thanks for the great review. I love my T2, jit traveled the world with me, just got a second one after my first one was having power issues, and after the second repair, I got a replacement. I have always been intrigued by the T3 though :)
This was a wonderful watch, thank you so much for uploading! If I may say, your photo work is absolutely beautiful! You are extremely talented! A Wonderful eye and terrific taste in image processing. A really great video all around! Followed on IG!
Glad to hear you're planning on growing the channel, I'm looking forward to watching more videos in the future! I hope you'll end up making a video with whatever camera you end up replacing the T3 with. Also, please consider making your FM Film presets for CaptureOne! I love the FM Vintage ones and would love to be able to use the other sets.
thank you for the support! i will for sure, and i think it is actually going to be something that I didn't expect. we'll see. thanks for the feedback, it is a pretty lengthy process to get the looks to apply in c1, but i do think it would be worthwhile especially as i use that program more myself.
One thing to note is that you only need to push the button on the T3 dial to go OUT of Program mode into aperture priority modes. It blew my mind one day when I realized that you can turn the camera on and off without pushing the button, and it removed one annoyance with the camera that only existed in my head…
Great informative video. I've wondered about both of these cameras and would love to buy one (the T3 especially), but the price is so damn high, not to mention the price of film as you said.
Hi Forrest, First of all, great video! I have an unusual question for you.. I have recently acquired a Contax T3 at a garage sale! (Yes, i really did!!). However.. the battery cap/door is missing and i can't seem to find any for sale. At all. Anywhere! My question to you is.. Do you know if the T2 and the T3 use the same sized battery cap/door? I just thought.. since you had both that you'd be the one to know. Thanks so much, and great video!
@@ForrestMankins Just received the contax t2...perfect condition except the lens appears to have a slight fungus spot. Bummer, not sure if i'll send it back or try to clean it off with ethanol
My faith in your opinion on these cameras went up a few points when you said the Fj60 Land Cruiser is the most beautiful car of all time. Lol I found this video super helpful, thanks for making it.
Nice review. I've been shooting the T2 off and on for 20 years. Every now and then haha it fires off an amazing shot- and its portability can't be beat. Curious if those cowboy shots were on Portra 400?
Two primary difference between T2 and T3: 1. T2 uses active infrared autofocus, basically the same system used by almost all point-n-shoot cameras. If it misses focus, that's because the user failed to properly select his focus target for the camera to lock onto. The T3 uses two autofocus systems, depending on how far the subject is from the camera. At closer subject distances, it uses the same active infrared system as the T2. At longer distances, it switches to a contrast comparison system, like that used on nearly all 35mm SLR autofocus cameras, because it is marginally more accurate at long distances. The more complex system of the T3 probably accounts for its slower focus operation. 2. The 38mm lens on the T2 is good, but the 35mm lens on the T3 is distinctly better. The manual focus on the T2 mainly deals with situations which the infrared system cannot handle, as mentioned. The Infinity setting is intended to give a tiny focus improvement generally. In autofocus mode, the system sets the focus of the lens to put infinity subjects at the rear focus point determined by the depth of field resulting from the aperture to be used for that exposure. This not true infinity focus. If you set manual focus to infinity, that's what you get.
I too agree that with the price increases on film that these cameras are losing their appeal. I love my Yashica T5 but burning through rolls with it is too easy. Great video and thank you for the detailed explanation.
thanks for watching and for taking the time to write. yeah i will def continue to shoot film, but in a different way now, which is sad, but how it goes. felt like I needed to address it and make a conscience change
Hey Forrest, I'm a professional photographer based out in Canada and I'm considering buying a T2 as my only film camera (I shoot digitally on a Canon as my day-to-day work camera) That said, the more videos and information I consume, it seems like there's a ton of hesitation right now due to the rising price and lack of parts to fix these old things. I can hear it in your voice as well which is kind of a bummer. As I said, I'm considering buying one for more personal projects (not work related) but I'm finding it hard to figure out if it's worth it in 2023 to make this purchase. Another condition to that is it seems like no one here who services Contax cameras. The only people who do seem to be who you mentioned in NYC. I guess I'm curious to know if there's a different camera that makes the most sense here. Similar to you, I can expense the purchase but with everything to consider I don't know if its "worth it" aside from it pushing me to create for myself more. - Thanks so much
Hey there! I wanted to be up front with folks about the realities and downsides of it all - I also think that there is a lot of value in having a camera that is just fun, and not a work camera. I think there's probably no better time to have a T2 if you think you ever want to do it (they're not getting any younger, and Nippon still does repair them) - and if you don't like it you'll probably be able to get exactly what you paid for it if not a little more. Another option to consider would be the fuji Klasse, there are a couple of different versions/focal lengths. Benj Haisch has a great video on the Klasse. I think if you're in the position to expense it, knowing how important a fun camera is and that resale remains, I think it's worth it to try it out. Film is super expensive, but growing up we shot fewer photos right? vacation and christmas all on the same roll? There's also something fun about being sparing with film.
