Contax 645 – Sold As it is, though, the most notable problem with this camera is simply how good it is, which has, unfortunately, lead to it selling at totally outrageous prices. you can see a review of one of my Cineluxes here.) The Wifi is rock solid and connects with zero effort. Has the “how much should I spend on my wedding photography?” question arisen? It seems to last for hours and hours on four Eneloop Pros (which were at the top of my Best Rechargeable AA Batteries for Wedding Photographers, by the way). A comprehensive review of the Contax 645 medium format film camera system for wedding photography, portrait photography and studio portrait photography. Note: This post is part of our "Learn Blog" for photographers. This 45-90mm Vario-Sonnar certainly does deliver the goods, and although not the lightest lens we've worked with it seems to be the perfect companion for the Contax 645. Pentax 645 Camera Review - The Best Entry Level Medium Format Film Camera - Casual Photophile The desire to jump into medium format photography is usually accompanied by visions of Hasselblads, Rolleiflexes, and the Contax 645. Thanks to several high profile photographers using the Contax 645 as their main camera even to this day, it has garnered a high amount of praise among the film shooter community. Both an AE prism and a waist-level finder were produced for the Contax 645. Unlike with some other 120 cameras, there is a handy slot for storing the dark slide when the camera is in use considerably reducing the chances of losing it. But I’m going to do so all the same; in my experience, the Contax 645’s optical performance is every bit as sharp and attractive as with 6x6 or 6x7 cameras. I tried to convince myself that it wouldn't be a good fit of course, as many of us do when we get in that early stage of GAS. With lower sync speeds of 1/90 or 1/60, the same cannot be said for most competitor 645 film models. It may sound like a silly thing to derive pleasure from, but it just sounds and feels nice. No busy backgrounds, no out-of-focus weirdness — just good images. Expensive yes but as with most everything, you get what you pay for. That is until I read a review of the Bronica rf645. The Process of Restoring a Leica Film Camera, Apple ProRAW Redefines the Meaning of Raw Files, Shooting 120 film with autofocus and a motor drive, The film backs are quick and easy to load, It’s “only” 645 format: a 6x8 version would be “objectively” the best camera ever made if it weren’t for shutter quake, The price I’d have to pay to replace my camera today, I’m struggling to think of anything else here; it's my favorite camera, after all. Back in the day, I used them quite often on rental. With any of the f/2.8-f/4 lenses, downgrade that to somewhere between very good and ecxcellent. It has backs for 120 and 220 and even vacuum backs for 220, and today it's among the world's most popular pro cameras for use with medium format backs. $918.54. Placed in an enlarger or properly scanned, you’ll have no trouble printing from these negatives at museum-sized dimensions. While I quickly came to rely upon the Contax 645 as central to my way of working, initially, I didn’t possess a Contax of my own. Have you owned a Contax 645 body? Best Pad Prompter Teleprompters Under $500 in 2020, SEO for Wedding Photographers in 2020: How to Book More Clients Using SEO, Honeybook vs Dubsado vs 17hats: Best CRM for Wedding Photographers in 2020, Best Film Emulation Presets: Matching Digital to Film, Best Laptop For Editing Wedding Photos: Dell XPS 15 Review, How to Adapt the Pentax 67 105mm f/2.4 to Pentax 645, Best Rolling Backpack for Wedding Photographers, Tips for Moving In Together for the First Time. Sure, you don’t get the all-over sharpness of images shot on a modern digital MF camera, but that’s not why anyone shoots film today anyway, and if that’s your goal, there are easier routes. The C645-GFX adapter is compatible with all C645 lenses. user-friendly, like most 645 format- but unlike many larger medium format cameras. RTS, RTS2, T, T2, T3, G1, G2, TVS, TVS2, TVS3, AX, Aria, 645, N1, due to the complete lack of spares worldwide. Contax 645 Ergonomics and Feel. For those who remain unconvinced by the Contax, but are still interested in the 6x4.5 cm film format, Hasselblad’s H-series 645 cameras are also a great option. However, while the Mamiya is a perfectly fine camera, I would go for the Hasselblad or Contax over it any day. I have a yashica t4, contax 167mt, contax rts and yashica fxd se wich is really small when used with a 45/2.8 pancake. This means that over the years, I’ve handled