Howard_Creech's Full Review: Contax N1 35mm Film Camera
For most of the last fifty years a true system camera was one that offered a sturdy “pro” level body, a wide selection of optics, a motor drive, and a couple of esoteric accessories like a 250 exposure back or microscope adaptors. Today’s camera systems are much more complex and sophisticated, they feature a dedicated “pro” camera body, a second tier body (like the Nikon F100), a wide selection of lenses, tons of unique add-ons, and usually a professional level digital camera body that can use the same lenses and accessories.
Contax has taken the idea of modular photography one step further than any other major camera manufacturer with the new Contax “N1” 35mm SLR system; an all new lens mount, four new Zeiss “N” lenses, all seven of the lenses from the medium format Contax 645, and very soon, the world’s first true six megapixel digital camera. The “N” Digital, will offer the world’s first 35mm frame sized digital sensor @1x1.5 inches, no more magnification factor, the new larger sensor will overcome another annoying digital shortcoming, the inability to use ultra wide angle lenses at their actual focal length. Thirty-megabyte image files will equal or surpass the resolution of 35mm for the first time.
The Contax marque was introduced by Zeiss-Ikon Corporation as a platform to showcase their world famous Carl Zeiss lenses. Many well known photo-journalists used Contax cameras (and Zeiss lenses) to cover wars, riots, natural disasters, and breaking news stories. In the days before television, most people got their news fixes from glossy magazines like Life and Look. Photo-journalist photographer David Douglas Duncan used a Contax rangefinder camera to shoot his Pulitzer Prize winning combat pictures during the Korean War. Duncan was so influential among the photographers of the time, that when he started putting Nikon lenses on his German made Contax rangefinder, he helped give birth to the Japanese camera industry, and started the reputation for quality that Nikon lenses still hold today, among professional news photographers.
Contax has always been synonymous with precision built, well-engineered, absolutely dependable 35mm cameras and top quality Zeiss lenses. The largely hand built Contax rangefinder cameras were among the finest ever made, but they were very expensive, and by the late nineteen sixties Japanese competition had driven Zeiss into bankruptcy. The company re-organized, quit making cameras, and concentrated on supplying "top quality" lenses for Hasselblad, Rollei, and other camera makers. In the late seventies Zeiss entered into an agreement with Kyocera Corporation (maker of Yashica cameras in Japan) to design, build, and market a new camera system. The Contax RTS system, was designed by the Porsche Design Studios, and precision built (in Japan) by Yashica. Zeiss made many of the lenses in Germany, and licensed Kyocera (under Zeiss supervision) to manufacture the others in Japan. The new SLR was an immediate hit with photographers worldwide. Kyocera has also re-introduced the famous Contax rangefiner camera system (G1 & G2) and continues to manufacture innovative and well received SLR’s under the Contax name. The newest member of the Contax family, the first totally new and completely re-engineered camera of the twenty first century, the Contax N1, features many technological innovations and several useful options not offered by any other camera maker.
New Contax Auto Focus System
Contax's first AF 35mm SLR (the AX) accepted all Contax-mount Carl Zeiss T* manual-focus lenses, and provided auto focusing by moving the film plane, rather than the lens. The N1 provides faster and more accurate autofocusing performance, especially with action subjects, than was possible with the AX. N-mount lenses currently available are, the Vario-Sonnar T* 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 (this is a superb lens, with resolution and color transmission that rivals most prime lenses) the Vario-Sonnar T* 70-300mm f/4-5.6 (also very good) and the Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 (spotty availability) and the Makro-Planar T* 100mm f/2.8 (another exceptional lens that will work very well for portraiture and “street” shooting, in addition to being one of the sharpest macro lenses I have ever seen) a fantastic “all-round” lens. Contax says that the Planar 85mm f/1.4 and Vario-Sonnar 17-35mm f/2.8 will hit store shelves later this spring. The Contax NAM-1 Mount Adapter provides Contax N1 users the option to use all seven Carl Zeiss T* lenses for the Contax 645 medium-format AF SLR (which range from 35mm to 350mm) the lenses will autofocus, but they will not support ABC automatic focus bracketing.
