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. M. Butkus, NJ.This page may not be sold or distributed without the expressed permission of the producer
I have no connection with any camera company
Contax RTS
This camera manual library is for reference and historical purposes, all
rights reserved.
This page is copyright © by
. M. Butkus, NJ.
This page may not be sold or distributed without the expressed
permission of the producer
I have no connection with any camera company
Back To First Section of Contax RTS
The viewfinder of your CONTAX RTS shows the field covered by the lens in use always at the maximum aperture. In
addition to the bright field, it provides preview of all necessary information for obtaining correct exposure.
Microprism focusing spot
The standard viewing screen features a microprism center focusing spot which affords precise focusing most readily. For details
on how to secure focus, refer to the pertinent section.
Aperture display
The figures along the top edge of the finder frame denote the f-stops. The complete scale consists of 1.2, 1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11,
16, 22 and 32 settings. When the lens is mounted properly, the scale shifts to the right or left, correspondingly, to display the
maximum aperture of the lens in use always on the extreme right.
When the aperture ring of the lens is turned, the green pointer moves to display the preset aperture in green figure.4.butkus.org
Shutter speed display
When the LED display pushbutton is depressed before or after film wind, the LED dot comes on to display the shutter speed
ensuring correct exposure in relation with the preselected aperture. If the LED dot comes on within the range of 2000 (1/2000 sec.)
and LT (4 sec.), correct exposure can be obtained as long as the shutter speed dial is set at the 'AUTO' setting.
If the LED dot comes on in alignment with 'A' or 'B', incorrect exposure is indicated; therefore, the lens aperture and/or shutter
speed setting must be readjusted accordingly.
When the green pointer overlaps the 'A' setting, it means that the camera is set for fully automatic exposure. In case the shutter
control dial is adjusted to any position other than the 'AUTO' setting, the green pointer will overlap the figure corresponding to the
shutter control dial setting.
Exposure compensation tab
When the film speed dial is turned and the exposure compensation pointer is aligned with any setting other than 'X1', this tab
appears on the lower edge of the finder frame to signal that exposure compensation is being made.
FOCUSING
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To secure focus, turn the focusing ring of the lens while sighting through the viewfinder until the main subject appears clearly
defined. The microprism focusing spot at the center of the finder field affords utmost convenience and ease in focusing. Precise
focus is secured when the multiple glitter disappears and the image of the subject within the focusing spot appears sharp and
clear.
· The viewfinder of your CONTAX RTS affords viewing and focusing always at maximum aperture. To check the depth of field after
securing precise focus, simply push in the depth-of-field preview button.
The method of focusing remains the same regardless of what type of lens or combination of the Auto Extension Tubes is used.
· When necessary, the standard screen featuring the microprism focusing spot can be interchanged with any one of the four types of focusing screens available as optional accessories
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SHOOTING POSTURE
| Otherwise perfect shots are often spoiled by erratic movement of the camera at the critical moment of exposure. Make it a rule to support the camera firmly with your left hand and, while gently gripping the camera body with your right hand,
press the magnetic release with the ball of your right index finger. Also,
see that you are fully acquainted with the proper procedure of
operation of your camera. · Depending on how you wish to compose your picture, you can hold your camera in either horizontal (top photo) or vertical (bottom
photo) posture. · When required, steady your camera by holding it against a wall or tree. When a telephoto lens is use or when shooting at a slow shutter speed, the use of a tripod to support your camera is recommended. |
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AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE
| Your CONTAX RTS features fully automatic through-the-lens electronic exposure control. By simply presetting the film speed and lens aperture, its highly sophisticated electronic circuit functions to vary the shutter speed
continuously and automatically according to the subject brightness, thus ensuring correct exposure under any light condition. Besides fully automatic exposure control through aperture preselection, your CONTAX RTS provides semi-automatic exposure
control through preselection of the shutter speed. Automatic exposure through aperture preselection 1. Turn the shutter control dial and align the 'AUTO' setting with the index on the camera top. When thus adjusted, the green shutter speed pointer in the viewfinder will overlap the 'A' setting. · Make sure the exposure compensation pointer is aligned with 'X1 '. |
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2. Preselect the lens aperture. Turn the aperture ring on the lens barrel and align the required f-number with the index. The
preselected aperture will be displayed in the viewfinder in green figure. Refer
to the table for approximate aperture setting under
different light conditions.