Sold my T2 to buy a Fuji x100v. Miss it but film is expensive and I don’t particularly want to be the owner when the t2 decides to take a dump. Always reliable when I had it though.
Sold my X100V after falling in love with the film recipes which made me buy a T2. Kept the X100V for a short while but seemed pointless having both as the X100V would always be left behind.
@@ForrestMankins agreed! I feel a lot more confident bringing the Fuji out and not having the worry that dropping or bumping it the wrong way will kill it forever. And the optics and overall iq on the Fuji are amazing
@@Scottwoolley_ dang that's an interesting take! I think I would have done the same if I started with the fuji before the Contax too. There's definitely nothing like film, I still have way too many film cameras that I still use on the right occasions
The canon option seems like a great alternative. How loud is the shutter on the Elan 7? I have a cheap canon film camera and that thing is LOUD. Hard for me to use when shooting at wedding ceremonies for instance.
Ive had two Leica Minilux. Bought from KEH around 2006, around the same price $500 & $600 bucks-which was A LOT. One of them has had eo2 damn near 4 times and eo1 once-while the other minilux has not had any issues (knock on wood). Buying a premium point and shoot is very risky-sometimes it does not pay off but sometimes it does. I think the most important thing is having someone or some place to fix them. I love the minilux, the lens is very sharp, I have enough control for what I use it for, and it’s with me 99% of the time. Can’t beat it. But once reddot stops fixing them, I’m saying goodbye. If you haven’t shot a minilux, I recommend it
How many stops of exposure comp do each allow for? Just 2 stops? Also do you need to turn the flash off each time to force it off, or can you force it off forever in the menu as with exp comp?
As per the manual, you need to half press the shutter button to lock on to what you want focused then compose your image. That’s probably why you’re not “nailing focus” I’ve never missed focus if I was following the cameras instructions. If your shutter release is that delicate the rubber grommet needs to be replaced or serviced. The T3 is actually more prone to mechanical failures but fit and finish is impressive but it should be as it’s a newer model. Mediocre review but thanks for sharing.
Both are extremely slow cameras and shot for shot, only marginally better than the Yashica T4 and that's all negated when the Contax T2 and T3 are stopped down to f/3.5. Yashica T4 is smaller than the T2 and slightly bigger than the T3 and its waaaaay faster to turn on and off and its weatherproof. The lenses on the Contax T2 and T3 pop waaaay out of the camera. Not worth the money for either. Just rock the Yashica T4 or T5. The autofocus is also better on even the Yashica T4 than both Contax T2 and T3. I personally would not pay over 600 Euro for either camera.
@@ForrestMankins Yup. Super reliable. Had mine for 6 years… I’ve dropped it everytime I travel with no problems. Even got caught in the rain and dropped in the snow in Germany.
thanks for the great review. I love my T2, jit traveled the world with me, just got a second one after my first one was having power issues, and after the second repair, I got a replacement. I have always been intrigued by the T3 though :)
This was a wonderful watch, thank you so much for uploading! If I may say, your photo work is absolutely beautiful! You are extremely talented! A Wonderful eye and terrific taste in image processing. A really great video all around! Followed on IG!
love love love the new upload schedule man! many thanks for blessing us with so much valueable information
hey thank you! thanks for watching and thank you for taking the time to write!
Glad to hear you're planning on growing the channel, I'm looking forward to watching more videos in the future! I hope you'll end up making a video with whatever camera you end up replacing the T3 with. Also, please consider making your FM Film presets for CaptureOne! I love the FM Vintage ones and would love to be able to use the other sets.
thank you for the support! i will for sure, and i think it is actually going to be something that I didn't expect. we'll see. thanks for the feedback, it is a pretty lengthy process to get the looks to apply in c1, but i do think it would be worthwhile especially as i use that program more myself.
Great points, great video and so so beautiful shots! Keep making these
One thing to note is that you only need to push the button on the T3 dial to go OUT of Program mode into aperture priority modes. It blew my mind one day when I realized that you can turn the camera on and off without pushing the button, and it removed one annoyance with the camera that only existed in my head…
Same thing happened to me 😂
Great informative video. I've wondered about both of these cameras and would love to buy one (the T3 especially), but the price is so damn high, not to mention the price of film as you said.