The N1 does away with the need to choose between AF (auto-focus) and MF (manual-focus) modes. The new focusing system (Dual Focus) makes it possible to use both modes simultaneously, and in a complementary manner during the focusing. Dual Focus enables the photographer to take absolute control, with the N1 the photographer can now focus on the subject, and then switch back and forth at will, between manual focus and auto focus modes until absolutely perfect “tack sharp” focus is achieved. The controls are well designed and laid out ergonomically so they can be operated rapidly and intuitively, without the need to take your eye away from the viewfinder.
The N1’s new five-point wide-array diagonal auto focus system (similar to the system used in Nikon’s F5 & F100) enables the photographer to select the best focusing point for each individual photographic composition. When composing a shot, in most cases, the main subject is either near the center of the picture or along diagonals drawn between the four corners. Unlike the auto focus systems offered by other camera manufacturers, which encourage centering the composition, the Contax system encourages and facilitates using both “S” curves and the rule of thirds to compose graphically stronger and more artistically pleasing images.
The N1 can be used in either of two modes; Manual Select or Auto Select. In Manual Select mode the photographer can override the system and select one out of the five focusing points. When the photographer wants to focus on a larger area in order to create the most graphic composition, he/she may use the Auto Select Option. This mode allows the photographer to select camera focus on different areas of the shot: (a) All five points (b) Top of frame (c) Bottom of frame (d) Left side and (e) Right side. Either mode can be selected and used according to the effect that the photographer would like to achieve.
Fine Focus (ABC) Auto Bracketing Control
Most professional 35mm cameras, and many models aimed at serious amateurs and part time pros, offer automatic exposure bracketing, and automatic flash bracketing. The N1 takes this one step further and introduces automatic focus bracketing. Set the camera's focus dial to the Focus ABC icon and the drive mode to continuous advance, focus on the subject manually, then press the shutter button and hold it. The camera will shoot one frame at the focused distance, one frame at the short end of the depth-of-field limit for the maximum aperture of the lens in use, and one frame at the long end of the depth-of-field limit for the maximum aperture of the lens in use. This feature is especially helpful for close-up work, where the best focus point might not be readily obvious. It would also be a great option for macro photography, however Zeiss/Kyocera engineers didn’t think to provide this option with the 100mm Macro lens, the only one of the four new “N” series lenses lacking an ultra-sonic motor. Hopefully Zeiss/Kyocera will rectify this omission with subsequent macro lens offerings.
Metering/Exposure Modes
The N1 provides three metering options, five-segment evaluative, center-weighted average, and spot. In Evaluative metering pattern mode (much like Nikon’s “Matrix” metering) the metering system divides the picture into five segments, and bases its exposure on scene brightness, subject position, and a number of other factors. This is a great mode for general shooting, and it can handle most situations (especially outdoors) very well. Center-weighted average metering works very well with centrally positioned subjects, and is great for “old timers” who learned image making when camera meters were all center weighted. Spot metering reads a small 3mm circle in the center of the viewfinder, and is useful for measuring specific portions of a scene, and determining the brightness range.
Exposure modes
Program AE, shutter priority and aperture priority AE, and metered manual. In program AE, the camera sets both shutter speed and aperture. In shutter-priority AE, the photographer sets the shutter speed and the camera sets the proper aperture. In aperture-priority AE, you set the aperture (to control depth of field) and the camera sets the proper shutter speed. In Metered Manual Mode, you set both shutter speed and aperture, and the camera's exposure scale will let you know when it thinks you've got it right.
Set the Exposure ABC (Auto Bracketing Control) and the camera will shoot three frames (each time you press the shutter release) one at the metered exposure, one @ 0.3, 0.5 or 1 EV over that exposure, and one @ 0.3, 0.5 or 1 EV under it. The careful photographer can use this option (independently of or in conjunction with exposure compensation) to pretty much guarantee nailing the exposure. Careful attention to the instruction manual is required to maximize this feature.
