Contax TVS Review - The Hidden Gem in the Contax T Series
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 พ.ค. 2022
- In today’s episode, Greg and I review the Contax TVS - a beautiful champagne-colored point and shoot with auto-focus, aperture priority and a program mode released in 1994. The celebrity-endorsed Contax T2 and T3 are all the rage and their prices went through the roof in the last couple of years. Yet, the Contax TVS mostly remained under the radar. The T in the name stands for Titanium, the VS for Vario Sonnar, the Carl Zeiss zoom lens covering focal lengths from 28mm-56mm.
We took the Contax TVS out around Würzburg for some “street shots” in line with German law and shot some architecture and impressions around the university campus. We exposed one roll of Kodak Portra 160 and one roll of Ilford Delta 100.
Chapters:
00:01 Intro
01:45 Color Photos I
02:39 Features & Design
09:37 Black & White Photos I
10:23 Lens & Results
12:58 Black & White Photos II
13:30 Handling & Personal Impressions
19:39 Black & White Photos III
19:59 Outro
Gear used:
Contax TVS
Films used:
Kodak Portra 160
Ilford Delta 100
If you enjoy our videos and like to follow us on Instagram, find us here: / analog_insights
#contax #contaxtvs #contaxt #contaxseries #filmphotography #analogphotography #35mm
I appreciate that Greg and you exhibit a great deal of class and are elegantly dressed. The production of the video confirms to your usual high standard and has now become your hallmark. Thank you for this video.
Always excellent, brilliantly clear. However, I doubt I’ll ever shoot as well as you guys. Keep on shining!
Great video, as always, Max. Really informative.
Always so well done, Max.
A beautifully well produced episode. Thank you.
Thank you. That’s very kind of you.
Panoramic mode was less of a gimmick back when these cameras came out. At that time, most photo labs offered panaramic prints based on these negatives that weren't available from standard 4x6 negatives. I remember having a camera back then and getting those prints--as tall as standard prints, but much wider. As you point out, for those of today who scan our negatives, the cropping isn't needed, but when the TVS came out it made more sense.
Thank you for your excellent review of this fantastic little camera.
Amazing camera, had to make the ribbon cable replaced on mine years ago , easily by a technician in Poland, don’t understand why lot of people says it’s not replaceable. It is and it’s very easy fix for a specialist
Agree, I also had a same problems, thanks to eBay proving me the flexible cable.
What shop did you have do this repair? I plan on buying a TVS but would like to know just to be safe.
Thank you, this is a camera I have always wondered about, it makes a lot of sense. I think I will look out for one.
I have seen all of the videos of your channel I miss the ones of "The story behind the shot" they were fantastic hope to see them again!
What a lovely camera and review.
Your reviews stand out. This is also true for this episode. The pleasant and complete information convinced me to purchase (until now) at least three camera's, among which the Contax TVS. Many thanks.
Thank you for your kind feedback. This means a lot to me. I am glad you find our reviews helpful.
The camera looks very good and your information is excellence. It is probably a very good statement. Thank you so much….
Just grabbed a TVS today and this video is invaluable! Thank you!
Glad it helped! Thank you for your kind comment.
Just ten days ago I visited The Residenz. How nice to see you there.
I watched plenty of reviews of the TVS 1-3 and of course most results is always, “It’s not a T2”. Because of this review and a few others i was confident in making my TVS 1 purchase yesterday. Thank you Analog Insights!
Interested in hearing how it’s going? Still working?
@@jnicholls8146 Mine still works. Just powered up and took a snap. To be fair, I bought a few other cameras to spread the usage around. Took about 3-4 rolls that I have not gotten developed yet. The example I purchased was from Japan and I probably over paid for what it is as I bought a open box example that was sold as “unused” and it really was not used at all. No scratches or anything. Of course what is of a cncern is how was this stored prior to my purchases? Im always worried about the flex cable.
-The history of these cameras is much more interesting and intricate than I ever expected.
-Great presentation as usual.
-By the way, please ignore the occasional TROLL as they are often unhappy people for one unfortunate reason or another. RS. Canada
Another beautifully-produced, informative video. Thank you! I did have one question - you mention that you did street photography “in compliance with German law.” What laws exist, exactly?
