Contax 159 MM (1985)

At 445 grams, it balances in the hand like a precision instrument—dense, deliberate, and built to mean something.

Overview

The Contax 159 MM emerged in March 1985 as the successor to the Contax 139 Quartz, stepping into a tightly contested segment of professional-grade manual focus cameras. Built under the Contax/Yashica collaboration with Carl Zeiss optics and later associated with Kyocera, it was positioned as a high-end hybrid—part automation, part manual control—designed for photographers who wanted program flexibility without surrendering full creative authority. Its name, "MM," stood for Multi-Mode, a nod to its expanded exposure programming, and it marked a technical milestone: reportedly the first Contax camera to feature a 1/4000 sec shutter speed. Weighing 445 grams (15.7 oz), it carried a heft that signaled seriousness, neither overly bulky nor lightweight, fitting naturally into the lineage of German-engineered SLRs known for clean, functional design.

Owners report a front-facing layout that echoes other professional SLRs of the era—minimalist, uncluttered, with controls placed for intuitive access. One user described it as "very beautiful from the front," a sentiment that aligns with its reputation for elegant industrial design. The main power switch, located on the camera body, operates with a directional turn—follow the arrow until it clicks into place—activating the electronic systems. Despite its advanced features, the camera remains fully manual in focus, part of the broader Contax/Yashica 35mm SLR system that relied on Zeiss T* program mode lenses for optimal integration. In manual exposure mode, photographers can still leverage the built-in light metering from the automated system, giving experienced users a hybrid workflow that blends modern metering with traditional control.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Contax (Kyocera)
Product Type	35mm SLR camera
Production Year	1985
Weight	445 grams / 15.7 oz
Film Speed Range	ISO 12 to 3200
Shutter Speed Range (Program Modes)	1/8 to 1/1000 sec
Top Shutter Speed	1/4000 sec
X Sync Speed	1/250 sec
Exposure Modes	Three program modes, aperture-priority AE mode, manual exposure mode
Metering Range	EV 0 to 20 (f/1.4 lens, ISO 100)
Lens Mount	Zeiss T* program mode lenses
Power Switch	Main switch turns ON/OFF with directional click stop

Key Features

1/4000 Sec Shutter – A Contax First

The 1/4000 sec top shutter speed was a significant leap for the Contax line, marking the model as a technical "first" for the brand. This capability opened up fast-action shooting in bright conditions without needing neutral density filters, a practical upgrade over the 139 Quartz. The shutter operates across three distinct program modes, offering varying degrees of automation while retaining aperture-priority and full manual options. The program modes reportedly range from 1/8 to 1/1000 sec, suggesting a balanced approach to automatic exposure rather than extreme flexibility—likely optimized for typical daylight and indoor conditions.

AE Lock as Exposure Memory

The AE lock system functions as a memory device, storing exposure values derived from a specific aperture and shutter combination. This allowed photographers to meter a scene, lock the reading, and recompose—particularly useful in high-contrast situations or when using off-center subjects. According to available documentation, this feature was part of the camera’s broader effort to blend automation with professional control, letting users "borrow" the metering intelligence even when working manually.

Multi-Mode Exposure System

True to its name, the 159 MM offered multiple exposure pathways: three program modes (specifics not documented), aperture-priority autoexposure, and full manual control. This flexibility catered to a range of shooting styles, from point-and-shoot convenience to deliberate, hands-on photography. The metering system covers an impressive EV 0 to 20 (with f/1.4 lens at ISO 100), enabling use in near-darkness and bright daylight. Film sensitivity support from ISO 12 to 3200 ensured compatibility with everything from fine-grain technical films to high-speed stocks, though users must manually set the ISO—no DX coding mentioned in available specs.

Historical Context

The Contax 159 MM was developed as a direct replacement for the Contax 139 Quartz, advancing the line with faster shutter mechanics and refined electronics. It arrived during a pivotal moment in SLR evolution, as manufacturers began integrating more automation while still catering to purists who valued manual focus and mechanical reliability. Part of the CONTAX/Yashica 35mm SLR system, it shared design and compatibility traits with other models in the ecosystem, including the more advanced Contax RTS III. However, sources suggest its release was rushed—allegedly due to marketing department pressure—leading to early reliability concerns. Despite its ambitions, it did not achieve the same lasting reputation as some of its siblings, possibly due to these early technical hiccups.

Collectibility & Value

Market data remains sparse, but one listing for a "Contax 159 MM Gray 10th Anniversary Edition SLR Film Camera #0089" in "Exc+5" condition sold for $535.92, indicating niche demand for well-preserved or special edition units. Shutter problems are commonly reported, and forum posts confirm issues with the exposure electronics—enough to be considered a known failure point. A user on the VEGAS Community forum noted their unit failed due to "something to do with the exposure electronics," a sentiment echoed in collector circles. Repair documentation exists, including notes on adapting the Yashica FX-Winder to the 159 MM, suggesting a small but active community of owners keeping units functional. Original instruction booklets are available as used items, tested and confirmed working, though no full system diagnostics are documented.