CONTAX RTS II

Name: Contax RTS II
Brand: Contax

The CONTAX RTS II is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1982 as the successor to the original RTS (Real Time System). It was built for professionals and advanced amateurs. It pairs precision engineering with electronic automation and keeps the optical standards of the Contax brand and the Zeiss lens partnership.

Overview

The CONTAX RTS II came out in 1982 as a refinement of the original RTS, which debuted in 1975 as Contax's first SLR in over two decades. Yashica manufactured it under the Contax brand. It was part of an effort to put Contax back among the leaders in professional 35mm SLRs. The target buyer was the serious photographer who wanted reliability, accurate metering, and integration with high-performance Carl Zeiss lenses. It sat between the manual-focus RTS and the later fully automated RTS III, with a mix of mechanical toughness and electronic sophistication.

The main upgrade in the RTS II was the electronic system, which gave better reliability and responsiveness than its predecessor. It had a built-in motor drive good for 3.5 frames per second, so no external motor unit was needed. The shutter stayed fully mechanical at 1/60 sec and B, so it still worked without batteries. That mattered to photojournalists and field photographers. The shutter release was also redesigned, with shorter travel and better tactile feedback, for faster and more precise shooting.

The body used a die-cast aluminum chassis and metal components throughout. It kept the Contax/Yashica (C/Y) lens mount, which took a wide range of Carl Zeiss T* lenses. The TTL (through-the-lens) center-weighted metering was refined for better accuracy, particularly in low light, and the standard focusing screen had a split-image rangefinder focusing aid. Despite its professional aims, the RTS II was still a manual-focus camera. The user focused, and the camera automated exposure functions such as aperture-priority autoexposure and shutter speed selection.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)
Film Format	35mm (135)
Years Produced	1982–1990
Lens Mount	Contax/Yashica (C/Y) Bayonet
Shutter	Vertical-travel, metal-bladed focal-plane shutter; speeds from 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus B and mechanical 1/60 sec
Metering	TTL, center-weighted, silicon photodiode
Exposure Modes	Aperture-priority autoexposure, manual mode (with stop-down metering)
Viewfinder	Fixed pentaprism, 0.85x magnification, 94% coverage
Dimensions	142 × 92 × 52 mm (5.6 × 3.6 × 2.0 in); ~680 g (24 oz) body only

Key Features

Built-in motor drive enabling continuous shooting at 3.5 fps with full aperture-priority AE functionality.
Hybrid shutter system: electronic shutter from 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus a mechanical 1/60 sec backup and Bulb mode for reliable operation without batteries.
Refined electronics with improved circuitry for greater stability and reduced power consumption compared to the RTS.
TTL center-weighted metering with LED readout in the viewfinder (match-needle system) for precise exposure control.
Contax/Yashica (C/Y) lens mount with full support for Carl Zeiss T* lenses, including automatic aperture indexing and stop-down metering.

Historical Context

The RTS II arrived while the SLR market was changing fast. In the early 1980s electronic automation was on the rise, and competitors like Nikon, Canon, and Minolta were bringing out more sophisticated aperture-priority and program-exposure models. The original RTS had been well received for build quality and Zeiss lens compatibility, but its electronics were prone to aging problems and were slow to respond. The RTS II answered with a redesigned circuit board and stronger power management, which improved reliability and extended the camera's service life.

Contax pitched the RTS II as a premium alternative to the Nikon F3 and Canon New F-1, with better lens quality and a compact, integrated motor drive. Many of its contemporaries needed bulky external motor units. The RTS II had a self-contained one. It still faced stiff competition from Minolta's X-700 and later Canon EOS models, which went for more aggressive automation and faster autofocus. The RTS II stayed a niche product because of its manual-focus design and limited marketing outside Japan and Europe. Production continued until 1990, when the RTS III replaced it, with further refined electronics and a faster 5 fps motor drive.

Collectibility & Value

Today the CONTAX RTS II is regarded as a classic among film photography enthusiasts, especially those who like high-quality manual-focus systems and Zeiss optics. Its collectibility comes from its position between the mechanical precision of the original RTS and the digital-era advancements of later Contax models. In good working condition the RTS II typically sells for $250 - $400 on the used market. Prices run higher for units that come with rare or mint-condition Zeiss lenses.

Anyone buying an RTS II should check the motor drive, shutter speeds, and light meter. Common problems are degraded capacitors in the electronics, sticky shutter curtains, and worn motor gears, especially if the camera was stored badly. It uses two 6V 4SR44 or PX28 batteries (or modern equivalents like WeinCells) to power the meter and electronics. The mechanical 1/60 sec and B settings still work without power. Because of its age, a CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) by a technician experienced with Contax/Yashica systems is recommended before extended use.

Similar Cameras

Nikon F3HP – Professional-grade 35mm SLR with motor drive options and exceptional durability.
Canon New F-1 – Fully mechanical professional SLR with interchangeable viewfinders and metering modules.
Minolta X-700 – Popular aperture-priority SLR with TTL metering and flash automation.
Pentax LX – Precision-engineered manual-focus SLR with interchangeable viewfinders and exceptional build quality.
Olympus OM-4 – Compact professional SLR with advanced metering and titanium shutter.

Repair & Maintenance

The CONTAX RTS II uses two 6V 4SR44 or PX28 batteries (or modern 4LR44 alkaline with reduced voltage compatibility) to power the metering system and electronic shutter. The mechanical 1/60 sec and B settings work without batteries, but full aperture-priority operation needs power. Common repair issues are capacitor leakage on the main circuit board, which can damage surrounding components, and motor drive wear after heavy use. The shutter mechanism is generally reliable, but after decades of storage it may need cleaning, new foam light seals, and curtain lubrication. The electronics and mechanics are closely integrated, so repair should go to technicians familiar with Yashica/Contax systems. Regular maintenance includes checking battery contacts, making sure the film advance is smooth, and verifying meter accuracy with a calibrated light source.