Contax Aria Critiqued


Contax Aria The Aria surprisingly does not have as cheap of a plastic feel like other bottom-rung amateur cameras (Pentax, Canon, Nikon etc.). The body has a rubber coating similar to other Contax bodies. The Aria weighs in at 16.2 oz. which is achieved through the use of the "high-impact polycarbonate"(plastic) in the film chamber, top and bottom covers. The lens mount and mirror box are stainless steel. The Aria's features include DX-coding, matrix/center-weight/spot metering, with manual, aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and Auto modes (TV and Program with MM lenses, but program mode is not shiftable in TV and Program modes); exposure compensation and auto-bracketing. No built-in diopters. They also got rid of the rewind switch and replaced it with small recessed button depressible with a ballpoint pen. Contax recommends you only use the provided depressor located on the stock strap ...yeah, right. The AE-lock can be engaged by either partly depressing the shutter release or using the main switch like in other Contax bodies. You can also opt to have the camera rewind film automatically at end of the roll, rewind mid-roll and/or leave the film leader out. The ARIA introduces matrix metering to Contax (why?!!!). In matrix mode, a bar graph displays the difference between the matrix and center-weighted readings. The switch for the Matrix/Center-weight/Spot meter is a bit small and can be difficult to find in a hurry. The viewfinder displays everything you need to know, in a green LCD panel which is quite visible even in the bright sunlight. The optional D9 databack will add film imprinting and interval exposures. Maximum shutter speed is 1/4000, with synch at 1/125. The Aria features automatic TTL flash control with dedicated TLA flash units. The manual warns against using the Aria with IR film, reason being reason is Aria contains an IR sensor which would cause some exposure of the film. The manual also warns against using the Aria with large-barreled lenses on a tripod without an accessory shoe, though this is true with all Contax bodies. In my opinion, the addition of matrix metering is a joke. I've watched manufacturers like Nikon come out with 5 segment then 7 segment matrix metering like one would be better. I think the concept is a gimmick to sell cameras to people who will never learn to use them. If you never get out of Program mode and only use matrix metering, no amount of high dollar optics will give you consistently exposed images. As far as Program mode is concerned, with the understanding of how to use your spot meter and your AE-lock, with exposure compensation it is possible to get consistently good exposures though you would not be able to effectively control your depth of field. So to sum it up, the ARIA is a well constructed amateur camera for the individual that wants to spend the time to learn how to use it. Functionally speaking this camera will give you room to grow as a photographer with few limitations. I wouldn't recommend it for professional use but I would say that it is without a doubt the top of its class. Related Pages: Aria Specifications At-A-Glance Contax comparisons table 35mm Cameras Medium Format Cameras Photography Feature Stories Photographers' Techniques Camera Equipment Reviews Fine Art Photography Commercial Photographic Services Home *Note that Kyrocera discontinued the Contax camera system. In the event of camera, or lens failure, you will have to procure used parts.

Contax Aria

The Aria surprisingly does not have as cheap of a plastic feel like other bottom-rung amateur cameras (Pentax, Canon, Nikon etc.). The body has a rubber coating similar to other Contax bodies.

The Aria weighs in at 16.2 oz. which is achieved through the use
of the "high-impact polycarbonate"(plastic) in the film chamber, top and bottom covers. The lens mount and mirror box are stainless steel.

The Aria's features include DX-coding, matrix/center-weight/spot metering, with manual, aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and Auto modes (TV and Program with MM lenses, but program mode is not shiftable in TV and Program modes); exposure compensation and auto-bracketing. No built-in diopters. They also got rid of the rewind
switch and replaced it with small recessed button depressible with a ballpoint pen. Contax recommends you only use the provided depressor located on the stock strap ...yeah, right.

The AE-lock can be engaged by either partly depressing the shutter release or using the main switch like in other Contax bodies. You can also opt to have the camera rewind film automatically at end of the roll, rewind mid-roll and/or leave the film leader out.

The ARIA introduces matrix metering to Contax (why?!!!). In matrix mode, a bar graph displays the difference between the matrix and center-weighted readings. The switch for the Matrix/Center-weight/Spot meter is a bit small and can be difficult to find in a hurry.

The viewfinder displays everything you need to know, in a green LCD panel which
is quite visible even in the bright sunlight. The optional D9 databack will add film imprinting and interval exposures.

Maximum shutter speed is 1/4000, with synch at 1/125. The Aria features automatic TTL
flash control with dedicated TLA flash units. The manual warns against using the Aria with IR film, reason being reason is Aria contains an IR sensor which would cause some exposure of the film. The manual also warns against using the Aria with large-barreled lenses on a tripod without an accessory shoe, though this is true with all Contax bodies.

In my opinion, the addition of matrix metering is a joke. I've watched manufacturers like Nikon come out with 5 segment then 7 segment matrix metering like one would be better. I think the concept is a gimmick to sell cameras to people who will never learn to use them. If you never get out of Program mode and only use matrix metering, no amount of high dollar optics will give you consistently exposed images. As far as Program mode is concerned, with the understanding of how to use your spot meter and your AE-lock, with exposure compensation it is possible to get consistently good exposures though you would not be able to effectively control your depth of field.

So to sum it up, the ARIA is a well constructed amateur camera for the individual that wants to spend the time to learn how to use it. Functionally speaking this camera will give you room to grow as a photographer with few limitations. I wouldn't recommend it for professional use but I would say that it is without a doubt the top of its class.