Great to see you here. Join our insightful photographic forum today and start tapping into a huge wealth of photographic knowledge. Completing our simple registration process will allow you to gain access to exclusive content, add your own topics and posts, share your work and connect with other members through your own private inbox! And don’t forget to say hi!
People are still happily using Contax, many years after they went out of production. This isn't a sudden death situation.Based on the news early in this forum with the Chapter 11 I would think that the Hy6 should not be your choice.
I also think that the current situation does not necessarly mean F&H needs to shut (forever) the doors.Apparently Jenoptik owns the rights to the system, and given Franke & Heidecke's longtime financial difficulties, Jenoptik almost certainly has a clause in the agreement about what happens to the manufacturing capability if F&H should shut their doors. The only unknown is who will manufacture the Hy6. I wonder if Leica has enough manufacturing capacity left over to handle this for Jenoptik? They did have a relationship in the recent past, although it is not clear how well it ended.
Well Victor I think you hear what you want to hear depending on your own decisions. I haven't heard "Contax is Dead," ... it's been more like: "Contax is a Dead-End system." Big difference IMHO.This is a hoot.
I started this thread when I 'listened' to the "Contax is dead" crowd and figured, well, let's see what's out there.
Now, having decided to stay with my Contax 645, I see that the H2 and H6y have joined the 'dead' club.
The difference is-people are still picking up the Contax, and are happy...
The H2 crowd complains about 'closed' systems (H3) (but still pretty good stuff!)
The Hy6, well, uncertain, and little float...
The Ph/M amyia.. lots of complaints on lenses, bodies. (here and on LL).. and sorry, we ain't talking the mercedes of cameras here
But the latter have three big fans in Guy, Jack and Michael... I wish them well and do genuinely hope they improve features and lenses. HOWEVER, they have a price point, and , I am sorry, that will translate to a quality point - it is the law of the marketplace.
In the meantime, my only concern is finding a reasonable price for the Contax extension tubes for Macro work.....as I wait for the P65+... which I already know is not straining the Contax lenses, in spite of what MR siad when he sold his Contax . (see my post with P65+ Contax samples)
Why do I keep posting on the Contax 645?...
.... Well, as people tout the Sony, Mamyia, and Hasselblad, there are still Contax systems out there, and for those who MAY benefit and enjoy them, they deserve to hear about it.
best regards
Victor
I can think of a lot of good reasons that have nothing to do with how good the camera is. Same thing for the Hy6 which may yet come back from the brink... it is a superb camera.SIMPLE QUESTION ?
IF CONTAX WAS SUCH A GREAT SYSTEM, WHY IS THE BRAND DEAD. MAMIYA, HASSEY AND THE REST OF THE NOT SO WONDERFUL SYSTEMS STILL VERY MUCH ALIVE.
MAKES YOU THINK !
Your having way to much fun. LOLI can justify the minor cost of a Contax body to use as a mule for F/FE lenses ( many thanks for the adaptor David K) since I now have the luxury of a back ( many thanks Bradley Gibson) which I can change adaptors and bodies accordingly ( many thanks Sinar) same thing for the RZ (thanks David K and Jack) and V body ( thanks Blad ) and the Alpa ( thanks Alpa)
My a back "is just film philosophy" is working beautifully for me ! -
Would I use Contax as my only 645 system with a dedicated Phase One mount? - you have to be joking!! LOL Do I think the Contax lenses ( apart from the 80/2 and 120 Makro are anything special? Nope.
Everything changes according to flexibility - a camera and lens system is cheap compared to a digi back - film. I am loving the flexibility of being able to use a digi back like film and switch from system to system. and am getting a real kick out of being able to choose exactly the glass I want to use - not what some corporate strategist/ex sales guy in a two bit MFD back manufacturing company decides I can or can not do.
yeah baby!!
hey Jack,Pete:
Just curious, which system do you take on your typical field shoot?
Cheers,
Guy - it should ALWAYS be about fun my friend! I am happy to have sorted out what works for me..Your having way to much fun. LOL