Contax N Series
10oz Lighter than the AX, the newest addition to the Contax line and boasts features not found in any other camera system. Incorporating a 5-Point Wide Array Diagonal Focus System,Fine Focus ABC or aperture bracketing (Auto Bracketing Control) and an optional LCD viewscreen.
How useful these new features really are?... you decide.
The N1 Accepts four N-mount lenses (three of which incorporate Ultra Sonic Motors), all newly developed by Carl Zeiss for use with the N1:
Vario-Sonnar T* 24-85mm F3.5-4.5
Vario-Sonnar T* 70-300mm F4-5.6
Planar T* 50mm F1.4
Makro-Planar T* 100mm F2.8
With NAM-1 Mount Adapter, the Contax N1 can use all 7 of the Carl Zeiss T* Medium Format Lenses from the 645. Contax projects the launch of two more lenses in Spring 2001:
Planar 85mm F1.4
Vario-Sonnar 17-35mm F2.8
Announcement of the N Digital Camera for Spring 2001:
SOMERSET, NJ - Kyocera Corporation is proud to announce the Contax N1 35mm Auto Focus Single Lens Reflex camera, targeted toward a broad range of photographers, from the professional to the amateur. The Contax N1 also incorporates several "World's First" features:
· 5 Point Wide Array Diagonal Focus System
· Fine Focus ABC (Auto Bracketing Control)
· Liquid Crystal Display Viewfinder (optional extra).
The Contax N1 introduces a Dual Focus Mechanism as an extension to their existing manual focus 35mm system. The new mechanism will enable the user to focus on the subject in a split second by switching at will between manual focus and auto focus modes. They have also taken the greatest care in designing an elegant and ergonomic body with controls conveiantly placed without the need to take the eye away from the viewfinder.
Though its definitely better than having to fumble for that AF/MF switch, do note that the manual focus design is nowhere near as smooth as the MF Contax zoom. Rather than sliding that zoom, you are turning it.
Contax is also introducing four N-mount lenses (three of which incorporate Ultra Sonic Motors), newly developed by Carl Zeiss for use with the Contax N1:
- Vario-Sonnar T* 24-85mm F3.5-4.5
- Vario-Sonnar T* 70-300mm F4-5.6
- Planar T* 50mm F1.4
- Makro-Planar T* 100mm F2.8
Additionally, by utilizing the NAM-1 Mount Adapter, the Contax N1 can use all of the Carl Zeiss T* medium format lenses from the 645 though without *auto aperture bracketing:
- Apo-Makro-Planar T* 120mm F4
In Spring2001, they project to release two lenses for the Contax N1:
- Planar 85mm F1.4
- Vario-Sonnar 17-35mm F2.8
*"Fine Focus ABC" (Auto Bracketing Control), which makes it possible to shift the focus point in three automatic stages. They are also offering a number of multi-featured optional accessories including an external Liquid Crystal Display viewfinder (available Spring 2001) which can be checked while using the camera, and a multifunctional data-back system for recording a range of photographic data.
And to further complement the N1 system, we will announce the N Digital Camera for Spring 2001. Detailed specifications for this camera are not available at this time, however it will utilize a more than 6 megapixel sensor.
A. Focusing system which can be switched easily between AF and MF modes (Dual Focus Mechanism).
The N1 does away with the need to choose between AF and MF modes before focusing the camera prior to taking a shot. We have introduced the Contax focusing system to our 35mm SLR line (Dual Focus Mechanism) so as to make it possible to use the two modes in a complementary manner even during the focusing process. In AF mode, you simply turn the focusing ring, and the camera switches automatically from focus lock to manual focusing condition, enabling fine manual adjustments. In MF mode, the user can switch to AF mode instantly by pressing the focus button. Using this focus mechanism it is possible to make delicate adjustments to the selected focus or, when photographing subjects that are unsuitable for AF, you can change the focus at will without the need to operate complicated switches. In both cases the user can concentrate on composing the shot without taking their eye from the viewfinder.
B. 5-Point Wide Array Diagonal Focus System enables the user to select the best focusing point for the shot.
When composing a shot for optimum framing, in most cases the main subject is either concentrated near the center of the picture or along diagonals drawn between the four corners. So as to make the N1 as sensitive as possible to the user’s intentions when in AF mode, the camera is fitted with a focusing system which measures the distance from the lens to these five vital points. When used in combination with the Dual Focus Mechanism, further fine adjustments can be made to the focusing point. This allows the photographer to make the final adjustments and decide exactly how the picture should look.