Gut! Endlich reviewst du eine Kamera, die ich nicht wirklich will oder brauche, obwohl es eine schöne ist. Ich kann einfach entspannen und zuschauen 🤣
Truly one of the most underrated point and shoots but man it’s been good to me. 📷✨
How is it underrated? Have you seen what they're selling for?
@@stevenpam cause a lot of people still don’t know about them and won’t give them a chance because it’s a zoom and not 2.8. Also they’re not that expensive I have 2 🤷🏽♂️
I remember these high quality camera and their fine lenses. Impressive but I stuck with my Nikon FM, I was certainly drawn to the Conrax range nonetheless. Many Thanks.
Greg looking particularly dapper 😎
Awesome camera! Certainly my favourite ever zoom point 'n' shoot. Super sharp lens. It's basically like having a 28mm T2... But shhhh, don't tell ebay :-)
another fine review, I hope to snag this camera before the celebs do haha
"... in accordance to German law..." I had to laugh so hard.
My friends, "die Schere im Kopf haben" comes to mind.
There is no German law that prohibits street photography in general in Germany.
I haven't tried the original TVS but I have the tvs3 and it is one of my favorite cameras to use. It's so perfectly usable and the image quality is stupendous.... Unfortunately my particular copy has a broken auto focus and doesn't work as it should so is nigh unusable unless you go mf only. A real Heartbreaker because I love it a lot.
Seriously how many cameras does Greg have?🤣
Also love the change direction of the music
Thanks for wonderful sharing, btw whats the name of the song when beginning video?
It seems to have been priced for exclusivity, like many rich persons' toys. Glad I have a Trip!
It's a very cool camera - I'd love to see what you guys make of the Minox 35 (GT).
Hello, thanks for your video, I just bought the same Tvs camera and anyone have idea about what is the special functions "focusing operation" 0 vs 1 ????
These are actually a pretty good option these days. The zoom lens isn't going to perform as well as the prime Sonnar lens in a T2, but it's going to be better than nearly all P-n-S zooms. It's a far more robust camera than more of those plastic models. Given what is costs in comparison, and its acceptable optical performance for the styles of photos these cameras are used, I'd buy one over the T2 or T3. I bought a T2 years ago at a time when the zoom models were on a price par with the prime lens models. Today, the T2/T3 are much more expensive. I wish I'd bought the Version II of the TVS instead for its greater practical use. (Same lens; auto, powered lens cover.)
Have you tried the Minolta TC-1 already? Would love to see a review of that from you. I really like your style in reviewing cameras. Keep it up! 😊
Thanks for your kind feedback. We really appreciate it. No, I haven't tried the Minolta TC-1 yet. Sounds like a very interesting camera indeed.
@@AnalogInsights I hope you make a review soon if you get the chance
Changing the setting to leave the film
leader out is a bit of a pain...it’s not in the manual
Hallo Max, welche Brennweiten kann man an der Contax TVS einstellen? Sind das nur 28mm und 56mm oder beliebig von 28mm bis 56mm? Danke und schönen Tag noch 👍🎥👍
Oh damn I've wanted one of these for ages, watch the price skyrocket now! Damnit Max ;)
Top man
Great video. Do you have a link for a replacement cable?
Please check the other comment on that. I had already posted two links. One was this one: www.ebay.de/itm/144568865980?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1yIi2sbV4SIyMfBk9ZnPBXQ34&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=707-134425-41852-0&mkcid=2&itemid=144568865980&targetid=1619854606034&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9042513&poi=&campaignid=14471149677&mkgroupid=125418862926&rlsatarget=pla-1619854606034&abcId=9300652&merchantid=107643302&gclid=CjwKCAjws8yUBhA1EiwAi_tpEfwa0Wrgu1ECE0EhYGdBsWlnVAr6_vaXUCd81XFVA8zGrqur_Ck5zRoCOssQAvD_BwE
There are many alternatives if you google for it.
How do you set ISO manualy on it?
I wonder if you ever tried the Konishiroku Pearl III or the Pearl IV? They are a fascinating camera with a phenomenal lens in my opinion.
Interesting! I (Max) haven’t tried it yet and will certainly take a look if the opportunity arises. Thanks.
Hi Max,
So contax cameras seem like they are a gamble even though they are hailed for their picture taking and compared to Leicas in some ways.
So are they worth taking a look at and if so which one do you prefer ❓
I had one four years ago, I think it's the perfect travel (film) camera. Then it died from that typical electronic failure after half a year of constant using. No one could repair it and I never bought a high-end ps camera again.
