News

Contax Announces New Addition to N System: The NX 35mm Auto Focus SLR Camera

Three New N-Series Carl Zeiss Zoom Lenses Complement Entire Contax SLR System

PMA 2002, ORLANDO, FL -- February 24, 2002 -- Kyocera Optics, Inc. is proud to announce the latest camera in the Contax N series -– the new Contax NX, a 35mm Auto Focus SLR camera with a built-in flash system. The Contax NX is designed for the consumer interested in a high-quality SLR auto-focus body without the limitations found in an entry-level product. Positioned within the N System just below the Contax N1, the NX provides a second option for photographers considering a Contax N-series camera body. In addition, the NX includes many of the features of the Contax N1, and at the same time, incorporates additional options that place the NX in a class of its own.

 

In addition to the Contax NX, Kyocera Optics, Inc. is also pleased to announce three new lenses to complement the current Contax N system. The new lenses will increase the available selection for the N system to seven lenses. Furthermore, all seven Carl Zeiss N-mount lenses can be utilized with the Contax N1 that was introduced the fall of 2000.

 

The new lenses are:
* Carl Zeiss N Vario-Sonnar T* 28-80mm f3.5-5.6
* Carl Zeiss N Vario-Sonnar T* 70-200mm f3.5-4.5
* Carl Zeiss N Vario-Sonnar T* 17-35mm f2.8

 

Contax NX 35mm Auto Focus Camera

 

The Contax NX is targeted toward serious amateurs, professionals and various photographers with differing interests who wish to experience the superior image quality of Carl Zeiss T* lenses. The smaller Contax NX will appeal to photographers who need a compact camera body or an additional camera body to complement their Contax N1 without adding significant size or weight. In addition, the NX offers many new features such as a rear command dial conveniently located at the user's right thumb, which has the ability to control shutter speeds and functions, making the NX the most ergonomic Contax camera body to date.

 

A first for Contax is the introduction of an integral flash unit with a red-eye-reduction feature to meet various shooting opportunities. In addition to red-eye-reduction, the built-in flash also offers second curtain synchronization and flash output compensation for daylight fill flash. When additional flash output is needed, the NX offers a five-pin hot shoe for use with all current hot-shoe mounted Contax flash units, including the Contax TLA 360.

 

The Contax NX offers a 5-Point Wide Array Diagonal Auto Focus and Dual-Focus System. This technically advanced system was introduced with the Contax N1, the first Contax SLR, auto focus lens system to use Carl Zeiss T* lenses. The greatest benefit of five widely spaced focusing points is that the photographer no longer needs to lock focus on the subject and then recompose in situations where the subject is not centrally located. With the 5-Point Wide Array configuration, the photographer can compose the image, then move the active focus point to the subject with the frame selector control.

 

For unparalleled user flexibility, 20 custom functions allow the photographer to customize the camera to fit any need or photographic challenge. Custom functions such as power-on hold time, film rewind with leader in or leader out, and aperture display can be set within the custom function modes of the Contax NX to provide the flexibility that photographers demand.

 

The approximate street price for the Contax NX body is $649.00.

 

Contax NX Features

 

1. TTL (Through The Lens) phase-difference detection method
The Contax NX offers an improved "TTL phase-difference detection" focusing system that can be switched easily between AF and MF modes with dual focus mechanism lenses.

 

2. Focus frame selection system
A 5-Point Wide Array Diagonal Focus System enables the user to select the best focusing point.

 

3. Easy operation
Users can operate the Contax NX in most situations without taking their eye away from the viewfinder.

 

4. Built-in TTL Flash
The Contax NX is the first Contax SLR with a built-in TTL Flash system.

 

5. Three exposure metering modes
Evaluative Metering, Center-Weighted Average Metering and Spot Metering.

 

6. The external Flash Auto-Set Function
The external Flash Auto-Set Function ensures improved control when flash photography is required.

 

7. Twenty Custom Functions
Selected by users according to their needs:

 

7-1. Power hold interval -- the time to auto power-off can be set to either 4,8,12 or 16 seconds.