Aperture Setting Guide
Above F-stops to be used when ASA 100 film is in use. |
| 3. Press tag LED display pushbutton while sighting through the
viewfinder. Depression of this pushbutton provides a check of exposure condition before or after film wind. If the LED dot comes on within the range of 2000 (1/2000 sec.) and LT (4 sec.), it indicates that correct exposure will be obtained
at the preselected aperture. In case two LED dots appear, it is an indication that an in-between shutter speed will be set automatically. |
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| · One LED dot indicates automatic setting of the shutter speed corresponding to the figure in alignment. | · Two LED dots indicate automatic setting of the shutter speed between the settings in alignment.4.butkus.org |
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4. Advance the film and press the magnetic release.
If the LED dot displays a shutter speed of 1/30 sec. or longer exposure, hold the camera steady to prevent erratic movement at
the moment of exposure.
· When the magnetic release is depressed, the LED dot will come on momentarily to display the shutter speed at which exposure
is being made.
· Correct exposure can be obtained through various combination of the lens aperture and shutter speed. Depending on the subject
condition, therefore, alter the aperture setting to provide exposure at the right shutter speed.
· For best results, shoot your subject with the sun behind your shoulder |
16-DOT LED SHUTTER SPEED DISPLAY
The shutter speed display incorporated in the viewfinder of the CONTAX RTS consists of a 16-dot LED (light emitting diode)
array. The LED dot comes on immediately upon depression of the LED display pushbutton to display the shutter speed set in
relation with the preselected lens aperture. This shutter speed display is unique in the fact that it can be turned on regardless of
whether the film has been advanced or not. As explained in the foregoing pages, one LED dot indicates automatic setting of the
shutter speed corresponding to the figure in alignment, while two LED dots signify in-between speed.
Under fluorescent light, more than two LED dots may sometimes come on at the same time. Although it is not
perceptible to the human eye, there is a rapid fluctuation of the light intensity emitted by a fluorescent lamp and, because of the
extremely high speed of response of the light sensor and the display, this variation of the light intensity is picked up, thus resulting
in flickering of the LED dots which appears to our eyes as simultaneous lighting of three or more dots. This phenomenon does
not, however, signify a malfunction. When the shutter is released, correct exposure will be made at the optimum shutter speed.
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1. When the LED dot comes on in alignment with a figure below '30', correct exposure will be obtained, but utmost precaution must be taken to prevent camera shake. To prevent erratic movement of your camera at the critical moment of exposure, (1 ) reset the aperture ring to a wider lens opening in order to provide automatic setting of a higher shutter speed, or (2) mount the camera on a tripod. |
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2. When the LED dot comes on in alignment with 'A', stop down the lens aperture so that the LED dot aligns with 2000 (1/2000 sec.) or smaller figure. |
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3. When the LED dot comes on in alignment with 'B' set the aperture ring to a wider lens opening. If the LED dot fails to move upward even at maximum aperture, resort to flash exposure. |
Semi-automatic exposure through preselection of the shutter speed
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(Keep the shutter control dial at the 'AUTO' setting and the exposure compensation pointer aligned with 'X 1'.) 1. Press the LED display pushbutton and check the shutter speed. 2. While keeping the pushbutton depressed, turn the aperture ring until the LED dot aligns with the figure corresponding to the desired shutter speed. The following table gives you a guide for preselection of the shutter speed:
· When shooting sport scenes or moving automobile, set the shutter speed at 1/500 sec. or higher speed. The foregoing shutter speed preselection guide is based on using ASA 100 film. |
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FILM UNLOADING
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Make sure the exposed film is rewound into its cassette before unloading it.
1. When the exposure counter registers the figure equivalent to the exposure load of the film, avoid advancing the film any further.
If forced, the film may tear away, making it impossible to rewind it into its cassette.
2. Give the film rewind release button on the camera base a push. This button will reset automatically when the film advance lever
is manipulated; therefore, it is unnecessary to keep it depressed with your fingertip during film rewinding operation.
3. Fold out the film rewind crank-handle and turn it in the direction of the arrow. As soon as the crank-handle is rotated, you will
hear an audible signal indicating that the take-up spool is turning in reverse and the film is being properly rewound into its
cassette. When the film pulls away from the take-up spool, the audible signal will cease and you will feel an increased
resistance; however, continue winding until the crank-handle rotates freely without resistance. Then, open the back cover and
take out the film cassette.4.butkus.org
· If the film fails to advance part way before the entire length has been exposed, do not attempt to wind it forcefully. Instead, push the film rewind release button and rewind the film into its cassette.
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FEATURE OUTLINE
Magnetic Release
Your CONTAX RTS features a magnetic release of a unique design which opens new
horizons in system application.
