The answer, unequivocally, is no. Contax 645 film cameras will not be manufactured again. The intricate history of Kyocera, the parent company behind Contax, combined with the economic realities of film production in the 21st century, make a resurrection incredibly improbable, despite the camera’s enduring popularity.
The Ghost of Contax: A Legacy Forged in Glass
The Contax 645, lauded for its exceptional image quality, intuitive design, and a lens system rivaled only by Hasselblad, has achieved legendary status among film photographers. Its allure, however, is inextricably linked to its scarcity. Production ceased long ago, leaving a vacuum filled by escalating prices and a fervent desire among enthusiasts for a return. Understanding why this desire will likely remain unfulfilled requires a deeper dive into the brand’s history and the state of the film industry.
Kyocera’s Exit and the End of an Era
Kyocera, a Japanese multinational conglomerate, acquired Yashica in 1983, inheriting the Contax brand. They revitalized the line, producing innovative cameras and lenses that became highly respected. The Contax 645, launched in the late 1990s, represented the pinnacle of their film camera engineering. However, in 2005, Kyocera made the jarring decision to withdraw from the camera business altogether. This was driven by the burgeoning digital market and the company’s strategic refocusing on other sectors. The tooling, designs, and intellectual property were essentially mothballed, if not outright disposed of.
The Film Revival: Not a Golden Ticket
While film photography has experienced a noticeable resurgence in recent years, this revival hasn’t translated into the large-scale investment required to restart production of complex camera systems like the Contax 645. Manufacturing such a sophisticated camera demands significant capital expenditure for retooling, sourcing components, and establishing a reliable supply chain. The current film market, while healthy, simply isn’t large enough to guarantee a return on investment for such a project.
The Lens Conundrum: The Heart of the Matter
The Contax 645’s legendary status isn’t just about the camera body; it’s deeply intertwined with its Carl Zeiss lenses. These lenses are renowned for their sharpness, color rendition, and overall optical quality. Reproducing these lenses to the same exacting standards would be an immense challenge, requiring access to the original designs, materials, and manufacturing processes – access that is highly unlikely to be granted, even if Kyocera were willing. Furthermore, replicating the quality consistently would be a significant hurdle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Contax 645
1. Are there any rumors of a new company acquiring the Contax 645 designs and restarting production?
No, there are currently no credible rumors of any company acquiring the Contax 645 designs and restarting production. While wishful thinking persists among enthusiasts, no concrete evidence supports such a development. Information circulating online is primarily based on speculation and wish fulfillment rather than substantiated reports.
2. What are the main challenges in restarting production of the Contax 645?
The primary challenges include: access to the original tooling and designs, securing a reliable supply chain of components, replicating the quality of the Carl Zeiss lenses, the high capital investment required for retooling, and the relatively small size of the film market compared to digital.
3. Why is the Contax 645 so popular, despite being discontinued?
The Contax 645 enjoys enduring popularity because of its exceptional image quality (thanks to the Carl Zeiss lenses), its relatively intuitive design and handling compared to other medium format cameras, and its status as a prestigious and desirable piece of photographic equipment. The limited availability further contributes to its mystique and value.
4. What alternatives are available for photographers seeking a similar medium format film experience?
Alternatives include: Hasselblad 500 series cameras, Mamiya 645 series cameras, Pentax 67, and Bronica ETRSi. Each offers a unique shooting experience, but they provide comparable medium format image quality. Considering newer medium format film cameras such as those manufactured by Fujifilm may provide a cost effective alternative.
5. How much does a used Contax 645 typically cost?
The price of a used Contax 645 varies depending on its condition, included accessories, and market demand. Expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000 or more for a body in good working condition, particularly with sought-after lenses. Keep in mind that prices are volatile and can fluctuate based on availability.
6. Where can I find reliable repairs for a Contax 645?
Finding reliable repairs can be challenging. Specialized camera repair shops with experience in medium format cameras are your best bet. Look for technicians who specifically mention Contax or Kyocera experience. Online forums and communities dedicated to film photography can also provide valuable recommendations. Examples of reputable repair services include but are not limited to Pro Camera Repair and KEH Camera Repair.
7. What are the most desirable lenses for the Contax 645 system?
The most desirable lenses include: the 80mm f/2 Planar T* (considered the standard lens), the 45mm f/2.8 Distagon T, the 140mm f/2.8 Sonnar T, and the 120mm f/4 Macro Planar T*. These lenses are renowned for their sharpness, contrast, and overall optical performance.
8. Are there any adapters available to use Contax 645 lenses on other camera systems?
Yes, adapters are available to mount Contax 645 lenses on some mirrorless camera systems. However, these adapters often come with limitations, such as a lack of autofocus and aperture control. Image quality can also be affected depending on the adapter and the camera being used.
9. Is it worth investing in a Contax 645 system today, given its discontinued status?
This depends on your priorities and budget. If you are committed to film photography and highly value the image quality and shooting experience of the Contax 645, it can be a worthwhile investment. However, be prepared for the high initial cost, the potential for expensive repairs, and the increasing scarcity of parts. Consider the risk carefully.
10. What are the common issues that Contax 645 users experience?
Common issues include: light leaks, electronic malfunctions (due to aging components), mirror lock-up problems, and focusing issues. Regular servicing is crucial to maintain the camera’s functionality.
11. How does the Contax 645 compare to other medium format film cameras like Hasselblad?
The Contax 645 offers a more modern and user-friendly interface compared to the more modular Hasselblad 500 series. The Contax has autofocus capabilities which provide a substantial advantage for some photographers. Hasselblad, however, boasts a wider range of accessories and a more robust repair infrastructure. Both offer exceptional image quality, though the “look” of the lenses differs.
12. Will the value of Contax 645 cameras continue to increase in the future?
While predicting future market trends is difficult, it’s likely that the value of Contax 645 cameras will remain stable or even increase slightly, given their rarity and continued demand. However, the market is subject to fluctuations, and factors such as economic conditions and the overall popularity of film photography could influence prices. Condition is critical for maintaining value.