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Contax TVS 35mm Camera (28-56mm f/3.5-6.5 Lens)

Model #218525
  • $700.00

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New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
EX+ Excellent Plus
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$700.00
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Contax TVS: titanium compact with a Carl Zeiss zoom.

The TVS pairs a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 28-56mm f/3.5-6.5 lens with a titanium body slim enough to slip into a jacket pocket. That focal range covers genuine wide-angle at 28mm and an useful short telephoto at 56mm, giving street and travel shooters two meaningfully different working distances without swapping glass. The T* coating is Zeiss's anti-reflection treatment, and on film it shows in contrast and color rendering that point-and-shoot competitors rarely matched.

Programmed auto exposure and autofocus handle the mechanics, so the camera stays out of the way when light changes fast. The built-in flash is there when you need it, though the Zeiss optics reward available-light work at wider apertures. For a 35mm film compact introduced in 1993, the TVS represents Contax at its most portable without compromising on the optics that defined the brand's reputation. Shooting film with a lens this capable, in a body this compact, is a proposition that holds up decades later.

Who It's For

Street photographers who want a pocketable camera that won't force compromises on optical quality will find the 28mm wide end genuinely useful in tight spaces. Travel shooters benefit from the 28-56mm range covering architecture and candid portraits from a single body with no extra lenses to carry. Film photographers drawn to the Zeiss T* coating for its contrast and tonal character get it here in a fully automated, low-effort body. Documentary shooters working discreetly will appreciate the titanium build's durability alongside a profile that draws less attention than a SLR.

Key Features

  • Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 28-56mm f/3.5-6.5 zoom lens
  • Titanium body for durability and compact pocket carry
  • 35mm film format with programmed auto exposure
  • Autofocus system for reliable subject tracking
  • Built-in flash for fill and low-light work
  • T* anti-reflection coating for high contrast and color saturation

FAQ

What's the actual focal range on the Contax TVS?
28-56mm, which gives you genuine wide-angle coverage for landscapes and tight spaces, then extends to short telephoto for framing without moving. That's a practical two-lens spread in a pocket-sized body.
How does the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* perform on film?
The T* anti-reflection coating delivers contrast and color saturation that separates it from typical point-and-shoot lenses. On film, you'll notice cleaner highlights and more saturated colors, especially in mixed light.
Is autofocus reliable on this camera?
Yes. It's programmed AF that works in variable light without hunting. On a compact from 1993, it's solid enough that you forget it's there.
Can you shoot this camera without the flash?
Absolutely. The Zeiss optics open to f/3.5 at wide angle, which handles available light well on faster film stocks. The flash is there for fill or dim conditions, but the lens rewards ambient-light shooting.
What makes the titanium body worth mentioning?
It's corrosion-resistant and durable without adding weight. The TVS stays pocket-friendly while handling actual use over decades.
Does programmed auto exposure work with film speed?
Yes. The camera meters and adjusts exposure for whatever ISO film you load. No manual override, but the automation is tuned to handle typical shooting conditions.
SpecificationValue
Sensor35mm Film
ResolutionNone

This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.

Brand Name Contax
Film Type 35mm roll