CONTAX TVS Panoramic photography 寬景攝影

2006.11.14

Following the previous report on the trip back to the manufacturer for the CONTAX TVS (T Vario-Sonnar), this time, I would like to share its 'Panoramic photography' function.

In the mid-1990s, 35mm film cameras sparked a small trend in 'Panoramic photography'. Cameras ranging from compact point-and-shoots like the Pentax Espio Mini to full-sized SLR cameras like the Pentax Z1-P introduced this feature. How could you capture a wide field of view like 16:9 or even wider on a 3:2 film frame? To put it simply, there wasn't any extraordinary optical technology involved. It essentially required adding movable masks within the film frame to create a smaller frame of 36mm x 16mm within the standard 36mm x 24mm frame. On the CONTAX TVS, there's a 'P' switch next to the rear viewfinder, which allows you to switch between these two modes. However, with the TVS II, due to changes in market trends and cost-saving considerations, this particular feature was no longer included.

繼上次跟各位報告CONTAX TVS (T Vario-Sonnar)的回娘家行程後，這次來分享一下她的「寬景攝影」功能。

在90年代中旬，135底片相機掀起了一股「寬景攝影」的小風潮，小如傻瓜相機(Pentax espio mini)，大如單眼相機(Pentax Z1-P)都加入這個功能。那要如何在3:2的底片上呈現如16:9或更寬的視野呢？說穿了，沒什麼高超的光學技術可言，指示在底片是內加上上下兩塊可活動的隔板，將36mm x 24mm的底片阻隔成36mm x 16mm的大小就成了。CONTAX TVS 背面觀景窗旁就有一個「P」的開關，可用來切換上述2種模式。TVSII則因為這股風潮不再與節省成本的考量下取消這項特一功能。


Panoramic Mode 寬景模式 

Normal Mode 一般模式

When using the 'Wide-Angle Photography' feature, the captured area only occupies about 50% of the film frame. As a result, the 28mm wide-angle lens, which is the original focal length, feels more like a 50mm standard lens when shooting, making it a bit restrictive. Since I used RVP100 film, I mostly shot with the maximum aperture of f/3.5, leading to noticeable vignetting in the images. Stopping down to around f/5.6 helped alleviate most of the issue.

使用「寬景攝影」功能攝影時，拍攝面積約僅佔底片面積的50%，因此原本的28mm廣角鏡頭使用起來的感覺比較像是50mm標準鏡頭，拍起來有些綁手綁腳。由於底片使用的是RVP100，因此幾乎都是用最大光圈f3.5來拍攝，成像有明顯的失光現象，約f5.6可減輕大部分。

Photo 1: 自來水博物館 (CONTAX TVS, Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar 3.5-6.5/28-56mm T*)


Photo 2: 台北101百貨 (CONTAX TVS, Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar 3.5-6.5/28-56mm T*)


Photo 3: 大溪 (CONTAX TVS, Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar 3.5-6.5/28-56mm T*)

其他照片請參閱 相簿-寬景攝影測試。

CONTAX TVS LCD Repair Experience 送修經驗分享

2006.10.27

My CONTAX TVS has been with me for 10 years, and when I recently took it out for photography, I noticed that the LCD display showing the number of film frames had deteriorated, showing black and red spots. The damping of the AF/MF switch had also worn out. As a result, I decided to send it back to its manufacturer, CONTAX, before the end of the warranty period, which was December 2007. I hope to have it back and working for another 10 years.

10/01: I left a message on Kyocera Japan's website customer service center inquiring if the CONTAX TVS could still be repaired.

10/02: Kyocera Japan's customer service sent an email with the address for sending the camera:

Kyocera Corporations

Okaya Service Center (camera)

3-11-1 Osachi-kohagi Okaya-shi

Nagano-ken 394-8550 JAPAN

TEL: +81 266 27 2183

FAX: +81 266 27 2208

10/04: I sent it via international express mail from the post office for NT$ 530.

10/07: Delivery failed at the Nagano-ken post office (due to Saturday closure).

10/09: Japan's Health and Sports Day (public holiday).