Unlike the mechanical shutter release featured on other SLR models, this magnetic release trips the shutter instantaneously with minimal stroke and
feather-touch fingertip pressure, thus preventing camera shake. It also permits direct use of various off-hand controls. Its principal advantages
can be summarized as follows:
1. It affords instantaneous tripping of the shutter.
The magnetic release system of your CONTAX RTS does not use a mechanical plunger with long operating stroke. Instead, it functions strictly
on electrical principle and therefore trips the shutter instantaneously. When you press the magnetic release, you are in effect switching on the
magnetic release circuit.
2. It permits direct use of various off-hand controls.
Because the magnetic release system works on electrical principle, it affords most convenient use of various off-hand controls, such as cable
switches, infrared controller set and interval timer. Moreover, it provides precise synchronization of the shutter and motor drive operation, thus
affording use of the motor drive unit at all shutter speeds range on Auto.
3. It ensures Real Time light reading.
The magnetic release system does not feature any provision for standby switching of the automatic through-the-lens light reading system.
Simultaneously with the activation of the magnetic release system, the electric current flows to the electronic exposure control and Real Time
light reading is taken immediately prior to mirror flip-up.
CLICK HERE TO SEE CHART OF
METER RANGE
Electronic Exposure Control The electronic exposure control of your CONTAX RTS is based on through-the-lens light reading
at full aperture. For light reading, an SPD (silicon photo diode) is used. This sensor responds to variation of light intensity at a
speed several thousand times faster than the CdS cell used m most SLRs and shows high
sensitivity in extremely low light levels. .
Light reading range
Your CONTAX RTS provides an extremely wide light reading range from EV -1 to 19 (F1.4 at ASA 100). EV (exposure value) denotes the value of exposure through combination of the shutter speed and lens aperture; the actual
exposure to light of the film emulsion depends upon the speed rating of the film and the
intensity of the transmitted light. For instance, if correct exposure can be obtained at EV 10 with ASA 100 film, the shutter speed must be adjusted one setting
toward a slower speed or the lens aperture must be opened by one stop when using an ASA 50 film; therefore, the exposure
valueatASA50will beEV9ifthelight condition remains the same and, at ASA 20.0, it will
be EV 11.
MANUAL OPERATION
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On Auto, the shutter speed is set automatically according to the subject brightness and on the basis of the preselected lens
aperture. It varies continuously and, therefore, provides precise exposure even at in-between speed. On manual operation, however,
the shutter will not function at in-between speed settings. Switch to manual operation in the following instances: · When photographing by preselecting a precise shutter speed. · In flash photography. · In B (bulb) photography. 1. Turn the shutter control dial away from the 'AUTO' setting. The green shutter speed pointer will then move away from the 'A'
setting in the viewfinder.
3. Press the LED display pushbutton and check the position of the LED dot. 4. Turn the aperture ring until the LED dot aligns with the preset shutter speed indicated by the green pointer. |
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5. When the LED dot is properly aligned with the green pointer, press the magnetic release to trip the shutter. · On manual operation, the correct exposure can also be obtained through preseleclion of the lens aperture. In this case, preset the
f-stop and then press the LED display pushbutton. While observing the position of the LED dot, turn the shutter control dial until
the green pointer aligns with the dot. · In case two LED dots come on simultaneously, turn the aperture ring until a single dot aligns with the green pointer. · The 'B' setting is used for extremely long exposure. When the shutter control dial is set
at 'B', the green pointer in the viewfinder
will also overlap the 'B' setting. When thus adjusted, the shutter will remain open over the duration the magnetic release is kept depressed. To avoid camera shake when making exposure, mount the camera on a tripod or set it on a firm, plane surface and tri p the shutter by using a cable switch. Make sure the switch is pushed in properly. Lack of pressure on the switch may cause the shutter to close before the required exposure is given. |
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION
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When shooting backlit or spot-lit subjects or when special effects are
desired, turn the film speed dial and make exposure compensation by
aligning the pointer with the required setting on the exposure compensation scale.
The exposure compensation scale has four click stop settings besides the X1 setting for normal exposure, namely, 4, 2,
1/2 and 1/4.
The pointer can also be set at an in-between setting.
To make exposure compensation, turn the film speed dial and align the exposure compensation pointer with the required setting on
the scale. When thus adjusted to a position other than the X1 setting, the exposure compensation tab will appear in the viewfinder
to signal that exposure compensation is being made.