 

7-2. AE lock, activated by pressing the shutter button halfway, can be turned on or off.

 

7-3. Shutter increment settings of 1 TV or 1/2 TV steps.

 

7-4. Exposure compensation increment settings of 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV steps.

 

7-5. Viewfinder information display in Evaluative Metering can be adjusted to show: -- Exposure compensation
-- Difference from Spot Metering
-- Difference from Center-Weighted Average metering.

 

7-6. Auto-Bracketing exposure order
Users can choose standard-over-under or over-standard-under

 

7-7. AF-point selection
(AF point selected with focus-frame selector or display-panel light button and AF point-select lever must be used in tandem to change active AF point.)

 

7-8. Supplementary AF light (on/off)

 

7-9. AF audible focus signal (on/off)

 

7-10. Superimposed focus frame
(When the shutter button is pressed halfway; focus frame flashes red for a moment: on/off)

 

7-11. Superimposed focus frame when in focus (on/off)

 

7-12. Automatic rewind (on/off)

 

7-13. Film leader in or out on rewind (on/off)

 

7-14. Depth-of-field preview button operation (on when depressed or on/off operation)

 

7-15. Focus button function in "MF" mode (SAF/CAF)

 

7-16. Red eye reduction (on/off)

 

7-17. Exposure compensation setting (AV, P mode; F dial/F dial and R dial)

 

7-18. Aperture value display with zoom lenses (aperture ring setting/actual aperture value)

 

7-19. Duration of exposure compensation (until powered off or until setting is canceled)

 

7-20. Exposure compensation setting
F dial / F dial and pressing light button; CLE: Restores all default settings.


Three New Carl Zeiss T* Auto Focus Zoom Lenses Complement Contax N System

The three new Carl Zeiss T* zoom lenses greatly increase the versatility of the Contax N System by providing a total of five different zoom lenses, ranging from an incredible wide angle of 17mm to a telephoto of 300mm.

 

In addition to the camera's ability to be used with the new Carl Zeiss N-mount lenses, the Contax NX can also be used with the currently available lenses from the N1 system and any of the Carl Zeiss T* 645 lenses with the Contax NAM-1 Adapter.

1. Carl Zeiss N Vario-Sonnar T* 28-80mm f3.5-5.6
To complement the small size of the Contax NX, Carl Zeiss is pleased to announce the new N Vario-Sonnar T* 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 lens -- the perfect companion to the NX camera body. The seven elements, one of which is aspherical, provide superb imaging performance.

 

The new lens is a compact, high-performance zoom that uses the Contax N-mount system and is equally useful with the N1 or NX camera body. The lens offers the focal length range most often used in 35mm indoor and outdoor photography. With a weight of only 375 grams, it is perfect for traveling light. In addition, the lens offers a macro function that allows close-up photography up to an incredible one-to-four magnification ratio at the 80mm focal length position.

 

The approximate street price for the Carl Zeiss N Vario-Sonnar T* 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 lens is $550.00.

2. Carl Zeiss N Vario-Sonnar T* 70-200mm f3.5-4.5
This lens has been developed for the NX introduction to cover medium and long-range telephoto applications. While the lens has a nearly 3X zoom, the aperture figure range is an incredibly fast f3.5 to 4.5. Additionally, internal focusing is used for this lens. The compact size and zooming range for this lens makes it the perfect companion to the Carl Zeiss N Vario-Sonnar T* 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 lens, and the combination of the two provides a focal range of 28mm to 200mm. When mated to the Contax NX, these two lenses work to create the perfect compact and lightweight system.

 

The approximate street price for the Carl Zeiss N Vario-Sonnar T* 70-200mm f3.5-4.5 lens is $785.00.