10/10: The Kyocera Okaya Service Center received the camera.

10/13: I received an estimate from the Kyocera Okaya Service Center via email (Focus Dialer, Frame Counter LCD):

Parts: JP$ 2,100 (Original price JP$ 3,000)

Labor: JP$ 5,600 (Original price JP$ 8,000)

Postage: JP$ 1,500

Total: JP$ 9,200

10/16: Wire transfer of JP$9,200 to Kyocera, and I sent an email agreeing to the estimate to Kyocera.

Transfer fee: NT$ 2,572

Postage/telegraph fee: NT$ 400

Total: NT$ 2,972

10/17: Kyocera replied that the camera had been scheduled for repair with an estimated turnaround time of about 2 weeks.

10/23: Kyocera completed the repair and sent it via international express mail.

10/26: I received the CONTAX TVS in like-new condition, along with 2 CR 123A batteries.

11/14: I was notified to pay a bank handling fee of JP$ 2,500 = NT$702

手邊的 CONTAX TVS 已經有10年機齡了, 最近拿出來拍照後, 卻發現顯示底片張數的LCD已經變質(出現黑點與紅點). 切換 AF/MF 轉盤開關的阻尼也失去了, 因此決定在 CONTAX TVS 的公告維修期限 2007/12 前, 送她回娘家, 希望回來後能再用個10年.

10/01 Kyocera Japan 網站客服中心留言詢問 CONTAX TVS 是否仍可維修.
10/02 Kyocera Japan 客服 e-mail 回覆送件地點:

Kyocera Corporations
Okaya Service Center (camera)
3-11-1 Osachi-kohagi Okaya-shi
Nagano-ken 394-8550 JAPAN
TEL: +81 266 27 2183
FAX: +81 266 27 2208

10/04 以郵局國際快捷郵件寄出 NT$ 530
10/07 Japan Nagano-ken 郵局投遞失敗(星期六休假)
10/09 Japan 健康體育節 休假
10/10 Kyocera Okaya Service Center 收件
10/13 Kyocera Okaya Service Center e-mail 估價單 (Focus Dailer, Frame Counter LCD)

零件: JP$ 2,100 (原價 JP$ 3,000)
工資: JP$ 5,600 (原價 JP$ 8,000)
郵資: JP$ 1,500
總計: JP$ 9,200

10/16 電匯 JP$9,200 to Kyocera / e-mail 同意維修的估價單 to Kyocera

匯款: NT$ 2,572
匯費/郵電費: NT$ 400
總計: NT$ 2,972

10/17 Kyocera 回覆已經排入維修 Turn Around Time 約2週
10/23 Kyocera 維修完成, 以國際快捷寄出
10/26 收到完好如新的 CONTAX TVS 附帶2顆 CR 123A
11/14 通知至銀行繳交匯款手續費 JP$ 2,500 =NT$702

Contax Aria ^_^ Zhongshan Hall 台北中山堂

2006.10.14

Back in 1996, when I first got into CONTAX photography, my entry-level model was the 167MT. It was paired with three lenses: the Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8/28mm T*, Carl Zeiss Planar 1.4/50mm T*, and Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 4/80-200mm T*, which covered most of my shooting needs. The Aria was the only entry-level model available after the discontinuation of the 167MT. Unfortunately, the majority of its body was made of plastic, losing the metallic feel. Even the crisp sound of the metal mirror flipping up was nowhere to be found.

1996年剛開始接觸CONTAX時，入門機型是167MT，配上Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8/28mm T*、Carl Zeiss Planar 1.4/50mm T* 與 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 4/80-200mm T*三顆鏡頭，足敷大部分的場景需求。Aria算是167MT停產後的唯一入門機型，可惜機身外殼已經大部分改為塑膠材料，雖然功能完整但金屬味盡失，連清脆的金屬反光鏡彈起的聲音也不見了。