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· For backlit subjects, set the pointer at '2' or '4'. When shooting against light or when photographing subjects against a background of a bright window or snow scene, your main
subject will appear under-exposed if exposure is made in the normal manner. To bring out fine details of your main subject,
align the exposure compensation pointer with the '2' or '4' setting on the scale. · For spotlit subjects, set the pointer at '%' or "Gil'. To prevent over-exposure of the main subject, align the exposure compensation pointer with the 'I' or '9~' setting on the scale. · MakeitarGletoresettheexposurecompensationpointertothe'X1' setting. · On manual operation, it is advisable to make the exposure compensation first and then adjust the exposure by aligning the LED dot with the green shutter speed pointer. |
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SELF-TIMER
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When you wish to include yourself in the picture or in case the shutter has to be tripped at a delayed action, use the self-timer. 1. Secure focus and advance the film. 2. Set the self-timer by pushing the self-timer lever all the way in the direction of the arrow. 3. To activate the self-timer, push the self-timer start lover in the direction of the arrow. The self-timer will then trip the shutter at
a delayed action of approximately 7 to 10 seconds. · When using the self-timer to trip the shutter, slide the rubber eye-cup mount upward as illustrated to prevent
light from entering through the viewfinder eyepiece. By thus shielding the
viewfinder eyepiece, exposure inaccuracy due to light filtering in from the
eyepiece can be prevented effectively. · In case the film wind is incomplete, the self-timer will activate when the
self-timer start lever is pushed in the direction of the
arrow but it will not trip the shutter. In such a case, give the film advance a complete wind and reset the self-timer lever. · In case you decide not to use the self-timer after setting the lever
in the direction of the arrow, simply return the lever to its original
position. · The shutter can be released in the normal manner by pressing the magnetic release even when the self-timer lever is set at the charged position. |
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DEPTH-OF-FIELD PREVIEW BUTTON/MIRROR LOCK
| Depth-of-Field Preview Button Although the viewfinder of your CONTAX RTS always provides viewing at all
aperture, depression of this button stops down the lens to the preselected aperture, thus enabling depth-of-field preview. Avoid tripping the shutter while depressing the depth-of-field preview button because it will cause exposure inaccuracy. Mirror Lock In photomicrography and extreme close-up photography, better results can be obtained by making exposure with the deflection
mirror locked in flip-up position. To lock the mirror, turn the mirror lock lever to the right until the white line is set horizontal to the camera base. Then, push in the
depth-of field preview button. The button will be locked in pushed-in state and the diaphragm will close down to the preselected aperture. Before locking the mirror in flip-up position, compose, focus and make exposure adjustment. After making the exposure, reset the mirror to its original viewing position. As soon as the mirror resets to its viewing position, the depth-of-field preview button will return to its original position. The mirror lock lever can be operated before or after film wind. The automatic exposure control will not work when the mirror is locked in flip-up position. |
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FLASH EXPOSURE
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When making exposure with the aid of an electronic flash unit, turn the shutter control dial off the 'AUTO' setting and adjust it to 1/60sec. or slower speed setting.
Your CONTAX RTS features an X sync terminal.
1. Mount the electronic flash unit on the accessory shoe.
2. Connect the PC cord of the unit to the camera's sync terminal. With a unit
featuring direct contact shoe, this step is unnecessary.
· The camera's direct contact shoe has anti-shock provision. Circuit
contact is made only when the flash unit is properly mounted on the
accessory shoe.
3. Adjust the shutter control dial to a setting providing perfect flash synchronization. (Refer to the following table for proper shutter
speed setting.)
Shutter Speed Setting for Flash Exposure
4. Secure focus, set the lens aperture and trip the shutter. After securing focus, read the subject distance off the distance scale
and set the lens aperture according to the flash-to-subject distance (See following page for details).
· The basic procedure remains the same whether you use an electronic flash unit or a flash gun.
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Correct Exposure Setting in Flash Exposure Correct exposure in flash photography is determined on the basis of the guide number of the electronic flash unit or flashbulb in use. To obtain the aperture setting ensuring correct exposure, divide the guide number of the electronic flash unit or flashbulb in use by the flash-to-subject distance (in feet or meters). (Guide Number Flash-to-Subject Distance = Correct Aperture) When the guide number is given in meters, convert the flash-to subject distance into meters and then divide. Example with GN 20 electronic flash unit 20 (GN) DIVIDED BY 5 (Distance in meters) = 4 (F4) |
INTERCHANGING THE CAMERA BACK/INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY
| Interchanging the Camera Back The camera back of your CONTAX RTS can be interchanged with the Data Back or 250 Film Back available as optional accessory. Remove the camera back as illustrated while pushing down the back cover release lug. |
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| Infrared Ray Photography In case of infrared ray photography, focus compensation must be made after securing focus in the
normal manner by sighting your subject through the viewfinder, For focus compensation in infrared ray photography,
use the R
index on the lens barrel. After focusing in the normal manner, turn the focusing ring and align the subject distance with this R
index. · In case of infrared ray photography, always use a red filter. |
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· For proper exposure setting, read the instruction sheet which comes with the infrared ray film carefully.