3. Carl Zeiss N Vario-Sonnar T* 17-35mm f2.8
The new Carl Zeiss N Vario-Sonnar T* 17-35mm f2.8 is an ultra wide angle, high-speed zoom lens that covers the focal range of 17mm to 35mm. It incorporates three (3) aspherical lenses, two (2) low-dispersion glass lenses and one (1) high index glass lens. It has the ability to produce extraordinary image quality across the image field. The autofocus is powered by an ultra, supersonic wave motor, which provides for extremely quiet operation.

 

The approximate street price for the Carl Zeiss N Vario-Sonnar T* 17-35mm f2.8 lens is $2,375.00.

 

 

About Contax
Contax North America, a division of Kyocera Optics, Inc., markets a complete line of high-end photographic equipment including 35mm manual and auto focus SLR's, medium format SLR's, rangefinders and sophisticated lens/shutter and zoom cameras. The company also maintains the exclusive license to distribute world renowned Carl Zeiss T* lenses for 35mm, 645 and Advanced Photo System cameras.

CONTAX NX Detailed Specifications

Type:
35mm focal plane type AF/AE single lens reflex camera

 

Picture size:
24 x 36mm

 

Lens mount:
CONTAX N mount

 

Shutter type:
Vertical travel focal plane shutter

 

Shutter speed:
AV, TV and P: 32~1/4000 sec.; M: 32~1/4000 sec. and bulb; X: 1/125 sec. (M mode)

 

Flash sync speed:
X contact (synchronized at up to 1/125 sec.) Direct contact and synchronization terminal included

 

Self-timer:
Electronic type, 10 sec. delay

 

Shutter release:
Electronic release, with dedicated cable switch socket

 

Exposure control:
1. Aperture priority auto
2. Shutter priority auto
3. Program auto
4. Manual exposure
5. TTL auto flash

 

Metering system:
TTL evaluative metering, center-weighted average metering, or spot metering (selectable)

 

Metering range (ISO100, F1.4)
-- Evaluative metering: EV0~21
-- Center-weighted average metering: EV0~20
-- Spot metering: EV3~20

 

Film speed range:
Automatic setting with DX-coded film, ISO 25~5000; manual setting, ISO 6~6400

 

AE lock:
EV at image plane stored in memory

 

Exposure compensation:
+3EV~-3EV (in steps of 1/3 or 1/2)

 

Auto-Bracketing Control:
Exposure compensation with ABC button and single command dial setting Compensation range +/-0.3EV, +/-0.5EV, +/-1EV

 

Built-in flash:
Guide number 13.5 (ISO100), up to focal distance of 28mm; red-eye reduction flash

 

Automatic flash intensity adjustment:
TTL direct metering

 

Flash synchronization:
Automatic selection of shutter speed when flash is completely charged

 

Flash auto setting function:
Possible by combination with Contax flash unit with flash auto setting function

 

Second curtain synchronization:
Possible with built-in flash or Contax flash unit with second curtain synchronization function

 

Auto focus:
5-point TTL phase difference detection

 

Viewfinder:
-- Pentaprism eye-level (long-eye point)
-- Field of view 93%
-- Magnification 0.78x (with 50mm standard lens at infinity, -1D diopter)

 

Diopter correction:
Separately available FL type fitted for correction, eight variations

 

Focusing screen:
Fixed, full matte

 

Viewfinder display:
Focus frame, film counter/self-timer time/ABC shooting order, film loading, flash mark, compensation mark, focus display, aperture value, shutter speed, metering mode icon, exposure meter, exposure compensation icon, manual exposure mark

 

Display panel:
Film counter/self timer time/ABC shooting order/bulb elapsed time/film loading, battery mark, distance display, focus mode (manual focus, single auto focus, continuous auto focus), exposure mode (manual exposure, aperture priority auto, shutter priority auto, program auto), metering display spot metering, center-weighted average metering, evaluative metering), drive mode (self timer photography, single-frame photography, continuous photography), DX/ISO mark, ABC compensation mark, built in flash intensity compensation mark, aperture value/ABC compensation/internal flash intensity compensation, shutter speed/film speed/custom functions, exposure compensation, CF mark

 

Film loading:
Auto loading with automatic advance to film counter '01'