rather a lot of them. Not that I’ve ever bothered to use this feature, though, as AF always works well enough for me. It is an argument for buying the simpler older SLR’s like Leicaflex/SL/SL2, Contax S2/S2B, Contarex/Contaflex, Ashai Pentax, older Minoltas and so on. Competing cameras include Pentax 645N and Mamiya 645 AF. I am, of course, ignoring the hugely unsuccessful, over-a-decade-late N line of autofocus cameras – designed to be used with CONTAX’s own (non-Zeiss) lenses, as well as Carl Zeiss CONTAX 645 mount and Hasselblad V-System lenses. Pentax 645 mount lenses Pentax 645 mount lenses 39.5 MP, Medium Format Sensor 51.1 MP, Medium Format Sensor no Video 1080/60i Video ISO 100-1,600 ISO 100-204,800 Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder 3.0 LCD, 921k dots 3.2 LCD, 1037k dots Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting screen (not touch-sensitive) In practice, this means that the Contax is well suited to shooting documentary, street photography, portraits, fashion, and even weddings. Contax 645 is … As a result, it now commands correspondingly high prices on the used market. But if after numerous detours, I still come back to this camera as the model I’m most comfortable working with today, it’s because overall, it does the job I need it to do very well. Photography and Camera News, Reviews, and Inspiration Today we’re going to take a look at two film cameras. If you buy it for that reason, you'll be satisfied...unless you get a lemon! While the Contax 645 is no lightweight at 4 pounds, 4.6 ounces complete with 80mm f/2 lens, prism finder, back, and batteries, it balances and contours to your hands so well that it feels much lighter. So is the all-of-a-piece build quality. I enjoyed the kit but transitioned to the RZ ProII which I loved. However, as I was in the market for a camera that recreated the shooting experience of a 35mm SLR, only with higher resolution, I have never tried the camera with the waist-level finder. As with focus, when compared with modern burst shooting rates of 15+ fps, there’s really no competition here. But once i starting testing out the Hasselblad system that was the end to my Contax. Image of bride wearing her ring holding the groom's hand taken with Contax 645 and 80mm f/2. You can also add the tilt shift adapter plus the True focus ability of the camera its an amazing tool. This was one of the very last medium format film cameras ever made, and all modern features and functions are fully present and operational. Thankfully, I bought my 645 body and half a dozen Zeiss lenses at a time when they were still relatively cheap: i.e. After reading some of the other reviews, I was a bit reluctant to order this, but I am glad I did. Hasselblad files have a very unique look and feel that i just prefer. Another option I employ when taking slow shutter speeds on a tripod is to use a self-timer. One of the most important factors when selecting a wedding photographer is undoubtedly the right amount of experience. You can view a full list plus technical data sheet on Zeiss' website for Contax 645 lenses. The Contax is a lovely beast for sure. So, do your due research and consider buying a Contax with a warranty and/or return policy of some sort. And while they don’t exactly come cheap, they’ll set you back a lot less than glass for the Hasselblad H system, which is arguably the Contax 645’s closest competitor (see below). This means that even if the rain comes pouring down and we need to scale a cliff face in order to get the shot, then the Contax is getting dragged along for the ride, whatever the outcome. The 120mm f/4 Contax Makro planar is the gem of the Contax lenses--nothing is sharper. Ever had any issues, or has yours been an exception to "the rule"? Neither of the the competition offer Carl Zeiss optics and the 80mm standard lens on the Contax 64 5 is F2 -- fastest medium format lens. With that said, it’s probably not necessary that I elaborate. But, to retain that extra stability, I like to frame my shot, focus, and get that mirror up so it doesn't create any shake. review coming. The Contax 645 has developed a reputation for being finicky. Let us know in the comments below! Likewise, when finishing a roll, the film doesn’t need to be wound on to the end of the spool but automatically advances by itself. And depending on the kind of images you shoot, it may well be good enough for you too. Indeed, aside from this lurking threat, the only issue I have ever encountered with the camera was when somebody on a job asked to take a look at the camera briefly; then gave it back to me totally seized-up