Review: Contax T2, Zendaya’s Favorite Film Camera

In this review, we’ll be exploring the Contax T2, a legendary point-and-shoot film camera that has captured the hearts of photography enthusiasts and celebrities alike. As we embark on this journey, we’ll discuss whether the T2 is still worth buying in 2023, despite its discontinuation and the prevalence of digital cameras.

We’ll dive into the unique features of the Contax T2, such as its renowned Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 38mm f/2.8 lens, durable titanium body, and reliable autofocus system. We’ll also touch on its performance in video and how it stands up against its contemporaries in the film camera world.

Unique Features of the Contax T2

The Contax T2 has earned a reputation as a stylish and reliable film camera, favored by celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Zendaya. Let’s explore some of the unique features that make this camera a must-have for both amateur and professional photographers alike.

A key element contributing to the exceptional image quality produced by the Contax T2 is its Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 38mm f/2.8 lens. Known for its sharpness and superb color rendition, this lens captures stunning photographs with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. The precision engineering of this lens makes it perfect for capturing every detail, from portraits to landscapes.

The T2’s sleek and compact design is made possible by its titanium body. This material not only enhances the camera’s durability, but also lends it an elegant appearance. Despite its small size, the T2 manages to house a range of advanced features, making it a powerful tool for photographers on the go.

One such feature is the T2’s autofocus system, which ensures fast and accurate focus in various shooting conditions. This system allows photographers to capture fleeting moments without worrying about missing their shot. The autofocus is complemented by a manual focus option, giving users the flexibility to fine-tune their focus when necessary.

Another standout feature of the Contax T2 is its Aperture Priority mode. This mode enables photographers to control the depth of field in their images by manually setting the aperture, while the camera takes care of adjusting the shutter speed for proper exposure. This creative control allows users to achieve professional-looking results, with blurred backgrounds or sharp focus throughout the frame, depending on their preference.

Is the Contax T2 still in production?

The Contax T2 is no longer in production. 

First introduced in 1990, this classic film camera enjoyed a successful run before its production came to an end in 2005. Although the Contax T2 has been discontinued, it remains a sought-after camera among film enthusiasts and collectors due to its unique features, exceptional build quality, and the legacy it has left behind.

As for successors, the Contax T3 was introduced in 2001, offering several improvements and refinements over the T2. Similar to its predecessor, the T3 boasts a high-quality Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* lens, this time with a 35mm f/2.8 focal length, which provides even better image quality and low-light performance. The T3 also features an upgraded autofocus system, ensuring faster and more accurate focus in a wider range of situations.

The Contax T3 maintains the sleek design and titanium body that made the T2 so popular but comes in a slightly smaller and more compact form. Furthermore, the T3 offers enhanced exposure controls and a more user-friendly interface, making it an ideal option for photographers seeking an upgrade from the T2.

Though the Contax T3 has also been discontinued, both the T2 and T3 continue to be popular in the second-hand market, with many photographers cherishing these iconic film cameras for their timeless design, exceptional image quality, and the creative possibilities they offer.

Why is the Contax T2 so legendary?

The Contax T2 has achieved legendary status for several reasons, which include its exceptional build quality, high-performance lens, and its association with celebrities and professional photographers.

The Contax T2 has been used and popularized by a variety of celebrities and professional photographers over the years. One notable example is Kendall Jenner, who has been seen using the T2 in various instances, and has even featured it on her social media accounts. 

Zendaya, the talented actress and style icon, has been known to capture memorable moments with her Contax T2. While filming Spider-Man: No Way Home, Zendaya was often spotted capturing moments with her Contax T2 camera. The camera’s popularity has grown over the years, thanks in part to film’s resurgence and celebrity endorsements like Zendaya’s.

Other celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Frank Ocean, and Bella Hadid have also been spotted with the Contax T2, showcasing its appeal to those with an interest in photography or simply seeking a stylish, high-quality film camera.

In addition to celebrities, the Contax T2 has been a favorite among professional photographers for its compact size, reliability, and exceptional image quality. 

The combination of its celebrity endorsements, professional use, and overall quality has solidified the Contax T2’s status as a legendary film camera that continues to be admired by photographers and enthusiasts today.

Contax T2, what kind of film camera?

The Contax T2 is a premium point-and-shoot 35mm film camera. Known for its compact size, durable titanium body, and high-quality Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 38mm f/2.8 lens, it offers exceptional image quality and ease of use. The camera features an autofocus system and aperture priority mode, making it an excellent choice for both experienced photographers and beginners interested in exploring the world of film photography.

In our guides on how to scan film with a digital DSLR camera and how to convert analog film to a digital picture, we provide step-by-step instructions for photographers to achieve high-quality digital files of their film negatives or slides. Photographers can create digital versions of their film images without developing them by using equipment such as a digital camera and a light source. These guides offer accessible and cost-effective solutions for photographers who wish to digitize their analog images while preserving their unique characteristics.

What was the price when it was first sold?

When the Contax T2 was first introduced in 1990, it retailed for approximately $1,000 USD, which was considered quite expensive for a point-and-shoot film camera at the time. However, its premium build, advanced features, and exceptional image quality justified the price for many photography enthusiasts.

As for the current secondary market, the price can vary depending on the condition of the camera, included accessories, and overall demand. In recent years, the Contax T2 has seen a surge in popularity, partly due to its association with celebrities like Kendall Jenner. As a result, prices have increased. As of now, you can expect to find a Contax T2 in good working condition for around $800 to $1,500 USD. Keep in mind that these prices can fluctuate, so it’s essential to research and compare listings to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

What camera’s are similar to the Contax T2?

There are several cameras that share similarities with the Contax T2 in terms of design, functionality, and image quality. Some of these cameras include:

1. Contax T3: As the direct successor to the T2, the Contax T3 maintains the sleek design and titanium body, while offering improvements such as a faster 35mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* lens and an upgraded autofocus system.
2. Yashica T4: This point-and-shoot film camera also features a high-quality Carl Zeiss lens (Tessar T* 35mm f/3.5) and is known for its sharp images and compact design. It comes with an autofocus system and built-in flash but lacks the aperture priority mode found in the Contax T2.
3. Ricoh GR1 series: The Ricoh GR1, GR1s, and GR1v are compact 35mm film cameras that feature a sharp 28mm f/2.8 GR lens and offer a similar build quality to the Contax T2. These cameras are known for their excellent image quality and user-friendly controls.
4. Olympus Stylus Epic (Mju II): This popular point-and-shoot film camera features a 35mm f/2.8 lens and is known for its compact design and weather-resistant body. It offers an autofocus system and built-in flash, making it a versatile and portable option for photographers.
5. Nikon 35Ti and 28Ti: These high-end point-and-shoot film cameras boast titanium bodies and high-quality Nikkor lenses (35mm f/2.8 for 35Ti and 28mm f/2.8 for 28Ti). They feature an autofocus system, built-in flash, and unique analog dials on the top plate displaying exposure information.

While each of these cameras has its own set of features and characteristics, they all share similarities with the Contax T2 in terms of their compact design, high-quality lenses, and overall image quality.