first proof sheet blew my mind. Even seeing the images tiny they looked 3D and the colors were beautiful. I bought the camera and got a few more lenses and my career was started. I still have the camera and lenses plus a couple more bodies. One thing I don't think you mentioned is that Yashica hired the Porsche Design Studio to design the camera. Seen in person it is difficult to imagine a more beautiful camera. It is still more of a modern design than anything available today. And yes, looking through the viewfinder is incredible, it will ruin you for most any modern digital camera.

[sjootme]

I recentely purchased a pristine 1975 Contax RTS + Planar 50mm 1.4 + Real Time Winder. 299 euro in total and it came with a 12 months warranty. That's how sure this well known shop was of this camera. I looked up just the going rates for the Planar and I couldn't find it (in NL) under 400 euro.

Aside from that, this camera is such a joy to use (oh, that satisfying sound and feel, indeed)...and the metering is spot on accurate (passed the litmus test: Ektachrome E100)! Of all my cameras (incl digital) this is now my favourite. I don't think I'll ever part with it. Oh, here's the punchline: I watched this video back in 2017, again late 2018 and I'm pretty sure this had subconsciously stuck with me, until I happened upon the opportunity in Feb 2019 :). Cheers.

[nickname]

I remember the reviews in the 70s. Highly regarded camera. Interesting video.

[AndrewGoodCamera]

Lovely story. Lovely photos. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[robiulahmed]

Nice. You really nailed the focus, exposure and composition to yield some great results!