and unresponsive. Excellent bokeh. Indian Wedding Traditions Your Photographer Should Know About. I love being able to have the mirror-up function on a camera. However, if you are a rapid shooter, by far, the best way to deal with film loading on the Contax 645 is to work with two backs and an assistant who can load the second one while you shoot. Carl Zeiss Lenses for the Contax 645 - Photo Courtesy John Bramaan. Now, here is where manual focusing can come in very handy, which leads us to our next topic. “RTFM,” as they say. Among the alternatives, the particularly strong suit of the Contax 645 is the amazing quality of the native Zeiss 80mm f/2. If the Contax 645 AF checks all the boxes for you as it did for me, there’s really no other camera out there quite like it. Its easy to jump back and forth, from one platform to another but if i had my choice .... Phocus everyday every shoot thanks! This in itself should make the prospective buyer think twice before committing to a system that no longer enjoys customer support. The sync speed in the Blad is nice to have up to 800. Additional l y I am unable to repair at the moment ANY RTS3 with viewfinder backlight issues or power issues due to the lack of DC/DC converter spares. This permits very speedy film changes — literally just a few seconds if the next roll is ready to go. I loved mine and used it with both film but mainly with a phase one back. Tethering was no issue and using Capture One pretty rock solid. Plus, it adds the ability to hold the camera comfortably in portrait orientation and even has the extra button on the grip to make it easy to click the shot. I have pretty much the full set of lens and the tilt shift for my H5 and very very happy with it. These are all fair alternatives that each have their own set of pros and cons. If you're using for professional work like I do for weddings, you can expect that it'll get scratched/worn if you don't baby it. With the 80mm f/2 mounted, the view is exceptional. For use at f/2, I suggest the Contax 220 vacuum back (or a digital back); the standard back doesn't hold the film consistently flat enough for great results at f/2. When we got engaged, we anticipated a lot of planning for the wedding—plus we had to begin planning to move in together once we were married! | Updated 1/22/2020, E-mail: contact@jeffandmichelephoto.com Phone: 502.551.5799, Privacy Policy | Website Terms & Conditions, Best Rechargeable AA Batteries for Wedding Photographers, What's in Our Bag: The Gear We Use to Photograph Weddings and More, Tools for Six-Figure Wedding Photographers in 2020. My personal experience with mine is that it keeps on working, even in high-humidity environments. On top of that, I often experience some focus-searching when using the camera in low light. Ever wondered how you can save tons of time and make room for other things that you value most on your wedding day? The same applies to Contax cameras, except I believe in Japan, where there are still a few (very few I suspect) people who will service and repair Contax CX, N and 645 cameras. The Mamiya’s glass, too, is an issue. On top of which, my own Contax 645 has traveled umpteen times around the globe, rattling away in the overhead luggage bins on countless long-haul flights. The Contax 645 portraits I had seen online from fashion photographers and wedding photographers seem to be unmatched by any other camera / lens combination. But, that doesn't make it unusable for manual focusing. So, let us know your thoughts! I know there's a lot of features that I'm not going to delve into here. It's fairly compact for a medium format SLR, although its Zeiss lenses, with their all-metal construction, are considerably heavier than some other Sure, the Contax produces smaller negatives than all three, but having for years exhibited ultra-large prints made from scans of these very negatives, I can honestly say that this is not a problem. But, it’s honestly very easy once you know what you’re doing! If you want to make use of this camera’s fantastic range of Zeiss lenses in the digital realm, I suggest that you instead stick with film and pay a pro lab to digitize it for you with a Hasselblad/Flextight scanner. This is a pro camera and offers everything in a very direct and convenient manner. The standard prism finder gives a big bright image with the nice fast Zeiss glass that predominates the system. With a digital back on the Contax 645, getting tack-sharp photos that are 9000 pixels wide is simple and the resolving power of the Zeiss glass makes magazine cover quality images without any issue. And while the