Contax TVS III 35mm Film Camera

Pros: a superbly built, use-friendly P&S camera
Cons: It costs an arm and a leg

A LUXURY POINT N’ SHOOT THAT’S WORTH IT

By Frank Van Riper
Professional photographer, author and photography columnist for <Washingtonpost.com>

Too many of today’s point n’ shoot cameras share a common trait with many of...

Pros: Size, optical quality, total features
Cons: Hard to find, out of production in Y2K

The Contax TVS II point and shoot camera is a work of art. The f3.5-f6.5 T* lens is razor sharp with excellent acutance, resolution and flare control. The titanium body is light, durable and in keeping with a serious shooters need for long term...

Pros: Stunning quality pictures, seriously well made machine
Cons: Expensive, slow to open

After coveting this camera for 2 years, I bought a refurbished demo model and took it on a trip to Jamaica with me and some friends with kids. The quality of the candids I took on that trip were amazing and I sighed relief that I hadn't ponied up the...

Pros: It is light.It is a very good camera.It has nice graphics!
Cons: none

I love this camera.I use it at least 3 times a week.It is the best bargain camera ever!It is so portable I can take it anywhere!I can use it inside or outside.I took it with me on vacation to New Orleans.It really has nice pictures.I take pictures...

Pros: Sharpness of lens, Build of camera.
Cons: Nothing yet.

I recently purchased a Contax TVS III off Ebay. I have always loved small posh cameras. I have used among others a Leica Minilux, and a couple of Rollei 35's. The Contax lens is so sharp I try to be careful with my people shots, due to the sharpness. It seems what you see in real life IE. wrinkles ETC. will show up as real life in the Contax shots. I have had experience with Hasselblad and Nikon camera and have never seen anything more sharp than these shots from the Contax TVS III.