On 10.14, I returned to work after a long holiday, and there wasn't much of a work atmosphere on a Saturday. So, I decided to take a day off and visit Taipei City after experiencing the Siege of Taipei. The Zhongshan Hall on Yanping South Road is a building from the Japanese colonial era. It's said that the surrender ceremony of the Japanese troops in Taiwan took place here. In recent years, after undergoing renovation, it has been transformed into an arts and cultural center, with a spacious front square, perfect for hosting medium-sized outdoor concert

10.14是天下圍攻後補上班的日子，週六上班實在是沒什麼氣氛，索性請了假到歷經圍攻、圍城後的台北城看看。延平南路的中山堂是日據時代的建築，當年台灣地區的日軍受降典禮好像是在這了舉行的，近幾年重新整修後已經改為藝文中心，前廣場很大，足敷中小型戶外音樂會使用。


Photo 1: 中山堂前廣場 (CONTAX Aria, Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8/28mm T*)


Photo 2: 中山堂前廳的牛眼窗 (CONTAX Aria, Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 4/80-200mm T*)


Photo 3: 中山堂側門特寫 (CONTAX Aria, Carl Zeiss Planar 1.4/50mm T*)

其他照片請參閱 相簿-台北中山堂 2006。

Canon EOS Kiss Digital N ^_^ Taoyuan Daxi 桃園大溪

2006.9.29

The primary reason for choosing a CANON DSLR was the convenience it offered for adapting CONTAX lenses. While OLYMPUS E-series cameras could also achieve lens adaptation, the need to multiply the focal length by 2 and the non-standard 3:2 aspect ratio ruled them out as options.

With the CANON 350D, adapting CONTAX lenses required careful selection of adapter rings. I've only used two types, one made in China (approximately $750 on eBay, around $900-1,500 in Taiwan) and the other made in Japan (around $2,250). I heard that the Japanese-made adapter rings of more recent manufacture had exceptional quality but came at a price of around $4,500, which I couldn't justify.

The Chinese-made adapter ring had good compatibility, but its thickness wasn't quite accurate, off by about 0.X mm. This didn't make a significant difference with lenses having a focal length of 50mm or more, but with lenses at or below 35mm, it became evident that the infinity focus wasn't precise enough. The Japanese-made adapter ring had excellent compatibility, no issues with infinity focus, and its matte black finish added a sense of quality. In the end, I chose the Japanese-made adapter ring and purchased a total of four.

For this trip, I brought along the CANON EOS 350D, Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8/21mm T* (=34mm), and Carl Zeiss Planar 1.4/50mm T* (=80mm).

 
當初會買CANON DLR的原因，主要是看上她轉接CONTAX鏡頭的便利性。雖然OYLMPUS E系列也可以達到轉接的目的，但因為焦距需乘上2倍且非3:2的傳統底片比率，所以並不列入選。
有了CANON 350D，要搭上CONTAX鏡頭，那就要慎選轉接環了。我只用過兩種，一是大陸製(eBay約$750，台灣約賣$900-1,500)另一是日本製(約$2,250)，日製的近代接環聽說品質超好，但價格約$4,500，就捨不得買了。大陸製轉接環密合度尚佳，但是厚度不是很正確，應該多了0.0X mm，在焦距50mm以上的鏡頭上使用差異不大，但在35mm(含)以下的鏡頭使用，就會發現無窮遠對焦不夠精確。日製接環密合度很好，無窮遠對焦沒問題，而且以啞黑色塗裝增添質感，最後我決定採用日製接環，一共買了4個。這次帶了CANON EOS 350D、Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8/21mm T* (=34mm)與Carl Zeiss Planar 1.4/50mm T* (=80mm)。

Daxi Township is a must-visit destination on the Northern Cross-Island Highway scenic route. Most visitors simply pass through or stop at the rest area to purchase Daxi dried tofu. About five years ago, I learned from travel books that this place had well-preserved historic buildings, and I only realized it was a great photography location after seeing it with my own eyes. This time, I brought along two fellow photography enthusiasts to broaden our horizons.