smaller negative size of 6x4.5 cm might appear to put the Contax at a disadvantage when compared with the aforementioned 6x7 models, I would argue that it comes with a range of features that more than make up for this minor shortcoming. Please, consider using our links to help support what we do! The Contax 645 AF is a 6×4.5cm medium format, autofocus film camera, introduced by Kyocera under the Contax brand on 20 February 1999 in Japan. As Kentucky wedding photographers, they are very familiar with both Louisville wedding venues and and Lexington wedding venues. That was the case for me. Beyond image quality, that’s all I really ask of any camera. In terms of reliability and cost, though, the Contax 645 tends to possess a few more cons when compared to the Pentax, Hasselblad, or Mamiya options. While there were quite a few lenses for the 645 system, I only used the 80mm f/2 Zeiss Planar so I speak only to my experience with the camera and this lens. What I can say is that the prism finder works wonderfully; the image through the finder is bright and clear and exposure and focus are easily set via an LED display within the viewfinder itself. Produced during the twilight of the film era, the Contax’s design is far removed from that of earlier medium format SLRs. Here's just a few of the ceremonial traditions your Indian wedding photographer should know about! You should probably keep this in mind as I share my experiences below. While 1/125 is not super fast by modern standards, it’s quick enough to avoid most motion-blur when balancing strobes with daylight. We respect your privacy and will never share your email. However, after 10 terrifying minutes of trying to figure what was “broken,” this in fact turned out to be a case of user error; evidently, while playing with the camera, the individual in question had knocked a button, sending the camera into the mirror-up position or something similar. Those cameras are simple, cheap and easy to find and the glass is extremely good. Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Wedding Day Timeline. The unique and somewhat idiosyncratic Contax approach to user interface is almost identical between these cameras. A Contax 645 and the 80mm f/2 lens is all any portrait photographer could ever really need. Distagon T* 3,5/35 Distagon T* 2,8/45 Distagon T* 3,5/55 Planar T* 2/80 Sonnar T* 2,8/140 Sonnar T* 4/210 Tele-Apotessar T* 4/350 The backs on this camera are great: super fast and easy to load and quick to release from the body. Check out the Fstoppers Store for in-depth tutorials from some of the best instructors in the business. In short, I’ve been using the Contax 645 AF consistently for the best part of the last 20 years, and so I’m likely as qualified as anyone to comment on its features and handling. For workshops, coaching, and other resources designed to help grow your skills as a photographer click here (after you read the article, of course)! Sure, everything is a little bit slower than with today’s cameras, but nothing essential is missing. However, if you commonly stop down the aperture, then the greatest asset of … So, you'll have to excuse me for that. It’s a camera that will largely appeal to analog photographers looking to benefit from the greater resolution of 120 film, while still retaining many of the advantages of a 35mm SLR in terms of speed and mobility. The results are incredible. What Should I Include In My Flat-Lay Photos? However, on the few occasions that I’ve used the Contax’s spot or center-weighted TTL metering, I have never been met with any unpleasant surprises. In my experience, autofocus is going to be a hit or miss when it comes to a Contax 645. Fstoppers Original The Contax 645 AF is a relatively small and lightweight medium format film camera dating from the late 1990s. The Contax 645's viewfinder is "alright". The Contax 645 feels great in the hand. On top of this, several other very useful focal lengths of the lens were produced for the Contax. Eight Ways To Add Depth To Your Landscape Photo, This Is the Main Reason I Don't Use My Film Camera. In this particular review, I will focus on the Contax 645 body, and will only bring minor discussion in on the Zeiss 80mm f/2. Realistically, if you’re looking for a 120 film camera that handles like a 35mm model and is thus well-suited to working in a fast documentary style, then other than the above mentioned Hasselblad the Contax’s main competitors are not even in the 645 categories but are more likely models such as the Mamiya 7ii, the Pentax 67, or the Bronica GS-1. 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