Hi Forrest,
First of all, great video!
I have an unusual question for you.. I have recently acquired a Contax T3 at a garage sale! (Yes, i really did!!).
However.. the battery cap/door is missing and i can't seem to find any for sale. At all. Anywhere!
My question to you is..
Do you know if the T2 and the T3 use the same sized battery cap/door?
I just thought.. since you had both that you'd be the one to know.
Thanks so much, and great video!
love the latest uploads man! great having your thoughts out in this space. looking forward to what comes next!
Thanks for the insight, Forrest! Ive been looking at them for a while now.
hopefully it was helpful! I did forgot one thing - if you buy a t3 get the double tooth version, it is more reliable
For film I like M6 TTL and I’m waiting for the new Fuji X100 to come out and maybe Ricoh GR IIIX II 😊
New to the channel but a long time follower on Insta - loving the videos thanks for all the hard work on them :-)
this was the most helpful comparison of the t2 vs t3. thank you!! i think i've landed on buying the t2 after watching this.
Thank you so much! I love the t2, that’s what I would get too
@@ForrestMankins Just received the contax t2...perfect condition except the lens appears to have a slight fungus spot. Bummer, not sure if i'll send it back or try to clean it off with ethanol
@@ellielafferty5695 so what did you do with the camera? What are main reasons you chose the T2 over the T3.
My faith in your opinion on these cameras went up a few points when you said the Fj60 Land Cruiser is the most beautiful car of all time. Lol
I found this video super helpful, thanks for making it.
It is the most beautiful car! Thanks for the comment and glad it was at least slightly helpful!
Great video. I want a T3 more than ever. Can’t wait to use my T2 when the good colour neg films are readily available in Australia.
both are wonderful! thanks for watching and hopefully you can find film soon
Lovely comparison. I have a T2 and it's been a while I'm itching to get a T3 - is it worth the upgrade?!
Nice review. I've been shooting the T2 off and on for 20 years. Every now and then haha it fires off an amazing shot- and its portability can't be beat. Curious if those cowboy shots were on Portra 400?
Two primary difference between T2 and T3:
1. T2 uses active infrared autofocus, basically the same system used by almost all point-n-shoot cameras. If it misses focus, that's because the user failed to properly select his focus target for the camera to lock onto. The T3 uses two autofocus systems, depending on how far the subject is from the camera. At closer subject distances, it uses the same active infrared system as the T2. At longer distances, it switches to a contrast comparison system, like that used on nearly all 35mm SLR autofocus cameras, because it is marginally more accurate at long distances. The more complex system of the T3 probably accounts for its slower focus operation.
2. The 38mm lens on the T2 is good, but the 35mm lens on the T3 is distinctly better.
The manual focus on the T2 mainly deals with situations which the infrared system cannot handle, as mentioned. The Infinity setting is intended to give a tiny focus improvement generally. In autofocus mode, the system sets the focus of the lens to put infinity subjects at the rear focus point determined by the depth of field resulting from the aperture to be used for that exposure. This not true infinity focus. If you set manual focus to infinity, that's what you get.
I too agree that with the price increases on film that these cameras are losing their appeal. I love my Yashica T5 but burning through rolls with it is too easy. Great video and thank you for the detailed explanation.
thanks for watching and for taking the time to write. yeah i will def continue to shoot film, but in a different way now, which is sad, but how it goes. felt like I needed to address it and make a conscience change
I just bought myself a T3 for my birthday. And it seems like the T2 is better. Did I make the right choice? You said you loved the T3 but sold it.
