I think this might be the last Contax I will add to the list of cameras I have used. This isn’t because I don’t like them; I really do. But if I can’t have this one, then I don’t want any other Contax to add to my collection.

A friend lent me this one. Usually, the cameras he lends me have a quirk or don’t work, but this one did, and it was awesome.

It was released in 1996 and can turn any manual lens into an automatic one if you so wish. There is a button on the back that moves the film plane to achieve focusing. The lens should be set to infinity, though, as the back of the lens can hit the mirror if you are not careful…as I found out. The link above is to a very detailed article at Emulsive.org, I recommend reading it if you want to know about this camera. It gives the history of the camera, its specifications, and almost acts like a manual. I am in awe.

I loaded this example with a roll of HP5 and took it on my last camping trip of the season. I met my cousins for a wander around Calke Abbey. At first, I didn’t like the location. It was run-down and seemed sad, but then I came to accept that that was the whole point. It was a statement piece on how the owners of stately homes can face financial difficulties and what happens to them in the process.

The camera is quite heavy to carry around your neck, at just over 1kg even without the batteries or lens. Of course, mine now had both, but I can’t say I noticed much due to the fact that I rarely let it ‘dangle’. I basically zipped through one film, then another, then put it in my backpack.

As you can see, it was quite a dull day with periods of rain. Perfect weather for testing my newly fixed tent, but not great for wandering all day. The next day was a little drier, and we wandered around Foremark Reservoir. Due to the lack of rain, despite the rain that weekend, the water level was quite low.

For the end of yesterday’s walk and during this one, I used the macro feature. It sets the film plane to its maximum, like adding a 10cm macro tube. After that, you manually focus where needed. I LOVED THIS FEATURE. It was the best thing about the camera for me. It was like carrying a close-up filter with you at all times.

For me, the macro feature made the weight of the camera worth it. I could see myself using this camera so much on my explorations…But I have to give it back.

Hence me saying at the beginning, if I were to buy another camera, it would be this one. I still might save up for this for my own example; I already have the f1.4 lens. I have a few cameras I can sell in order to get the funds. My mind is awash with possibilities.

Anyway, if you have one, lucky you. If you don’t…please don’t outbid me 😉