The N1 can operate in two modes; Manual Select and Auto Select. In Manual Select mode the user can override the system and select one out of the five focusing points. When the user wants to focus on a larger area in order to get the best composition, they may use the Auto Select Option. This mode allows the photographer to select camera focus on different areas of the shot: (a) All (b) Upper (c) Lower (d) Left and (e) Right. Either mode can be selected and used according to the effect that the photographer intends to achieve.
C. The Fine Focus ABC or Depth Bracketing (Auto Bracketing Control) allows the user to make minute adjustments by shifting the focusing point in three automatic stages.
In order to help obtain ideal focus point, professional photographers (including fashion, portrait, nature, etc.) often make photos of the same composition, slightly altering the focusing point each time. Using Fine Focus ABC in the manual mode, one at the set focus point, hyper focal distance and maximum focus distance. I can see circumstances where this feature may come in handy especially from the set focus point to the hyper focus distance. The maximum focal distance being useful is pretty much a crap shoot, kind of like averaging and matrix metering.
D. The Liquid Crystal Display Viewfinder FE-1 (optional) allows the user to make a photo while checking the picture on an external full color viewfinder.
When the Liquid Crystal Display Viewfinder is attached to the camera's eyepiece, the photographer can preview composition and exposure in the Liquid Crystal Display Viewfinder. The brightness of the viewfinder’s screen responds to changes made to the exposure, enabling the user to make a visual check of the likely effects of exposure adjustments. The screen can be switched between color or black and white modes so that even when monochrome film is used, the photographer can check the approximate appearance of the eventual photographic print. The external Liquid Crystal Display Viewfinder is fitted with a shutter release mechanism. If the panel is attached to the camera using the supplied cable, the viewfinder can be used and positioned at a considerable distance from the camera, making it possible to do remote photography while checking the image on the screen.
The Liquid Crystal Display Viewfinder measures 1.5 inches square and uses a 330,000 pixel Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) display.
E. High-reliability, high-speed 1/8000 second shutter.
In order to make the best use of the high definition provided by Carl Zeiss T* lenses, the N1 is fitted with a high-speed focal-plane shutter with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 second and a maximum flash synchronization speed of 1/250 second. To enhance the range of artistic effects achievable with the N1 we have also increased the range of adjustable aperture settings.
F. Three methods of light-metering ensure image fidelity: Matrix,
Center-Weighted Average and Spot.
The N1’s metering system divides the picture frame into five independent sections and measures the light falling on each of them. Three different metering methods are available: Using Matrix, it is possible to take pictures with virtually no further adjustment to the exposure settings, both in conventional lighting situations and when using back lighting. Center-Weighted Average Metering produces superb results with high-speed shots while Spot Metering allows the photographer to make careful adjustments to exposure settings.
G. The Multifunction Data-Back D-10 (optional) records photographic data on the film.
Using the Data-Back, exclusive to the N1 camera, you can record the date the photo was taken and technical data concerning the exposure. The device enables photographers to preserve and organize information according to type of photograph and exposure settings, then compare the resulting photographs with the settings used.
Information relating to the entire film (recorded on the first two frames):
1 Time, day, month and year the film was loaded
2 Camera used: "N1"
3 Exposure data (exposure adjustment settings; shutter speed; aperture size; exposure mode)
4 Frame number (every five frames)
5 Time, day, month and year the film was rewound
Information relating to individual frames (one of the four modes listed below can be selected and the information is recorded in the spaces between the frames).
1 Date (year, month, day; month, day, year; day, month, year; or day, hour, minute)
2 Exposure data (exposure adjustment settings; shutter speed; aperture size; exposure mode or two letters of text)
3 Counter number (four-digit cumulative counter and film counter) and two letters of text
4 User-entered six-digit number and two characters of text
5 No information recorded
The Data-Back is also equipped with a convenient timed exposure feature which is useful for time-lapse photography, etc.
H. Flash Auto-Set Function ensures improved control when flash photography is required.
When the flash (TLA360) is installed, the Flash Auto-Set Function gathers data concerning the speed of the film, the aperture size and the lens focus, and displays them on the reverse of the flash unit, automatically adjusting the angle of the light in response to the lens focus. The balance between flash lighting and natural lighting can be corrected by adjusting the exposure settings on the flash independently of those on the camera body. Using this flash Auto-Set Function, flash lighting can be applied to a wider range of photographic situations and the camera and flash can be operated as a single, integrated system.
I. Twenty different custom functions can be tailored according to the users’ preferences.
The following functions can be selected by the photographer:
(01) Power hold interval. The time to auto power off can be set to 4, 8, 12, or 16 seconds.
(02) AE lock, activated by pressing the shutter button half way, can be turned on or off.