I'm gonna get the T3 myself! Def sold me on the upgraded features and will likely last longer as were made in 2001 instead of 1990
Hey Forrest, I'm a professional photographer based out in Canada and I'm considering buying a T2 as my only film camera (I shoot digitally on a Canon as my day-to-day work camera) That said, the more videos and information I consume, it seems like there's a ton of hesitation right now due to the rising price and lack of parts to fix these old things. I can hear it in your voice as well which is kind of a bummer. As I said, I'm considering buying one for more personal projects (not work related) but I'm finding it hard to figure out if it's worth it in 2023 to make this purchase. Another condition to that is it seems like no one here who services Contax cameras. The only people who do seem to be who you mentioned in NYC. I guess I'm curious to know if there's a different camera that makes the most sense here. Similar to you, I can expense the purchase but with everything to consider I don't know if its "worth it" aside from it pushing me to create for myself more. - Thanks so much
Hey there! I wanted to be up front with folks about the realities and downsides of it all - I also think that there is a lot of value in having a camera that is just fun, and not a work camera. I think there's probably no better time to have a T2 if you think you ever want to do it (they're not getting any younger, and Nippon still does repair them) - and if you don't like it you'll probably be able to get exactly what you paid for it if not a little more. Another option to consider would be the fuji Klasse, there are a couple of different versions/focal lengths. Benj Haisch has a great video on the Klasse. I think if you're in the position to expense it, knowing how important a fun camera is and that resale remains, I think it's worth it to try it out. Film is super expensive, but growing up we shot fewer photos right? vacation and christmas all on the same roll? There's also something fun about being sparing with film.
Wow this video was soooo helpful to me!
That rodeo shot 🔥🔥🔥
Sold my T2 to buy a Fuji x100v. Miss it but film is expensive and I don’t particularly want to be the owner when the t2 decides to take a dump. Always reliable when I had it though.
Sold my X100V after falling in love with the film recipes which made me buy a T2. Kept the X100V for a short while but seemed pointless having both as the X100V would always be left behind.
One of those things where you just have to figure out what you're actually going to pick up and take with you day after day. both excellent cameras!
@@ForrestMankins yeah I think the X100V is leading the line in digital point + shoot for most people, as Q1 + Q2 are a not accessible for most.
@@ForrestMankins agreed! I feel a lot more confident bringing the Fuji out and not having the worry that dropping or bumping it the wrong way will kill it forever. And the optics and overall iq on the Fuji are amazing
@@Scottwoolley_ dang that's an interesting take! I think I would have done the same if I started with the fuji before the Contax too. There's definitely nothing like film, I still have way too many film cameras that I still use on the right occasions
Super helpful! Thank you
The canon option seems like a great alternative. How loud is the shutter on the Elan 7? I have a cheap canon film camera and that thing is LOUD. Hard for me to use when shooting at wedding ceremonies for instance.
it's quiet for an slr, but it's still an slr so it's going to be louder than these cameras. it's probably similar to what you have
awesome information
What aperture did you think had the best focus for the t3?
Ive had two Leica Minilux. Bought from KEH around 2006, around the same price $500 & $600 bucks-which was A LOT. One of them has had eo2 damn near 4 times and eo1 once-while the other minilux has not had any issues (knock on wood).
Buying a premium point and shoot is very risky-sometimes it does not pay off but sometimes it does. I think the most important thing is having someone or some place to fix them. I love the minilux, the lens is very sharp, I have enough control for what I use it for, and it’s with me 99% of the time. Can’t beat it. But once reddot stops fixing them, I’m saying goodbye. If you haven’t shot a minilux, I recommend it
May I ask what film you used
Portra 800 primarily!
How many stops of exposure comp do each allow for? Just 2 stops? Also do you need to turn the flash off each time to force it off, or can you force it off forever in the menu as with exp comp?
I believe it is +/- 2 stops on both. The flash can be forced on or off forever - no need to remember every shot like on the MJU
As per the manual, you need to half press the shutter button to lock on to what you want focused then compose your image. That’s probably why you’re not “nailing focus”
I’ve never missed focus if I was following the cameras instructions. If your shutter release is that delicate the rubber grommet needs to be replaced or serviced.
The T3 is actually more prone to mechanical failures but fit and finish is impressive but it should be as it’s a newer model. Mediocre review but thanks for sharing.
Yep, I do that. I had a bad copy of t2, my new one works perfectly.
Okla fan club good job
Great vid thank you!
I hope somebody else starts making film properly.
Both are extremely slow cameras and shot for shot, only marginally better than the Yashica T4 and that's all negated when the Contax T2 and T3 are stopped down to f/3.5. Yashica T4 is smaller than the T2 and slightly bigger than the T3 and its waaaaay faster to turn on and off and its weatherproof. The lenses on the Contax T2 and T3 pop waaaay out of the camera. Not worth the money for either. Just rock the Yashica T4 or T5. The autofocus is also better on even the Yashica T4 than both Contax T2 and T3. I personally would not pay over 600 Euro for either camera.
Thanks for taking the time - cool to hear about the t4, do you find them to be reliable?
@@ForrestMankins Yup. Super reliable. Had mine for 6 years… I’ve dropped it everytime I travel with no problems. Even got caught in the rain and dropped in the snow in Germany.