Review Contax RTS — The Camera That Tried to Reclaim the Throne

Contax RTS — Germany’s bold answer to Nikon’s dominance.
Released in nineteen seventy‑five, the RTS was born from a collaboration between Yashica and Zeiss, with Porsche Design shaping its futuristic look. It wasn’t just another camera — it launched with a full lineup of Carl Zeiss lenses, marketed as delivering image quality beyond anything else in the world at the time.
In this video, I dive into the history, design, and features of the Contax RTS:
The Real Time System shutter, electronically controlled up to one two‑thousandth of a second
Premium ergonomics and timeless Porsche Design styling
The unmatched smoothness and feel of Zeiss lenses
Strengths and weaknesses compared to Nikon’s pro cameras of the era
From my own experience, the RTS feels premium, stylish, and futuristic — but it also comes with quirks, like its ninety‑two percent viewfinder coverage and the reputation of fragile electronics. Still, the wow factor of its design and Zeiss glass make it unforgettable.
👉 Watch now to see why I rate the Contax RTS seven and a half out of ten, and why it remains one of the most fascinating cameras of its time.
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