Nice and excellent video. Would you please so kind to share where to buy the cable, because mine is broken . Thx.
Thank you for your kind comment. You can find the cable from various sources by googling "Contax TVS cable repair" or similar. Here are a few hits:
www.ebay.de/itm/144568865980?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1yIi2sbV4SIyMfBk9ZnPBXQ34&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=707-134425-41852-0&mkcid=2&itemid=144568865980&targetid=1619854606034&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9042513&poi=&campaignid=14471149677&mkgroupid=125418862926&rlsatarget=pla-1619854606034&abcId=9300652&merchantid=107643302&gclid=CjwKCAjws8yUBhA1EiwAi_tpEfwa0Wrgu1ECE0EhYGdBsWlnVAr6_vaXUCd81XFVA8zGrqur_Ck5zRoCOssQAvD_BwE
de.aliexpress.com/item/1873654896.html?_randl_currency=EUR&_randl_shipto=DE&src=google&src=google&albch=shopping&acnt=494-037-6276&slnk=&plac=&mtctp=&albbt=Google_7_shopping&albagn=888888&isSmbAutoCall=false&needSmbHouyi=false&albcp=12554800262&albag=127990761348&trgt=1284054470089&crea=de1873654896&netw=u&device=c&albpg=1284054470089&albpd=de1873654896&gclid=CjwKCAjws8yUBhA1EiwAi_tpEWFeavg8jQvL2QTc5YeQEaF00oyxZ89ul7S_yPS3l0laqsxMYFI-kRoCaD0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&aff_fcid=8e389e3062804eeea8e01d33b8548b51-1653830683220-03141-UneMJZVf&aff_fsk=UneMJZVf&aff_platform=aaf&sk=UneMJZVf&aff_trace_key=8e389e3062804eeea8e01d33b8548b51-1653830683220-03141-UneMJZVf&terminal_id=3d7037bef8e34a2a897b6754f80eccae&afSmartRedirect=y&gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
I hope this helps.
Thx Max, have you any experience with repair and could advice a repair Shop?
Is the contaxt TVS comparable to the Leica minilux zoom? And if so, which would you recommend?
Thanks for your comment. I have never tested the Leica Minilux Zoom myself but my understanding is that it is a much more basic camera then the Contax TVS. To quote from the fantastic and always brutally honest Ken Rockwell: "The Leica Minilux Zoom is a very basic point-and-shoot for rich people. It doesn't work any better than any other point-and-shoot, and is worse than advanced point-and-shoots like the Nikon 35Ti or Konica Hexar. If you want great results, any plastic SLR like a Nikon N55 works better. The fixed-lens Minilux is far better than this zoom. (...) It has only the most basic features. It lacks almost everything that a photographer would want in a serious, but portable, camera. I'd consider one of these for my mom since prices are reasonable today (2008), but I'd not get one for myself except as a wonderful objet d'art." More here: www.kenrockwell.com/leica/minilux-zoom.htm
👍❤️
I have a TVS 3 great camera Zoom lens is tack sharp
Did you try the pentacon six?
Not yet. :)
They don't actually look tack sharp or very well exposed though?
They took photos in the brightest sunlight on who knows what film iso or quality
I’ve had 2 of these one used, one a+++ condition from Japan. Amazing cameras, but the ribbon cable that connects to the apature/shutter will just die. Frustrating and unrepairable. My g2 has been tanking along for about 10 years in my backpack everywhere I go.
It is very easily repairable , by a technician, and lately you find a lot of them that does the job, mine got fixed in 3 weeks shipping to Poland for 200€ shipping included
@@belivmi which technician did you send it to?
I can also recommend Fototech in Warsaw. He also fixed the ribbon cable in my TVS.
Many shots seem overexposed.
If Leica is a prince then Zeiss is a king. But the "old man" has already "died", and the "son" is still alive.
Contax is dead, Zeiss isn't really dead
@@killingspree5254 Where are his digital cameras then?
@@chiefdispatcher Zeiss makes lenses
I love your videos but the music sucks in this one,
Thanks for your feedback. I went all in with 90s music to accentuate the camera‘s era. Maybe that was a mistake. :)
Thought the music was perfect. Good job.
Jesus…. The music. I was exciting industrial rock or electronic music from a German lmao
sad
Focus is horrible
stop fucking inflating the prices?!