 

Film advance:
Automatic with built-in motor

 

Film rewind:
Automatic with built-in motor (with auto return/auto stop function), mid-roll rewinding possible

 

Drive modes:
Single frame, continuous, 10 sec. self timer

 

Winding speed:
Up to approximately 2.3 frames/sec. at continuous shooting ('C' mode) with new batteries, at normal room temperature, and based on Contax testing standards

 

Film counter:
Auto reset additive type for display panel and viewfinder

 

Accessory shoe:
Direct X contact (with TLA flash interlocking contacts)

 

Custom functions:
20 functions possible

 

Batteries:
2 x (CR2) 3V lithium batteries

 

Battery check:
Auto checking, indicated on display panel

 

Others:
Aperture check button, AF supplementary light

 

Dimensions:
142mm (width) x 113mm (height) x 66mm (depth)

 

Weight (g):
605 grams (excluding batteries)

 

Optional Accessories:
Flexible case C-9 and Data-back D-11

Carl Zeiss N Vario-Sonnar T* 28-80mm f3.5-5.6
Lens Specifications

Lens construction:
7 elements (one aspherical), 7 groups

 

Focal range (mm):
28-80mm

 

Image size (mm):
24 x 36

 

Angular field:
75 degrees - 30 degrees

 

Mount:
CONTAX N mount

 

Focus adjustment:
Auto, manual

 

AF/MF:
Manual switch

 

Aperture control:
Auto

 

Apertures:
3.5 - 5.6 - 8 - 11 - 16 - 22

 

Minimum focus (m):
0.5m (telephoto-macro position 0.25m)

 

Filter:
Filter 55mm screw-in type

 

Hood:
GB-51 bayonet-type

 

Dimensions (mm):
76mm (diameter) x 70mm (length)

 

Weight (g):
375 grams

 

Standard Accessories:
Hood, Lens Cap, Rear Cap and Case.

 

(This lens does not come with Dual Focus Mechanism)

Carl Zeiss N Vario-Sonnar T* 70-200mm f3.5-4.5
Lens Specifications

Lens construction:
11 elements, 14 groups (internal focusing)

 

Focal range (mm):
70 - 200mm

 

Image size (mm):
24 x 36

 

Angular field:
34 degrees - 12 degrees

 

Mount:
CONTAX N mount

 

Focal Adjustment:
Auto, manual

 

AF/MF:
Manual switch

 

Aperture Control:
Auto

 

Apertures:
3.5 - 5.6 - 8 - 11 - 16 - 22

 

Minimum focus:
1.0m

 

Filter:
Filter 67mm screw-in type

 

Hood:
GB-77 bayonet-type (optional accessory)

 

Dimensions (mm):
77.5 mm (diameter) X 106.0 mm (length)

 

Weight (g):
650 grams

 

Standard Accessories:
Lens Cap, Rear Cap, Case

 

(This lens does not come with Dual Focus Mechanism)

Carl Zeiss N Vario-Sonnar T* 17-35mm f2.8
Lens Specifications

Lens construction:
10 elements, 15 groups

 

Focal range (mm):
17-35mm

 

Image size (mm):
24 x 36

 

Angular field:
104 degrees - 63 degrees

 

Mount:
CONTAX N mount

 

Focal Adjustment:
Auto, manual

 

AF/MF:
Dual Focus Mechanism

 

Aperture Control:
Auto

 

Apertures:
2.8 - 4 - 5.6 - 8 - 11 - 16 - 22

 

Minimum focus:
0.5 m

 

Filter:
Filter 95 mm screw-in type

 

Hood:
GB-103 bayonet-type (optional accessory)

 

Dimensions (mm):
102 mm (diameter) X 96 mm (length)

 

Weight (g):
910 grams

 

Standard Accessories:
Lens Cap, Rear Cap, Case

 

* Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

 

CONTACT:
Michael Zorek
HWH Public Relations
PHONE: (212) 355-5049 Ext. 121
EMAIL: michaelz@hwhpr.com