A Timeless Film Camera Duo
The Contax RTS paired with the Yashica DSB 50mm f/1.9 is one of those classic 35mm SLR combinations that quietly refuses to go out of style. Designed in the era when film cameras were precision tools, this duo delivers a tactile, focused shooting experience that modern menus and touchscreens simply cannot replace.
The RTS body offers electronic precision and a bright viewfinder, while the compact 50mm f/1.9 lens brings a natural perspective with a characterful, gently rendered look. Together they form an ideal gateway into analog photography—or a beautifully built platform for exploring vintage glass on digital bodies.
The first time you advance film in a vintage Contax RTS, the firm stroke of the lever and that crisp mechanical click feel almost ceremonial—like a quiet promise that the next frame might be something special.
Key Features and Build Quality
Contax RTS body: electronic precision
The RTS is an electronically controlled 35mm SLR built around a fast, accurate shutter and a solid chassis. It was engineered for demanding photographers who needed reliability in everyday use. The body offers:
- An electronically timed focal-plane shutter with speeds fast enough for daylight action or wide apertures.
- A bright, spacious viewfinder that makes manual focusing feel intuitive.
- Through-the-lens metering for predictable exposures once properly tested and calibrated.
To power the shutter and meter, the Contax RTS uses a 6V PX28 or 4LR44 battery housed in the base of the camera.
Yashica DSB 50mm f/1.9: a gentle normal lens
The Yashica DSB 50mm f/1.9 is a compact manual-focus prime with a subtle, expressive signature. At wider apertures it offers a slight softness that flatters portraits, while stopped down it sharpens up nicely for everyday shooting.
- Focal length close to human vision, ideal for learning composition.
- Bright f/1.9 aperture for low light and shallow depth of field.
- Smooth focus throw that makes precise manual adjustments easy.
Shooting Film or Adapting for Digital
Working with 35mm film
Loaded with 35mm film, the Contax RTS becomes a deliberate, mindful tool. Each frame matters, and the solid advance lever and confident shutter sound turn photography into a slower, more rewarding ritual.
- Meter a mid-tone area of the scene and set exposure accordingly.
- Use the large viewfinder to nail focus, especially at f/1.9.
- Bracket critical shots while you are still learning how the meter behaves.
Adapting the Yashica 50mm to mirrorless
If you shoot digital as well, the Yashica DSB 50mm f/1.9 can easily be adapted to modern mirrorless cameras. Use a Contax/Yashica (C/Y) to mirrorless adapter for mounts like Sony E, Fuji X, or L-mount. The lens becomes a manual-focus prime with characterful rendering that stands apart from modern clinical optics.
On mirrorless bodies, focus peaking and magnification make it straightforward to achieve critically sharp results, even wide open. This is particularly powerful for portraits and cinematic video, where the lens’s gentle contrast and bokeh create a nostalgic, filmic look.
Buying a Second-Hand Contax RTS Kit
Essential checks before you shoot
Because the Contax RTS relies on electronics and foam seals, careful inspection is crucial when buying second-hand. A well-kept body can be a long-term companion; a neglected one may require service before serious use.
- ✓ Clean battery contacts before use
- ✓ Load a fresh 35mm film roll carefully
- ✓ Check light seals for stickiness or leaks
- ✓ Test shutter across speeds
- ✓ Compare the meter against a smartphone light-meter app
- ✓ Inspect foam and seals for deterioration
- ✓ Check the lens for haze, fungus, or oil on blades
- ✓ Confirm battery compartment is clean
Most issues, such as degraded foam or dirty contacts, are fixable and quite normal for a camera of this age. Many repair shops are still familiar with the RTS platform and can replace light seals, update mirror dampers, or clean the internals.
When you are ready to build out your setup further, you can Explore our analog cameras for additional bodies or backups, and Shop compatible camera lenses to expand beyond 50mm.
Creative Uses in 2026 and Beyond
Portraits, street, and everyday storytelling
The Contax RTS with a 50mm lens is versatile enough to cover most day-to-day subjects. On film, it excels at natural-light portraits, street photography, and documentary-style storytelling. The moderate depth of field at f/1.9 lets you isolate your subject while still keeping enough context in frame.
Shooting film in 2026 is as much about process as it is about results. The slower rhythm encourages you to think about light, timing, and composition before committing each frame, and that discipline carries over even when you switch back to digital.
Nostalgic video with vintage glass
Adapted to mirrorless, the Yashica DSB 50mm f/1.9 becomes a powerful tool for video creators seeking an organic, less clinical look. Its softer contrast and expressive bokeh are perfect for mood pieces, music videos, or lifestyle reels that aim for a timeless, analog feel.
Pair the lens with manual exposure and a fixed shutter speed, and you can create footage that feels cohesive from shot to shot, no matter which camera body you are using. For extra stability and comfort, consider adding a vintage-friendly strap or compact tripod from our selection and Browse photography accessories that complement your setup.
Why the Contax RTS + Yashica 50mm Endures
Decades after its release, the Contax RTS remains relevant because it balances precision with simplicity. There are no endless layers of menus, only the essentials: shutter speed, aperture, focus, and timing. For photographers and filmmakers who want to reconnect with the craft, that is a powerful combination.
The Yashica DSB 50mm f/1.9 completes the package with a rendering that feels human and inviting rather than hyper-correct. It is sharp enough where it counts, but never harsh. Together, this camera and lens encourage careful seeing and intentional framing—skills that matter on any platform, in any era.
Whether you shoot it with film in the streets of your city or adapt the lens to a modern mirrorless body, the Contax RTS + Yashica 50mm kit is a sustainable, characterful alternative to buying new, and a reminder that great images come from attention and patience more than from specifications.
FAQs
Can I use the Yashica DSB 50mm lens on a modern mirrorless camera? Yes. Use an inexpensive Contax/Yashica (C/Y) to mirrorless adapter for mounts like Sony E, Fuji X, or L-mount, and take advantage of focus peaking or magnification to get sharp results with vintage character.
What battery does the Contax RTS require? The Contax RTS uses a 6V PX28 or 4LR44 battery to power its electronically timed shutter and built-in light meter. Always test with a fresh battery before loading important film.
Is it easy to find spare parts or service for the Contax RTS? Many specialist repair shops still service Contax RTS bodies. Common maintenance jobs include replacing light seals, cleaning electrical contacts, and updating foam dampers around the mirror and door.
What makes the Yashica DSB 50mm f/1.9 lens special? This lens is appreciated for its gentle rendering, smooth focus throw, and soft yet expressive bokeh. It is particularly well-suited to portraits and nostalgic video work where a slightly vintage look is preferred over clinical sharpness.
Ready to build your own classic kit? Start with a Contax RTS and Yashica 50mm, then expand your system as you grow—explore more bodies, lenses, and accessories at DutchThrift.com.