Featured Camera: The Contax T2

The Contax T2 has been a camera on many people's wishlists for years. It has earned itself a cult status as a must-have camera for street photographers as well as a lot of other avid film photographers. 


Whilst they are getting harder to find in a good working condition, the camera is gaining popularity, meaning there is a massive supply and demand issue. 


We were lucky enough to take this legendary camera with us for a weekend in Berlin. Here is our full feature and review on the Contax T2.

Berlin with the Contax T2

What is the Contax T2?

Introduced in 1991, the Contax T2 has always been regarded as a premium point and shoot camera. Whilst it is still a point and shoot, the camera is packed with features that set it apart from other point and shoot cameras on the market.

What features does the Contax T2 have?

The Contax T2 is often celebrated for its luxurious design and robust construction. Crafted from titanium, the Contax T2 not only looks elegant but is also highly durable, making it a reliable choice for photographers on the go.


This luxurious design also extends to the buttons and dials of the camera, which feel smooth and are intuitively placed for ease of use.


One of the standout features of the Contax T2 is its Carl Zeiss Sonnar 38mm f/2.8 lens. This lens is renowned for its sharpness and the ability to produce images with a pleasing, classic film aesthetic. 


The aperture range from f/2.8 to f/16 gives photographers flexibility in various lighting conditions, allowing for creative depth-of-field effects. The aperture can be set manually by the user.


Additionally, the camera's built-in autofocus system ensures precision and accuracy, making it easy to capture sharp images.


The Contax T2 also includes a built-in flash, which is ideal for low-light situations and can be manually controlled or left on automatic.


The camera's exposure compensation dial provides further control over the final image, allowing photographers to adjust for different lighting scenarios.

Is the Contax T2 lens really that good?


The Carl Zeiss lens on the Contax T2 is often praised as one of the best features of the camera. Renowned for its clarity and color rendition, this lens consistently delivers high-quality images. The 38mm focal length is versatile, offering a natural perspective that is suitable for a wide range of photographic subjects, from portraits to landscapes. It is popular with street photographers for this reason.

Contax T2 Zeiss Lens

The optical quality of the lens is superb, with minimal distortion and excellent sharpness across the frame. This makes the Contax T2 an excellent choice for those who prioritize image quality in a compact format. The lens, coupled with the metering's ability to handle different lighting conditions with ease, makes this camera a great choice for capturing images in bright sunlight or dim interiors.

How easy is the Contax T2 to use?


The Contax T2 is celebrated not only for its performance but also for its user-friendly design. It caters to both experienced photographers and beginners alike, thanks to its intuitive controls and straightforward operation. The automatic exposure and focus systems make it easy to capture stunning images without needing extensive technical knowledge.


For those who prefer manual control, the Contax T2 offers options such as manual focusing and exposure compensation, providing creative flexibility. The viewfinder is clear and bright, allowing for easy composition, while the compact size of the camera makes it effortless to carry and handle. The user manual, if needed, is comprehensive and straightforward, helping users understand the functions of the camera quickly.

Sample Images from the Contax T2


We took the Contax T2 on a weekend trip to Berlin. We used Kodak Gold in the camera and got some brilliant results.

View of Berlin taken on the Contax T2
View of Berlin, taken with the Contax T2
Berlin with the Contax T2
Berlin with the Contax T2
Berlin with the Contax T2

We were particularly impressed with the camera's ability to meter when the subject was lit from behind. The results certainly don't look like results you would normally expect from a point and shoot film camera. 

Berlin with the Contax T2
Contax T2 full review

The camera was also comfortable to hold in an upright position as well as when using the camera in a landscape position. As the Contax T2 is quite lightweight and balanced, either positions were comfortable to hold.

Berlin with the Contax T2
Berlin with the Contax T2
Berlin with the Contax T2

There were also a couple of scenarios where we used the exposure compensation dial to capture some dark scenes that the camera was trying to set a too-slow shutter speed for, such as the image below. 

Berlin with the Contax T2

What is the Contax T2 ideal for?


The Contax T2 is ideal for a wide variety of photographic situations, making it a versatile addition to any photographer's arsenal. Its compact size and ease of use make it perfect for travel photography, allowing you to capture memories without the bulk of larger camera systems. The high-quality lens and film format make it an excellent choice for street and portrait photography.


Moreover, the camera's ability to handle different lighting conditions with its built-in flash and exposure compensation is beneficial for street and everyday photography. The discreet design of the T2 allows you to blend into your surroundings, capturing candid moments with ease.


Essentially, you have all the functionality you could ever need for everyday photography in a sleek, stylish and easy-to-use camera.

Final Thoughts on the Contax T2


In summary, the Contax T2 remains a beloved choice for film enthusiasts and photographers seeking a compact, high-quality camera. Its combination of elegant design, superior lens quality, and user-friendly features make it a timeless classic that continues to deliver outstanding results. Whether you're drawn to its aesthetic appeal, or its exceptional performance, the Contax T2 is a fantastic camera for anyone looking to explore the world of film photography.

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Max, owner of Cameras By Max

Article written by: Max

Max is the owner of Cameras By Max. They work full-time repairing and refurbishing all the 35mm film cameras you see on the website. Their favourite camera (at the moment) is the Olympus XA, and their favourite city in the world is Edinburgh.

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