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“Ok, so you want to be a photographer right ? You go...”

written by Alan. on 09/11/2001

Good Points
Smooth handling. Permanent AE lock. Lightweight and bright viewfinder. Manual focus teaches you photography.

Bad Points
Larger Contax bodies ( RX, RTSIII ) balance better with heavier lenses. No autofocus ( buy a point and shoot ! )

General Comments
Ok, so you want to be a photographer right ? You go through all the "major" brands and buying guides, endlessly comparing features until you go stark crazy ! In the back of your mind you say to yourself, " Hey, if I am putting this much time and energy into this search, maybe I should think about getting some quality gear that will last !"

But all you run into are dim viewfinders, obscure controls, and cheap zoom lenses. So what's an aspiring Ansel Adams to do ? One day you are at your whits end when suddenly you see this little jewel on the front of a magazine. "What can this be ?" you ask. You finally get your hands on this "Aria", put the viewfinder up to your eye...and the battle is over. You have discovered the magic of a Contax. So what I am I talking about ? First, an ergonomic design so natural and sure footed that you can work it with your eyes closed. A viewfinder brightness that puts the others to shame. An exposure meter that is dead on...and one more thing, Carl Zeiss lenses. Here is where faith plays it's part. If you have been taken by the smoothness that the Aria moves with, and decide to bring her home, when you get those prints back from the store and show them to your friends, the color rendition, sharpness, detail and contrast will leave them breathless, and you smiling. "What's that camera called ? " , It's a Contax Aria, and if you want to make a serious start into 35mm photography at an entry level price, you will not be disappointed.