nashphotog
New member
I have a choice between these two cameras so I need some help deciding between the two cameras. Can anyone help?
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Are you buying a new back as well? If yes the a Mamiya mount will give you a bit mor flexibility as it can be used on some other cameras; less so if it's in Contax mount
If you buy a new Leaf or Phase One back with either Gold Package (Leaf) or Value Added (Phase) you get one interface change so if you buy Contax you'll be able to change it down the road if needed
I chose the contax because it was more like a dslr camera than a kleenex box -- so I guess it depends on what you want to use it for
I'd probably say the Contax is a slightly nicer camera as it stands right now, but I still chose to go Mamiya for these simple reasons. 1.) Contrary to Contax, Mamiya is alive and well and constantly being improved and expanded upon. Also, word is we'll see a completely new and much improved camera from P1/Mamiya in the near future. Then there's the issue of repairs and support going forward. 2.) Versatility, the Mamiya system has a much larger system of lenses, both new and legacy, leaf shutter lenses being one option which Contax does not offer for example. 3.) Price, this does not apply if you're buying new, but there is some terrific legacy glass that can be had for very little money used. You can also pick up a cheap older version body for backup.
A Contax back can be used on a Contax and on 5x4/ 6x9/ tech camerasI was planning on buying a used back to save some money but I wasn't aware that switching mounts was limited to the newer backs. For the record I was also planning on getting a Sinar 4x5 so I guess Leaf Aptus-II will be my only route.
Is the interface change limited to one time? I was hoping to switch back and forth between the two cameras.
The same is also true for the Contax, using either Contax's MAM-1 adapter or any number of third-party ones.You can also use Hasselblad V lenses on a Mamiya DF or AFD with an adapter but in manual stop down mode and focus confirmation.
A link puh-leeze? I looked, but it's not coming up on any search I ran.There is a Contax mount P45+ up for sale on ebay.
Oops sorry it was a P25... it sold in a blink at asking price $ 6,500The same is also true for the Contax, using either Contax's MAM-1 adapter or any number of third-party ones.
A link puh-leeze? I looked, but it's not coming up on any search I ran.
Thanks for the recommendation. I wasn't aware of the 120 Apo Makro but from what little I've thus far it looks really impressive.My vote goes to the Contax, mostly because of the lenses and good ergonomics. The 120 Apo Makro lens in particular is one of the best I have ever shot with, in terms of results.
I now shoot with a different system but I still love looking at some of my earlier shots made with the Contax and a Sinar digiback. Key downside with the Contax for me was the somewhat suspect digital integration (sometimes, I had to press the shutter release twice to wake up the back and make an image, plus EXIF data showed wrong exposure values - this may or may not be important for you). There is no support any more but you can buy pretty much all you need second hand, cheaply, including a spare body.
Thanks! These are some interesting points you've made. I assumed Mamiya DF shot film so that's good to know. I guess that means the 645 II probably doesn't either. The Fuji looks really nice but not as it's portable as the Mamiya or Contax and that will be the main function of this camera choice for me.The Contax has a fabulous build, really reliable and the lenses very nice. The 80mm f2 has a very unique look.
I would say that it's limitations are slow auto focusing in low light and no focus support light.
The Phase Mamiya cameras are well built, but not as relaible as the Contax, but keep in mind the Contax is a simpler camera.
The Mamiya DF does not support film backs. For that you would have to get a used Mamiya AFD III or a Phase One 645 AF.
Used Contax backs are hard to find and will be expensive, however fantastic lenses will be cheaper thanks to plenty of nice used Contax gear around.
You can also use Hasselblad V lenses on a Mamiya DF or AFD with an adapter but in manual stop down mode and focus confirmation.
Kapture Group makes some very nice digital back adapters for 5x4 and they are available in Contax mount. Leaf still makes Contax mount backs.
There is a Contax mount P45+ up for sale on ebay.
Another option is the Fuji gx680 with a kapture group adapter.
A gx680 III is an slr, but with a tilt shift lens mount. You would have tilt and shift on all lenses from 50mm to 500mm. The 180mm 3.2 is unmatched. You would also be able to shoot 6x8 film... and 6x8 Portra looks splendid.
While I like the Contax I decided to go with the Phase One due to it's flexibility and better autofocus as well as snappier focus confirmation on manual lenses.
I also use Fuji gx680 cameras with both film (my preference) and phase one backs.
I have also machined a Phase one body to Fuji gx680 lenses adapter that gives me tilt and shift on the Phase one from 50mm to 250mm lenses The "Mamuji" or "Fujiya" . I have also managed to make a semi automatic stopdown system for the "Mamuji" or "Fujiya"
If portability is important keep in mind that the Mamiya DF is lighter than the Contax.Thanks! These are some interesting points you've made. I assumed Mamiya DF shot film so that's good to know. I guess that means the 645 II probably doesn't either. The Fuji looks really nice but not as it's portable as the Mamiya or Contax and that will be the main function of this camera choice for me.
+1My vote goes to the Contax, mostly because of the lenses and good ergonomics. The 120 Apo Makro lens in particular is one of the best I have ever shot with, in terms of results.
I now shoot with a different system but I still love looking at some of my earlier shots made with the Contax and a Sinar digiback. Key downside with the Contax for me was the somewhat suspect digital integration (sometimes, I had to press the shutter release twice to wake up the back and make an image, plus EXIF data showed wrong exposure values - this may or may not be important for you). There is no support any more but you can buy pretty much all you need second hand, cheaply, including a spare body.
No. Only the Mamiya 645DF no longer supports film backs. Something to do with the faster electronics in the DF so as to support the leaf shutter lenses fast 1/1600th. The new electronics does not support the older film back and Mamiya chose not to make a new film back. A bit sad, but I guess the market would be too limited. Also Phase one that owns a controlling share of Mamiya may just not be interested in film.I assumed Mamiya DF shot film so that's good to know. I guess that means the 645 II probably doesn't either.
Thanks! These are some interesting points you've made. I assumed Mamiya DF shot film so that's good to know. I guess that means the 645 II probably doesn't either. The Fuji looks really nice but not as it's portable as the Mamiya or Contax and that will be the main function of this camera choice for me.
Contax mount digital backs sell for more than Mamiya mount digital backs on ebay. You would probably save more money buying a Mamiya mount on ebay and selling the Contax back.+1
If you also want to shoot with Sinar LF then a Sinarback MFDB with Contax645 adapter may be worth considering.
If it turns out you don't like the Contax645 you can just swap it for a Mamiya and get a Mamiya adapter instead of having to replace your whole digital back, and same goes for if you then don't like the Mamiya and decide to opt for Hasselblad V then Hy6 then... in other words it is quite a flexible solution