INTENTIONAL MULTIPLE EXPOSURES
The photographic technique under which exposure of the same or different subject is made more than once on the
same frame is
called intentional multiple exposure. 1. Trip the shutter and make the first exposure. 2. Give the film advance lever a full wind while keeping the film rewind
release button depressed. By doing so, the shutter will be charged
without advancing the film. 3. Press the magnetic release and make the second exposure. Repeat the same procedure if exposure is to be made more than
twice on the same frame. Because, each time the film advance lever is given a full wind, the exposure
counter will advance by one setting, keep track of the number of exposures made on the same frame. For intentional multiple exposure, it is advisable to choose a dark background first and to superimpose a subject with a brighter background. Multiple exposure of subjects against an equally bright background will not come out too well. |
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INTERCHANGING THE FOCUSING SCREEN
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Before interchanging the focusing screen, read the instructions supplied with each screen. Avoid touching the screen surface directly
with your fingertip. Use a pair of tweezers. Also, take care not to touch the surface of the deflection mirror, 1. After removing the lens from its mount, pull the focusing screen release lug forward (see illustration). By doing so, the focusing
screen frame will come loose, enabling you to remove the screen with the aid of a pair of tweezers. 2. By using a pair of tweezers, catch hold of the lobe on one edge of the focusing screen to be used instead
of the standard
screen, and place it right side up in the screen frame. Then, gently push up the frame until it locks into position. CAUTION |
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Interchangeable focusing screens
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1. Split-Image Screen 2. Matte Screen |
Sectioned Matte Screen 4. Cross-Scale Screen |
DEPTH OF FIELD
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When the camera lens is focused on a certain objects in the foreground and background will appear acceptably sharp in the
picture. The range over which the foreground and background objects are reproduced acceptably sharp is called the depth of field.
The photos on this page were taken with the lens focused of the subject at the identical distance. At F1.4, objects in the
foreground and background appear blurred but, at F16, they are reproduced sharp and clear. These photos illustrate that the depth
of field increases as you stop down the lens.
· The depth of field can be determined either visually by pushing in the depth-of-field preview button or by reading off the depth-of-field scale on the lens barrel. When using the scale, secure focus and
read off the range indicated by the identical figures on both sides of the index corresponding to the f-stop in use.
· The depth of field is more extensive (1 ) as you stop down the lens, (2) as you focus on a more distant subject, and (3) in the background rather than in the foreground.
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PRECAUTIONS
· Do not leave your camera in the trunk or g love compartment of your car or expose it to excessive heat. The battery as well as the
camera mechanism may become adversely affected by the heat, sometimes making it impossible to obtain correct exposure.
When exposed accidentally to excessive heat, leave the camera to cool to normal ambient temperature.
· The most common causes of malfunction are exposure to humidity, salty
sea breeze and subjecting the camera to knocks and jolts. To
obtain faithful service, take good care of your camera and avoid rough handling.
· To clean the surfaces of the focusing screen, deflection mirror and lens, always use a blower brush. Do not touch these
surfaces directly with your fingers. To wipe off smears on the mirror and lens surface, use a soft, lintless cloth. Take utmost
precautions when cleaning the viewing screen surface.
· Keep the shutter in released state when your camera is not in use. lit possible, take out the battery from the battery compartment.
· Do not subject your camera to sudden changes in temperature. It may cause the electrical contacts to corrode and may bring
about poor electrical contact.
· When installing the battery, make it a rule to wipe both ends clean. Oily smears on the contact surface may cause poor electrical
contact.
· When the camera is to be left unused for any great length of time, take out the battery from its compartment.
· When going out on long tours, make it a rule to car spare battery.
· To prevent hazards, do not under any circumstances throw used batteries into an open fire.
Your CONTAX RTS is designed to function normally ambient temperature or +45 degrees to -10degre Because of the
temperature characteristics of the battery in use, the battery checker display may fail to come c extremely low temperature. In such
a case, replace battery with a new one.
Batteries which fail to work in low temperature will cover sufficient power when left for some time in
normal ambient temperature.
For best results in extremely low temperature, the use an alkaline battery is recommended.