 
大溪鎮是到北橫風景區的必經之地，大部分的遊客都是路過或者在休息站買些大溪豆干。約5年前從旅遊書籍上得知這裏有一些保存良好的好建築，親眼目賭後才發現這裡真是個攝影的好地方，這次也就帶著兩位公司攝影同好來開開眼界。


Photo 1: 大溪老街 (Canon EOS 350D, Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8/21mm T*)

In addition to the old buildings, there is also a memorial hall dedicated to Chiang Kai-shek, which has now been transformed into an exhibition hall and an outdoor café.

除了老建築，還有一個蔣中正的紀念堂，目前已改為展覽館與露天咖啡座。



Photo 2: 總統 蔣公紀念堂 (Canon EOS 350D, Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8/21mm T*)

Another must-visit place is Huang Rixiang's old shop. Their freshly braised tofu and pork belly are tastier than anywhere else. After spending a morning taking photos, it's time to fill our stomachs and hit the road!

另外黃日香老店也是個不能錯過的地方，現滷的豆干與豬肚比任何一個地方都好吃，拍了一個上午，現填飽肚子在上路吧！

 
其他照片請參閱 相簿-Daxi Old Street Album 大溪老街 2006。

Shooting with Contax Zeiss lenses CONTAX 蔡司銘鏡外拍

2006.7.31

In the 30 years that Kyocera Yashica produced CONTAX SLR cameras, they produced many famous lenses. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to collect some of them in the last 10 years (1995-2005). The lenses used for this outdoor shooting are all lenses that are highly regarded by Zeiss fans: Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8/21mm T*, Distagon 1.4/35mm T*, Planar 1.4/85mm T*, and Sonnar 2.8/180mm T*. The camera is paired with the last CONTAX SLR camera, the RXII.

 
Kyocera Yashica 生產 CONTAX 單眼相機的三十年間，出了許多的銘鏡。很幸運的在最後10年間(1995~2005) 我有機會收集到了一些，這次外拍所使用的鏡頭均是蔡斯迷所推崇的鏡頭 Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8/21mm T*、Distagon 1.4/35mm T*、Planar 1.4/85mm T*與 Sonnar 2.8/180mm T*。相機部份則搭配最後的 CONTAX 單眼相機 RXII。



Gear 1: CONTAX RXII + Carl Zeiss Distagon 1.4/35mm T*

Today is Valentine's Day. I had lunch with my wife at Mr.Parco near her office. We had Italian pasta and pizza. It's been a long time since we last came here, before our baby was born.

Around 1:30 pm, I took my CONTAX RXII and four Zeiss lenses to the historic Yuanshan Villa (now Taipei Story House) in front of the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. I was planning to take a historical tour, but I was surprised to see a sign that said "Closed on Mondays". To show my respect, I still took out my camera and took some pictures outside the wall.

今天是七夕情人節，中午跟老婆約在她公司附近的Mr.Parco享用義大利麵與比薩，
上次來已經是小baby出生前的事了。
一點半左右，我帶著CONTAX RXII和4個蔡頭，頂著大太陽來到台北美術館前的古蹟
圓山別莊(現為台北故事館)，打算來一次歷史巡禮，卻赫然發現「星期一休館」的
告示牌，為表敬意，還是拿起相機在圍牆外拍攝。


Photo 1: 台北故事館右側，背光拍攝 (Carl Zeiss Distagon 1.4/35mm T*)。


Photo 2: 台北故事館正面，順光拍攝 (Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8/21mm T*)。

其他精彩照片請參閱 Taipei Story House Album 台北故事館相簿 。

When I left the story house, I still had half a roll of film left to shoot, so I went to nearby Dazhi Bridge to take pictures.