Shutter
The N1's newly designed (vertical-travel) focal-plane shutter provides speeds from 32 seconds to 1/8000th of a second in program mode, aperture priority AE, and (set via the Command Dial) in shutter priority AE and metered-manual modes. The speed range (when set via the shutter speed dial) is from 4 seconds to 1/8000th of a second in shutter priority and manual mode. There's a Bulb setting for longer exposures. . The shutter is designed to operate accurately and dependably, maintenance free, for 100,000 exposures. This puts the camera in the same “pro” category as other top “pro” SLR cameras like the Nikon F5 and F100, and the Canon EOS 1v and EOS 1n, which are designed for 100,000 to 150,000 maintenance free exposures.
Flash
The N1 provides TTL flash exposure control with dedicated Contax (TLA-system) flash units like the TLA360. Maximum flash-sync is 1/250 of a second with shoe-mount units. Flash options include slow sync, second-curtain sync, and flash exposure compensation. The TLA360 offers a tilting/rotating bounce head, auto and manual zooming of the flash head (from 24-85mm) and multi-flash mode. When the flash (TLA360) is installed, data concerning the film speed, the aperture, and lens focus are displayed on the flash’s rear screen. The balance between flash lighting and natural lighting can be adjusted by changing exposure settings on the flash independently of those on the camera body.
One of the Contax N1's many pro features (often absent these days) is a PC terminal so that professional photographers can use studio flash systems with the camera. The maximum flash-sync shutter speed is 1/125 when using this terminal. When coupled with the new optional LCD viewfinder, the PC terminal will allow studio photographers great latitude in setting up, lighting, and shooting formal portraits, product illustrations, advertising, and editorial work.
Additional Features
Add an optional Multifunction Data Back, and you get three very helpful features. All Imprint, Between-Frame Imprint, and Interval Shooting. With All Imprint, the camera leaves the first two frames on each roll of 35mm film blank, and stores in its “on board” memory, date the film was loaded, exposure compensation value (if any), shutter speed, aperture, exposure mode, frame number and date rewound. Just before the film is rewound, this data is printed on the first two frames for future reference. When you select Between-Frame Imprint, you can print: year/month/day, or day/hour/minute, or exposure compensation value/shutter speed/aperture/exposure mode, or counter number plus two characters, or any six-digit (PIN) code number plus two characters, or no imprint. Interval Shooting mode, allows the photographer to set the camera to shoot a specified number of frames over a specific interval, beginning at “X” time, this is a great option for time-lapse photography.
New LCD Finder
The new FE-1 LCD Viewfinder (optional) is a 1.5-inch LCD with a 330,000-pixel CMOS sensor that will allow photographers to preview the effects of exposure adjustments (sort of like an electronic digital "Polaroid Back") before exposure. Photographers can switch the display between color and monochrome modes, which is especially important for photographers who (like me) are unable to see in B&W. You can mount the LCD finder in the camera's hot-shoe, or use it at a distance, the LCD unit has a separate shutter release so the user can operate the camera remotely. The LCD finder will be available later this spring. Other than its obvious usefulness in previewing B&W images, before shooting, and as a compositional aid in studio photography, I tend to regard the LCD finder as an expensive techno toy, with very limited applications for the serious outdoor photographer.
Film threading, film advance (single-frame or continuous at 3.5 fps) and rewind are automatic. Self-timer mode allows a 2- or 10-second delay (for those who wish to be both photographer and subject), and can be cancelled. The multiple-exposure mode allows up to nine exposures on a single frame. A depth-of-field preview button stops the lens down to the selected “shooting” aperture so you can see in the viewfinder how much of your planned image is actually in focus.
The fixed eye-level pentaprism viewfinder shows 95% of the image area, and features a high eyepoint, and built-in dioptric eyepiece correction. The picture area is uncluttered, showing only the five AF focusing sensors. Below the picture area, an LCD array displays all pertinent exposure data.
The external LCD panel is clear, easily read (except in bright or direct light), and shows pretty much everything in the viewfinder display, plus battery status, drive mode and Custom Functions
“N” Digital Camera
Kyocera will offer a digital version (later this spring) of the N1 35mm camera, called (catchy name) the N Digital. The new camera will feature 6 megapixel resolution, a sensor the exact size of a 35mm frame (no focal length multiplier), a two-inch LCD, and CF Type II memory storage. The new “N” digital camera will share lenses and accessories with "N1” Kyocera hopes to sell the “N” Digital SLR for about 800,000 YEN, a bit more than $7,000.00 at current exchange rates.