(03) AE lock on the exposure check button can be switched on or off.
(04) The shutter increment settings on the command dial can be set to 1.0Ev or 0.5Ev.
(05) The exposure adjustment increment on the command dial can be set to 0.3Ev or 0.5Ev.
(06) The Matrix light meter display can be adjusted to show (a) the divergence from Center-Weighted Average Metering (b) the divergence from Spot Metering (c) No display.
(07) Order in which exposure settings are made (standard-over-under or over-standard-under).
(08) ABC Focus Mechanism adjustment parameter (depth of field set to installed lens aperture or depth of field set to twice installed lens aperture).
(09) ABC Focus Mechanism focusing mode (MF/SAF).
(10) ABC Focus Mechanism (on/off).
(11) Supplementary AF lighting (on/off).
(12) AF audible focus signal (on/off).
(13) Superimposed image when the shutter button is pressed half way (the focus frame flashes red for a moment: on/off).
(14) Superimposed image when focus is achieved (on/off).
(15) Automatic rewind (on/off).
(16) End of film is left exposed when film is rewound (on/off).
(17) Aperture button function toggle (aperture closes during time that button is depressed/aperture closes by a small amount each time button is depressed.
(18) Rewind volume (normal/slow and quiet).
(19) Focusing screen light metering adjustment (on/off (when focusing screen FX-1 is used).
(20) Focus button function when focus switch dial is at "M" (SAF/CAF)
CLE: Initialize of custom functions.
J. NAM-1 Mount Adapter (optional extra) makes it possible to use Medium Format lenses from the Contax 645 without making any adjustments.
With the NAM-1 Mount Adapter, all Carl Zeiss T* lenses from the medium-format Contax 645 camera can be used on the N1 and their automatic aperture and auto focus will function without further adjustment. Since the N1 makes use of the center of the lens (the most effective part of a medium-format lens), users of the N1 will be pleased to discover that lenses from the Contax 645 will offer a level of quality exceeding that of the lenses normally fitted to 35mm cameras.
(Note: The Fine Focus ABC feature cannot be used with lenses from the Contax 645.)
Contax N1 camera specifications:
|
Type |
35mm focal-plane shutter type AF/AE single-lens reflex camera |
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Image size |
24 x 36mm |
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Lens mount |
Contax N-mount |
|
Shutter type |
Vertical-travel focal-plane shutter |
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Shutter speed |
Av, P: 32 seconds-1/8000 second Tv, M: Shutter dial settings: 4 seconds-1/8000 second 3.5 fps Command dial settings: 32 seconds-1/8000 second X: 1/125 second |
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Synchro settings |
X setting (synchronized at 1/250 second or less) Fitted with direct X setting and sync. terminal |
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Self-timer |
Electronic 2-10 sec. |
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Shutter release |
Electromagnetic release mechanism fitted with exclusive release socket |
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Exposure control modes |
(1) Aperture priority ; (2) Shutter priority ; (3) Program (4) Manual exposure (5) TTL auto flash |
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Metering system |
TTL Matrix, Center-Weighted Average; Spot; switching mechanism |
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Metering range |
EV 0-21 (matrix/center-weighed average metering); EV 3-21 (spot metering; based on 3mm diameter area in center of viewfinder) |
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Film speed coupling range |
Auto with DX films from ISO 25 to 5000; ISO 6 to 6400 on manual setting |
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AE lock |
Image brightness memory system |
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Exposure compensation |
+/-2EV (in 1/2 or 1/3 increments) |
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ABC exposure mechanism |
Exposure can be adjusted using the ABC lever Adjustment range: +/- 0.3, +/- 0.5, +/- 1EV |
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Flash coupling control |
TTL direct flash control |
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Flash synchronization |
Shutter speed is automatically set when the dedicated flash unit is fully charged |
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Flash auto-set function |
Available when used in conjunction with the Contax auto-set flash |
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Next-shot synchro |
Available when used in conjunction with the Contax flash with function |
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Rangefinder type |
TTL phase-difference detection method (5-point diagonal rangefinder) |
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Fine focus ABC mechanism |
Automatic focus adjustment function using focus dial settings |
|
Viewfinder |