離開故事館時還有半捲底片未拍完，遂再前往附近的大直橋拍攝。


Photo 3: 艷陽忽然被雲朵遮掩了，大直橋躲到了陰影下 (Carl Zeiss Distagon 1.4/35mm T*)。


Photo 4: 大直橋力與美的特寫 (Carl Zeiss Sonnar 2.8/180mm T*)。

其他精彩照片請參閱 Taipei Dazhi Bridge Album 台北大直橋相簿 。

50 Years Old Zeiss Lenses II 五十歲的蔡司老鏡 第2集

2006.7.31

The last time I took pictures of abandoned fighter jets in a typhoon, this time I changed to f16 in the bright sun. The taste is completely different. Do the predecessors recall the heroic figure of the Taiwan Strait Air War that year? (PS: I was not born yet that year)

上次颱風天拍攝的廢棄戰機，這次改在f16艷陽天下拍攝，味道完全不同，前輩們是否回憶起當年台海空戰的英姿呢? (PS:當年我還未出生)


Photo 1: F-100軍刀機外觀 (Zeiss Opton Biogon 35/2.8 T)


Photo 2: F-100軍刀機的機腹 (Voigtlander SC Skopar 21/4)


Photo 3: F-100軍刀機的引擎室 (Voigtlander SC Skopar 21/4)


Photo 4: F-100軍刀機蒙皮 (Zeiss Opton Biogon 35/2.8 T)


Photo 5: F-100軍刀機機尾 (Zeiss Opton Biogon 35/2.8 T)


Photo 6: F-100軍刀機的引擎零件 (Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50/2 T)


Photo 7: F-100軍刀機的引擎 (Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50/2 T)


Photo 8: F-100軍刀機駕駛座 (Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50/2 T)


Photo 9: F-100軍刀機鼻輪 (Zeiss Opton Sonnar 85/2 T)


Photo 10: F-100軍刀機引擎葉片 (Zeiss Opton Sonnar 85/2 T)

Voigtlander SC Skopar 21/4、Zeiss Opton Biogon 35/2.8 T、Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50/2 T、Zeiss Opton Sonnar 85/2 T、Voigtlander BESSA R2C。


Gear 1: 裝上21mm外接觀景窗後的 Voigtlander Bessa R2C 與 SC Skopar 21/4


完整照片 50 Years Old Zeiss Lenses II 五十歲的蔡司老鏡 Part 2

My First DSLR Canon EOS Kiss Digital N ^_^ 台北建國花市

2006.7.30

From the moment my daughter was born, I've been using a small DC camera to capture every little moment of her growth. It wasn't until she grow up that I realized the limitations of the small DC camera in capturing her fleeting moments of movement. That's when I made the decision to invest in my first digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. Based on my past experiences, I knew that for indoor photography without using a flash, I needed an aperture of f2.0 or wider and an ISO setting of at least 400 to freeze the movements of the little one.

Previously, I had considered the Canon EOS Kiss Digital N due to my need to adapt CONTAX lenses, and it naturally became my first choice. In terms of APS standard lenses, I had options like the Canon 35/1.4 L, 35/2.0, and the Sigma 30/1.4. After carefully balancing factors such as portability, quality, and price, I settled on the Sigma 30/1.4.

 
從小寶一出生就一直用小DC來記錄她成長的點點滴滴，直到一歲時發現小DC的已經無法抓到她移動的瞬間， 才下定決心購進了第一台數位單眼相機。按以往經驗，不用閃燈，室內拍攝大概要有ISO400底片f2.0以上的光圈，才有機會凝結小朋友的動作。
之前曾因轉接CONTAX鏡頭的需求而考慮過的 Canon EOS Kiss Digital N順理成章地成為我的首選，APS標準鏡頭方面有 Canon 35/1.4 L、 35/2.0、Sigma 30/1.4可選，最後在輕便、品質、價位上取得平衡，就是 Sigma 30/1.4。


Gear 1: Canon EOS Kiss Digital N + Sigma 30/1.4 EX DG HSM

During the scorching hot summer days in Taipei, where can one find a moment of respite? The Jianguo Holiday Flower Market might be a good choice. It was my first time taking our little one to the flower market, and while she wasn't the most well-behaved, we managed to pass the time for over an hour. In addition to capturing some candid family moments, I also took the opportunity to photograph the vibrant flowers, bunches of roses in particular. In doing so, I couldn't help but feel the atmosphere of the Qixi Festival, the Chinese Valentine's Day.

