T3 vs TVS III

[Peter_S]

Hi!
I am thinking about trading my Contax TVS III for a T3, mainly for the ability to use filters and my general preference for primes over zooms.
Can anybody here comment on differences in
- AF-speed
- shutter lag
- shoot-to-shoot speed?

I also own a Contax G2, so if anybody can compare the T3 to that jewel I would also like to hear about it.

Thanks,
Peter S

[Contarama]

Peter S

I don't think I am really knowledgeable enough to properly answer your question sir as I am but a seriously green neophyte amateur especially compared to some of you guys...but I'll say this from a beginner's perspective...

I can't imagine why anyone would want a zoom lens if they could have a prime instead...then again I am one of those people who prefers mechanical rigs over digital ones probably because I don't know any better...haha

:)

[Peter_S]

Contarama,

you are most likely right. Reasons one may prefer the TVS III over a prime is that while it is possible to get really good compact large sensor digital compacts (Sigma DP, Leica X1), no versatile, digital compacts with good zoom lens and large sensors exist. Meaning to say - I can replace the T3 digitally, the TVS III not so much (and the TVS III ranks among the very best small zoom cameras)
Some prefer film altogether as well, and may want that little versatile zoom compact as addition to their Leica M/Contax G/whatever setup.

But overall, yes, chances are slim. There is a reason why I want to trade them, after all....

Peter

[Contarama]

you are most likely right.

Sir I am a rank amateur when it comes to cameras in general let alone M mount lenses or whatever...I know virtually nothing...I'm still stuck with my Contaflex learning the basic fundamentals with it...and the only zoom lenses I own are on cheap P&S Cyber-Shots...

I am trying to soak up some information from you guys on this forum because the stuff you all create is where I'd like to be...

Will these lenses you're talking about fit on the new high dollar Zeiss camera?

[Peter_S]

Jeff,
the lenses I mentioned are built into compacts (TVS/T-series) - I mainly shoot compacts cause I mainly shoot in high-mountain regions, and here the small Contax are just top-notch.
The Contaflex is probably not easy to shoot with - but then I know nothing of SLRs. A beauty it is, though, you just made me look it up. Keep posting photos, this forum of remaining Zeiss fans needs to keep lively.

Peter

[Contarama]

OK I see said the blind man... :) I went and looked them up amazing little cameras...the thing that struck me briefly reading about them is one person's comment about his T3 - he carries it 24/7/365...that says a whole lot to me... :)

Maybe you could just buy a T3 and keep the TVS-III too...you'll just have to shoot twice as many pictures!

On another note I was looking through your album last night and the rock climbing shot where the guy is spidermanning the cliff face is extraordinary...I can definately see how in that situation a big camera would be very hard to work with...

[whitecat]

The T3 is a rarer bird nowadays compared to the TVS III. I had a T3 and sold it but "need" another and have been searching. I happened across a TVS III 100% new on Ebay for $315.00! They used to go for $1195.00! The T3, especially in black goes for much more. Absolutely superb lens on both of them. Considered one of the best point and shooters. A close competitor would be the Nikon 35 Ti but a different flash configuration.

[Peter_S]

Jeff,
I want to get a T3 to back up my brilliant Sigma DP (Contax Film and Foveon digital work just so nice together) - the later I took the shot with you mentioned, and it has become my primary camera. Thanks for the compliment! The T3 seems very small enough for back-up and powerful enough for usage as primary camera in remote regions and high-altitude regions.
Also - I yet need to find a better camera for simply point & shoot then he TVS III - give the TVS III to somebody who has no clue about photography, and they will take awesome photos (now that you said it, maybe I will keep the TVS III, it is such a beautiful camera, too). Also no problems handling it with gloves on.I hope the same is true for T3.

Whitecat - so you actually want the T3 back? That is about as good a compliment one can give a camera. But you are right about its availability, particularly the black one. I keep wondering why did Contax built so few black cameras?

Cheers,
Peter S

[whitecat]

I guess the might have been an afterthought. Just like the TVS III in black being a rare bird. I do like the idea of being able to use filters on the T3 especially for black and white photography. Just a gem of a camera. I'll keep my eye out but if I doo find one I know it will be top dollar.

[Peter_S]

Looks like I was lucky. I actually found somebody who was willing to trade (for a money top-up from my side) on RFF. Cannot wait to receive it and fire a roll Ilfored XP2 through it. Now I need to hunt down one of these filter adapter rings.
This means Contax/Zeiss is back in my regular compact climbing/ski touring/expedition photo rig - Sigma DP2 and Contax T3 will be the combo of choice here.

[whitecat]

You'll find one of the adaptor rings on Ebay. Try to hold the temptation until you find a black one and not a silver. Is your T3 the later version with the revised take up spool?

[Peter_S]

Hi!
The one I have (received it today) is black and has a two-pin spool - yeah! It is a very nice camera. Not as beautiful as the TVS III I think, but the better camera for me - and still a beauty.

Cheers!
Peter

[Contarama]

Pete...you shoot mountains better than anyone I know... :)

You know how to shoot pics of cameras??? ;)

[Peter_S]

Thanks for the compliment!
I am not too talented shooting gear...except perhaps climbing and cycling gear. I will stick to mountain, sports and adventure photography with the occassional street shot.

I am back to analog & Contax more than ever before with T3 + G2 and full yellow+red filter array.

Cheers!!
Peter

[Peter_S]

Shot the T3 a lot recently, both b+w and color (first photos will appear in my gallery here bit by bit).
So far I can say:
- with yellow filter and Fuji Acros 100
- with Kodak Ektar
the camera and lens yield results that leave nothing to be desired and can easily keep up with my digital Sigma DP2 and surely surpasses my old Canon G9. The Combination contrasty Sonnar + Kodak Ektar yields sometimes almost too strong blue tones, but generally the colors pop, and the photos are Sonnar-typically very vibrant and sharp yet still smooth. Photos taken with Kodak Elite slide film and scanned had this what I call "painting-like character" I had missed from the days I shot the TVS and Fuji Provia all the time.

Metering is very reliable, and the viewfinder is good (compared to the external viewfinders of the digital equivalents Sigma DP2 and Leica X1) with most needed information visible. I only miss the info about the exposure time when in aperture priority. And - it is, together with the TVS III - the only compact I am aware of that will deliver excellent photos when used as pure P&S. Nice in high altitude and when wearing gloves.

W/o HQ-scanner you should get prints though, scanners like the Epson V700 or 4990 cannot do the quality justice. I am looking forward to some Hasselblad X1 scans.
Overall - wow! What a masterpiece. With Kodak Ektar and a high-end scanner (X1, X5, etc) a very capable hybrid solution for maintaining full-frame format in a small camera, and with filter also very good for b/w work.

Best,
Peter

[Contarama]

The recent pictures in your section of the gallery are fantastic Peter...