Contax 137 MD Quartz + Yashica 55mm Review & Guide

Introduction: Rediscovering a Film Classic in 2025

In an age of mirrorless speed and 8K video, the Contax 137 MD Quartz paired with the Yashica DSB 55mm f/2 offers something quietly radical: a slower, more deliberate way of seeing. It is a camera–lens combo that invites you to think in frames, not bursts.

The 137 MD Quartz brings together Contax engineering, a built-in motor drive, and quartz-timed shutter accuracy, while the Yashica 55mm f/2 adds a compact, characterful standard lens. Together, they form an ideal gateway into film for digital-native photographers, and a nostalgic yet practical tool for seasoned shooters.

The first time you load a fresh roll into a well-engineered vintage body like the Contax 137, there is a quiet, ritualistic magic. The leader catches the take-up spool, the back closes with a precise click, and when you tap the shutter, the motor advances the film with a soft, confident whirr that feels like a promise that the next 36 frames will matter.

A Brief History of the Contax 137 MD Quartz

Contax meets Kyocera engineering

Released in the early 1980s, the Contax 137 MD Quartz sits at a crossroads in camera history. It combines traditional 35mm SLR design with early automation: a built-in motor drive, quartz-controlled shutter timing, and compatibility with the excellent C/Y (Contax/Yashica) lens mount.

Positioned beneath the professional Contax RTS line, the 137 MD Quartz still carried a premium feel—solid metal construction, a bright viewfinder, and access to both Zeiss and Yashica lenses. Today, that middle-ground heritage makes it a sweet spot for enthusiasts who want serious tools without collector prices.

Technical Highlights and Everyday Usability

Quartz-timed shutter and built-in motor drive

The “Quartz” in the name refers to the electronically controlled shutter, stabilized by a quartz oscillator. In practice, that means impressively consistent shutter speeds, even decades later, provided the electronics are healthy and batteries are fresh.

The integrated motor drive advances film automatically after each shot, so you can work more fluidly than with purely manual-wind bodies. It is fast enough for casual street, family, or travel shooting without feeling frantic.

Viewfinder experience and handling

The 137 MD Quartz offers a bright, uncluttered viewfinder that helps with precise manual focusing—vital when working with fast primes like the 55mm f/2. The body sits comfortably in the hand, with enough heft to feel stable but not burdensome for day-long use.

The Yashica DSB 55mm f/2: Compact Lens, Big Character

Optical character and rendering

The Yashica DSB 55mm f/2 might not have the Zeiss badge, but it carries plenty of charm. At f/2 it gives a pleasingly gentle look—slightly lower contrast, smooth background blur, and flattering rendering for portraits. Stopped down, it sharpens nicely for street and everyday documentary work.

Its 55mm focal length feels a touch tighter than the classic 50mm, which can encourage more intentional framing. Paired with the Contax 137 MD Quartz, it makes an excellent walk-around setup that never feels bulky.

Using the lens on digital cameras

Thanks to the C/Y mount, the Yashica 55mm adapts beautifully to modern mirrorless bodies. With a simple mechanical adapter, you can give this vintage glass a second life on digital while still enjoying it on film.

• Choose a C/Y adapter for your digital body.
• Test the Yashica 55mm lens on both film and mirrorless.
• Scan negatives using a DSLR or flatbed setup.
• Edit film shots with minimal digital adjustments to retain vintage feel.
• Check motor drive and shutter performance.
• Inspect viewfinder for haze or fungus.
• Test film advance sound for consistency.
• Verify battery compartment for corrosion.
• Examine lens for cleanliness and focus smoothness.

Integrating Film into Modern Hybrid Workflows

From analog capture to digital delivery

The Contax 137 MD Quartz combo slots neatly into hybrid workflows. Use film for key moments or personal projects, and your digital system for speed-critical work. The transition from negative to screen is straightforward with a simple scanning setup.

A DSLR or mirrorless scanning rig can offer more flexibility, while a flatbed keeps things simple. Either way, the aim is not to erase the film look, but to preserve it.

How to Inspect and Buy a Contax 137 MD Quartz Second-Hand

Key checks before you commit

Buying second-hand is sustainable and cost-effective, but it pays to be systematic when you evaluate a body and lens.

For the camera body:

• Check motor drive and shutter performance.
• Test film advance sound for consistency.
• Inspect viewfinder for haze or fungus.
• Verify battery compartment for corrosion.

For the Yashica 55mm f/2 lens:

• Examine lens for cleanliness and focus smoothness.
• Check aperture blades for oil and snappy operation.
• Shine a light through the optics to look for internal haze or fungus.

Conclusion: Why This Classic Still Matters

The Contax 137 MD Quartz with Yashica DSB 55mm f/2 is more than a nostalgic curiosity. It is a practical, characterful tool that still holds its own in 2025 and will continue to do so as long as film is made. You get quartz-timed reliability, a responsive motor drive, and a lens that bridges the gap between analog charm and digital adaptability.

For those who want to slow down without stepping backward, this combo is a compelling way to reconnect with the craft of photography—sustainably, affordably, and with real personality in every frame.

Ready to explore more film gear and compatible lenses? Discover our curated selection of analog cameras, mix and match with characterful camera lenses, and round out your kit with essential photography accessories at DutchThrift.com.