Fixed pentaprism, eye-level with long eye-point; field of vision 95%; magnification 0.73 (50mm standard lens at infinity and -ID diopter) |
|
Dioptric adjustment |
Internal diopter from — 3D to + 1D w 2 optional FM type lenses |
|
Focusing screen |
Whole-view matte FX-2 standard; interchangeable with other FX-type screens |
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Viewfinder information |
Focus frame, ABC exposure mark, ABC focus mark, film counter; self-timer time; ABC exposure and ABC focus sequence; number of multiple exposures; installed film status; light-meter mark; flash mark; focus display; aperture setting; shutter speed; exposure meter; exposure compensation setting; light-, exposure compensation mark; manual exposure mark |
|
Display panel |
Film counter; self-timer time; ABC exposure and ABC focus sequence; number of multiple; installed film status; focus frame selection display; exposure compensation setting (when exposure compensation dial is in the green position); multiple exposure mark; drive mark; battery status mark; aperture setting; shutter speed, film speed; custom functions |
|
Film loading |
Automatically winds to the first frame |
|
Film winding |
3.5fps built-in motor |
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Film rewinding |
Automatic rewinding with built-in motor (stops automatically when rewinding is complete); film can be rewound leaving leader. |
|
Drive modes |
Single , continuous and self-timer (2 seconds, 10 seconds) |
|
Film Advance Speed |
Maximum speed 3.5 frames per second when in continuous exposure mode (with new battery, at normal temperatures, measured by the manufactuerer’s exposure criteria) |
|
Film counter |
Number of frames used Automatically shown in viewfinder and on display panel |
|
Accessory shoe |
Direct X fitting (with TLA flash-coupling connection) |
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Custom functions |
See main text above |
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Battery |
One 6 volt lithium battery (2CR5) |
|
Battery check |
Automatically shown in display panel |
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Rolls of film per battery |
Approximately 24 rolls (with a new battery, at normal temperatures, measured by the camera’s exposure criteria) |
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Others |
Exposure check button; aperture button; supplementary AF lighting |
|
Dimensions |
152 (W) x 116.5 (H) x 69 (D) 5 15/16" (W) x 4 9/16" (H) x 2 3/4" (D) |
|
Weight |
795g/ 1.75 lbs. (without battery) |
CARL ZEISS T* LENSES FOR THE CONTAX N1
Specifications of the Vario-Sonnar T * 24-85mm F3.5-4.5 Lens
This is a standard zoom lens covering focal lengths from ultra-wide angle to medium range; with the zoom covering the whole area. The minimum shooting distance is 50 cm. The lens is made of two molded glass aspheric lenses and two anomalous dispersion glasses, giving the same degree of optical performance as a fixed focal point lens. Even at wide angles the amount of distortion is very tightly controlled, allowing natural-looking definition.
|
Lens construction |
14 elements in 12 groups (inner focus type) |
|
Focal range |
24.6 — 82.0 mm |
|
Image size |
36 x 24 mm |
|
Angular field |
840 - 290 |
|
Mount |
Contax N mount |
|
Focal adjustment |
Auto focus and manual focus |
|
Aperture mechanism |
Automatic aperture |
|
Aperture range |
3.5 — (4) — 5.6 — 8 — 11 — 16 — 22 |
|
Minimum focus |
0.5 m |
|
Filter |
82 mm screw-in type |
|
Hood |
Exclusive GB-81 bayonet style hood |
|
Dimensions and weight |
85 (D) x 71 (L) mm, 640 g 3 5/16" (D) x 2 13/16" (L), 1.41 lbs. |
|
Accessories |
Exclusive hood, lens cap, rear cap, case |
Specifications of the Vario-Sonnar T * 70-300mm F4-5.6 Lens
A long-distance zoom lens covering both medium- and long-range photography, equipped with a tele-macro function allowing up to 4x magnification at a distance
of 1 m.
This lens incorporates an anomalous dispersion glass which controls a variety of aberrations, giving the same degree of optical performance as a fixed focal length lens over the whole of the zoom range.
|
Lens construction |
16 elements in 11 groups (inner focus type) |
|
Focal range |
71.0 — 298.0 mm |
|
Image size |
36 x 24 mm |
|
Angular field |
340 - 80 |
|
Mount |
CONTAX N mount |
|
Focal adjustment |
Auto focus and manual focus |
|
Aperture mechanism |
Automatic aperture |
|
Aperture range |
4 - 5.6 — 8 — 11 — 16 — 22 — 32 |
|
Minimum focus |
1.5 m (1.0 m with tele-macro) |
|
Filter |
72 mm screw-in type |
|
Hood |
GB-75 bayonet-type metal hood |
|
Dimensions and weight |
87 (D) x 129 (L) mm, 1,020 g 3 7/16" (D) x 5" (L), 2.25 lbs. |
|
Accessories |
Lens cap, rear cap, case |
Specifications of the Planar T * 50mm F1.4 Lens
The Planar lens with its front-and-back symmetry was invented by Dr. Paul Rudolf and is one of the best-known Carl Zeiss T* lenses. It is remarkably effective in eliminating aberrations and possesses very high definition allowing contrast in the subject to be faithfully reproduced. The auto-focus is powered by an ultra small-size supersonic wave motor which gives very smooth operation.