Build Quality/Construction
Contax has a time-honored reputation for building tough, durable, reliable cameras, and the N1 is no exception. This is a precision instrument, a very well-built image-making tool. The body is die-cast aluminum alloy, and electronics, dials, levers, buttons, and moving parts are all quality components. Dust and moisture seals are well above average, with O-rings and rubber packing used liberally to help resist dust and moisture. A rubberized coating provides additional protection from dust, moisture, and minor bumps, plus adding a nice solid grip and “quality” feel to the body.
In the Field/Use and Operation
The N1 feels solid, but not heavy. The control dials, levers and buttons are logically placed and encourage intuitive operation. The viewfinder display is informative, but not cluttered, the image is bright and crisp, making for easy focusing. Autofocus performance is smooth, quiet, and quick much like Canon’s EOS system. Being able to switch from AF to manual focusing (and vice versa) instantly, without fumbling, is a great feature. Well positioned focusing rings on the Zeiss zooms make for easy manual use without having to change your grip on the camera. The focusing, zooming and aperture rings have a smooth and precise feel.
I got an opportunity to try the “fine focus” ABC when my friend and I drove to Cherokee Park and arrived at Hogan’s Fountain just in time to miss three really good looking young ladies roller-blading down the hill at warp speed. We walked around the fountain for a few minutes and shot a few frames of people out enjoying the beautiful spring day. We were just getting ready to leave when the girls came back up the hill.
I had the N1 mounted on a small Cullman “Touring” Tripod extended to about 24 inches with the Zeiss 24-85 mounted on the camera. I watched the girls skate by and stop at the top of the hill by the fountain. I set the camera and tripod up on the hood of my friend’s car. I framed a nicely lit area with a dark background (old growth trees) just up the road, and hoped the girls would decide to take a second trip down the hill. After selecting the ABC option, setting the aperture to F3.5, in aperture priority mode (to blur the movement) and zooming out to 85mm, I waited while the girls rested from their trip up the hill. All three of them were dressed in shorts and halter-tops (their protective head gear, knee, and elbow pads covered more than their outfits) after talking for about five minutes the girls started back down the hill at full speed. As they passed me I was able to trip the shutter twice.
Out of six shots, I got one in which the three girls filled the framed from side to side. Their arms and legs were blurred, but their faces and bodies were tack sharp under a Mamiya “Cabin” 8X loupe, on a color corrected light table. I am not sure that I would not have gotten the one perfect frame without ABC (the other five shots all ended up in the “round” file because one or more of the girls were fuzzy in each of them) but I felt the feature might have helped me get the shot by enhancing the focusing accuracy.
Conclusion
I have been a photographer for almost thirty years, and I have seen cameras go from “all metal” manual everything photographic tools to mostly polycarbonate auto everything imaging devices. During the last five years I have seen digital cameras turn the whole photography world on its ear. The first camera I ever owned was completely mechanical, the only electrical component was the built in light meter. I took pictures with the first generation of auto exposure cameras, and later used early auto focus cameras. Lately I have been trying out a lot of different digital cameras.
Over the last four or five years I have watched the corporate philosophies of Nikon, Canon, and other major camera manufacturers change. Every new feature, every new improvement, every new advance in imaging technology makes it easier for the photographer to get the picture, and that’s a very good thing for photographers. If you need a superb imaging device and you have five or six grand tied up in high technology or internet stocks, dump those turkeys (or sell your baseball card collection on Ebay), and run down to your authorized Contax dealer and buy something that will work for you, the new Contax N1, I highly recommend it.
I was able to thoroughly field test the new Contax N1, thanks to a friend who sells and distributes cameras and photographic equipment, you know who you are dude!!! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to play with another nifty toy.
If you would like to read more about any of the cameras mentioned in this review, please check the listing below.
If you would like to read more about 35mm cameras, please see my reviews:
HASSELBLAD Contax N mount N1 Camera Body AF + MF Complete MINT Please click on images to enlarge Contax N mount N1 AF+MF Camera body - with front body...More at eBay
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