A Legacy of Precision and Design
The Contax RTS in hand
Hold a Contax RTS for the first time and you immediately understand the era it was born in. The slightly angular lines, the dense weight in your palm and the uncluttered top plate all speak of a time when cameras were tools first, style icons second. There is no gimmickry here, only a quiet confidence in metal, glass and precision mechanics.
The first time you lift the RTS to your eye, the viewfinder snaps into place with a soft, mechanical certainty – it feels like closing the door of a well-engineered German car from the same decade.
Designed with input from professional photographers, the RTS (Real Time System) prioritises speed, responsiveness and reliability. Shutter speeds and exposure compensation are laid out clearly, the shutter release is feather-light, and the camera offers aperture-priority auto exposure long before it became standard on every SLR.
A pro-grade body for today’s slow photography
While it was once a workhorse for professionals, the Contax RTS now finds a second life with photographers who value a slower, more intentional process. It is an ideal companion for weekend photo walks, documentary projects and portrait sessions where every frame matters.
The Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.7: A Lens with Character
Why this 50mm still matters
Mounted on the RTS, the Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.7 in Contax/Yashica (C/Y) mount turns the kit into a classic, do-everything setup. At normal working apertures it is sharp, contrasty and clean, yet it retains a subtle “Zeiss look” that many modern lenses struggle to emulate: rich micro-contrast, natural colours and a gentle roll-off from focus to blur.
Wide open at f/1.7, the lens gains character. Backgrounds soften into smooth bokeh, highlights bloom slightly and portraits take on a cinematic, almost tactile quality that suits both colour and black-and-white film.
Key strengths of the Planar 50mm f/1.7
- ✅ Ideal for hybrid film/digital workflows
- ✅ Excellent for learning manual exposure and focus
- ✅ Adaptable to modern mounts (E, RF, L, X)
- ✅ Retains Zeiss rendering unique to vintage lenses
When bought second-hand in good condition, this lens offers incredible value. It can serve as your main 50mm on the RTS and, with a simple adapter, become a characterful prime on a mirrorless body for both stills and video.
Modern Relevance and Creative Possibilities
A timeless kit for hybrid shooters
For today’s creatives, the Contax RTS + Planar 50mm f/1.7 kit shines brightest in hybrid workflows. Shoot your project on 35mm film, then adapt the lens to your digital mirrorless body for behind-the-scenes stills or video. The continuity in rendering across both mediums gives your work a unique, cohesive look.
Because the lens uses a mechanical aperture ring and long, smooth focus throw, it is especially well-suited to video work on mirrorless systems like Sony E, Canon RF, L-Mount and Fujifilm X (with the appropriate C/Y adapter).
Who this kit is perfect for
This classic combination is an inspiring choice if you:
- Are learning manual exposure and want a straightforward, reliable 35mm SLR.
- Love the idea of a single, high-quality 50mm prime for portraits, street and travel.
- Prefer to own gear that works across film and digital instead of buying duplicates.
- Value sustainable, second-hand equipment that has already proven its longevity.
Buying Guide: Checking Second-Hand Condition
Essential camera checks
When considering a second-hand Contax RTS, take a moment to test how the camera feels and responds. A well-kept body will still feel precise and confident decades after it left the factory.
- ✅ Test shutter speeds across range – listen for consistency from 1s to 1/1000s.
- ✅ Inspect film advance and rewind levers for smooth, even motion.
- ✅ Examine viewfinder for clarity – check for dust, haze or balsam separation.
Lens condition checklist
The Planar 50mm f/1.7 is robust, but like any vintage lens it benefits from a careful inspection:
- ✅ Look for lens haze or fungus when shining a light through the elements.
- ✅ Check for oil on aperture blades by stopping down and observing from the rear.
- ✅ Check smoothness of focus and aperture clicks along the full range.
Minor cosmetic wear is normal and often adds to the charm. Focus instead on mechanical health and optical clarity – these affect your images far more than a bit of brassing on the corners.
Maintaining a Classic: Power and Care Tips
Powering the RTS
The Contax RTS relies on batteries for its electronically controlled shutter and meter. To keep it reliable:
- ✅ Use fresh SR44 or 3V lithium batteries as recommended for the body.
- Keep the battery contacts clean and dry; wipe gently if you see any signs of corrosion.
With healthy electronics and clean contacts, the RTS remains dependable enough for everyday shooting, even many decades after release.
General care for long-term use
Store the camera and lens in a dry, ventilated place, ideally in a bag with a small amount of desiccant to prevent fungus. Avoid leaving the lens uncapped, and exercise the focus and aperture rings from time to time to keep lubricants distributed.
Conclusion: A System That Still Speaks to the Modern Creative
The Contax RTS paired with the Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.7 is much more than a nostalgic setup. It is a practical, inspiring tool for modern photographers who enjoy slowing down without compromising on image quality. From learning manual exposure to building a hybrid film/digital workflow, this classic duo fits naturally into contemporary creative practice.
On the used market, clean RTS bodies are often available in the €150–€250 range, with Planar 50mm f/1.7 lenses around €100–€180. That means you can assemble a ready-to-shoot, professional-grade 35mm kit for under €400 – less than many entry-level digital lenses cost by themselves.
If you are ready to explore film photography or want to add classic Zeiss rendering to your digital kit in a sustainable way, a well-maintained Contax RTS + Planar 50mm f/1.7 is a timeless place to start.
FAQs
Is the Contax RTS still reliable for daily use? Yes. With well-maintained electronics and shutter systems, the RTS performs reliably. It is wise to check capacitor health and ensure the battery contacts are clean so that the meter and shutter operate consistently.
Can the Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.7 be adapted to modern mirrorless cameras? Yes. Affordable Contax/Yashica to E-mount, RF, L or X adapters make it easy to use this lens on modern mirrorless bodies, where it performs beautifully for both stills and video.
What film types pair best with the Contax RTS? ISO 100–400 films like Kodak Portra or Ilford HP5 work especially well with the lens’s contrast and tonal range. For low light or night scenes, CineStill 800T is an excellent match.
What is a fair price for the Contax RTS + Zeiss 50mm f/1.7 kit? Clean Contax RTS bodies typically sell around €150–€250, and Planar 50mm f/1.7 lenses around €100–€180. Together, they form a complete ready-to-shoot kit for under €400.
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