炎炎夏日台北異常的悶熱，什麼地方可以稍稍喘息一下呢？建國假日花市應該是個不錯的選擇。第一次帶著我們家的小寶逛花市，雖然不是很安分，但也消磨了一個多小時。除了拍些生活照外，也抽空拍了一些花卉，一束一束的玫瑰花，多少也感受到一些七夕情人節的氣氛。


Photo 1: 台北市建國假日花市入口



Photo 2: 鮮花店裡滿是玫瑰花

 
其他精采照片請參考 Taipei Jianguo Holiday Flower Market Album 台北 建國花市 相簿。

50 Years Old Zeiss lenses I 五十歲的蔡司老鏡 第1集

2006.7.14

Today was a typhoon day, with cloudy skies and a light drizzle. I had originally planned to take a day off to go somewhere further away to take photos, but I had to change my plans and head to the National Taiwan University campus to find some subjects to shoot. I took out my Vagolandar Bessa R2C and SC Skopar 21/4 lenses from my camera bag, and I also brought along a few of my Zeiss vintage lenses, which are over 50 years old.

 
今天是颱風天，天空陰陰的，而且有點飄雨，原本請假想到遠一點的地方拍照，只好轉到台大校園找一些主題拍拍。從防潮箱裡拿出 Vagolandar Bessa R2C 和SC Skopar 21/4 的鏡頭，順便也將幾顆年過半百的蔡斯老鏡帶出來透透氣。


Gear 1: 由左至右分別為 Zeiss Opton Sonnar 85/2 T、Zeiss Opton Biogon 35/2.8 T、Voigtlander Bessa R2C 與 Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50/2 T


Gear 2: 由左至右分別為 Voigtlander SC Skopar 21/4、Zeiss Opton Biogon 35/2.8 T、Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50/2 T、Zeiss Opton Sonnar 85/2 T


Gear 3: Zeiss Opton Lenses for Zeiss Ikon Contax

There is a decommissioned F-100 fighter jet next to the National Taiwan University Department of Mechanical Engineering laboratory. It was originally used for student research, but now only some disassembled components are scattered around the main body of the aircraft. If this aircraft was still in service, it would be about 40 years old. Pairing it with vintage lenses that are also over 50 years old should give it a unique flavor.

Since it was a cloudy day, I chose to use RVP100 film for the shoot. I adjusted the exposure by -0.5 to -1EV, mainly to create a sense of historical atmosphere for the subject. However, this also sacrificed a lot of the details in the shadows. I think I will not make this adjustment next time, as brighter and more vibrant photos are more appealing.

台大機械系實驗工廠旁有一台廢棄的F-100軍刀戰機，原先應該是供學生做研究的，現在只看到一些分解的組件散在飛機主體旁邊。如果這架飛機還在服役的話應該也有近40年的歷史了，搭配50年的歷史的老鏡應該有它獨特的味道。
由於是陰天，所以我選用RVP100來拍攝，曝光方面有-0.5到-1EV調整，主要是想營造主題特有歷史感，不過卻也犧牲了蠻多的暗部細節。我想下一次不會再做這種調整了，畢竟還是亮一點鮮豔一點的相片較討喜。


Photo 1: F-100軍刀機的機腹 (Voigtlander SC Skopar 21/4)


Photo 2: F-100軍刀機的外觀 (Voigtlander SC Skopar 21/4)


Photo 3: F-100軍刀機的引擎室 (Voigtlander SC Skopar 21/4)


Photo 4: F-100軍刀機的座艙罩 (Zeiss Opton Biogon 35/2.8 T)


Photo 5: F-100軍刀機的引擎零件 (Zeiss Opton Biogon 35/2.8 T)


Photo 6: F-100軍刀機的引擎渦輪葉片 (Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50/2 T)


Photo 7: F-100軍刀機的外觀近照 (Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50/2 T)


Photo 8: F-100軍刀機的青天白日 (Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50/2 T)


Photo 9: F-100軍刀機的引擎零件 (Zeiss Opton Sonnar 85/2 T)


Photo 10: F-100軍刀機的引擎零件 (Zeiss Opton Sonnar 85/2 T)

完整照片請參閱 50 Years Old Zeiss Lenses I 五十歲的蔡司老鏡 Part 1 相簿