|
Lens construction |
7 elements in 6 groups |
|
Focal range |
50 mm |
|
Image size |
36 x 24 mm |
|
Angular field |
460 |
|
Mount |
CONTAX N mount |
|
Focal adjustment |
Auto focus and manual focus |
|
Aperture mechanism |
Automatic aperture |
|
Aperture range |
1.4 — 2 — 2.8 — 4 — 5.6 — 8 — 11 — 16 |
|
Minimum focus |
0.45 m |
|
Filter |
67 mm screw-in type |
|
Hood |
GB-76 bayonet-type metal hood |
|
Dimensions and weight |
76 (D) x 51.5 (L) mm, 320 g 3" (D) x 2" (L), 11.2 ounces |
|
Accessories |
Lens cap, rear cap, case |
Specifications of the Makro-Planar T * 100mm F2.8 Lens
This is a high-specification single focal length lens which offers effective adjustments for aberrations even though it can be used over distances from infinity to same-size close-up. Using the floating element design mechanism, even f 2.8, photographs can be made which are razor-sharp throughout the focus range. It is also possible to switch in advance between whole-field and zoned auto focus modes (macro field up to 1 m or normal photographic field above 1 m), making it very easy to operate the camera when using auto focus.
|
Lens construction |
7 elements in 7 groups (inner focus type) |
|
Focal range |
100 mm |
|
Image size |
36 x 24 mm |
|
Angular field |
240 |
|
Mount |
CONTAX N mount |
|
Focal adjustment |
Auto focus and manual focus |
|
Aperture mechanism |
Automatic aperture |
|
Aperture range |
2.8 — 4 — 5.6 — 8 — 11 — 16 — 22 |
|
Minimum focus |
0.37 m |
|
Filter |
67 mm screw-in type |
|
Hood |
GB-77 bayonet-type metal hood |
|
Dimensions and weight |
83 (D) x 106 (L) mm, 950 g |
|
Accessories |
Lens cap, rear cap, case |
Contax System Pricing
|
Product name |
Contax N1 |
Suggested List Price |
|
Manufacturer’s recommended retail price |
N1 body |
$1,900.00 |
|
Accessories: |
||
|
Carl Zeiss T * lens (with N lens mount) |
||
|
Vario-Sonnar T * 24-85mm F3.5-4.5 |
$1,795.00 |
|
|
Vario-Sonnar T *70-300mm F4-5.6 |
$2,250.00 |
|
|
Planar T * 50mm F1.4 |
$900.00 |
|
|
Makro-Planar T *100mm F2.8 |
$2,500.00 |
|
|
Lens hoods |
Metal hood GB-75 (for use with Vario-Sonnar T * 70-300mm lens) |
TBA |
|
Metal hood GB-76 (for use with Planar T * 50mm lens) |
TBA |
|
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Hood GB-81 (built-in hood for use with Vario-Sonnar T * 24-85mm lens) |
TBA |
|
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Metal hood GB-77 (for use with Makro-Planar T * 100mm |
TBA |
|
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Viewfinder |
Liquid crystal viewfinder FE-1*2 |
TBA |
|
Focusing screens |
Horizontal split FX-1 |
TBA |
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Whole-view matte FX-2 (supplied as standard) |
TBA |
|
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Grid-view matte FX-3 |
TBA |
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Filters |
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82mm C-Polarizing MC (circularly polarized light) |
TBA |
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Auto close-up rings |
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Auto close-up ring N13mm |
TBA |
|
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Auto close-up ring N26mm |
TBA |
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Cases |
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Flexible case C-8 |
TBA |
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Lens case NCL-1 (for use with Vario-Sonnar T * 24-85mm F3.5-4.5) |
TBA |
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Lens case NCL-2 (for use with Vario-Sonnar T * 70-300mm F4-5.6) |
TBA |
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Lens case NCL-3 (for use with Planar T * 50mm F1.4) |
TBA |
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Lens case NCL-4 (for use with Makro-Planar T * 100mm F2.8) |
TBA |
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Other accessories |
||
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Data-back device D-10 (multifunction type) |
TBA |
|
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Battery holder P-9 (for use with AA-size or lithium batteries) *2 |
TBA |
|
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Mount adapter NAM-1 (for converting lenses fitted with the 645 N-mount) |
TBA |
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*Note that Kyrocera discontinued the Contax camera system. In the event of camera, or lens failure, you will have to procure used parts.