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Contax at PMA 2004 Not good
- Thread starter derekstanton
- Start date
M
mogrkaku
depressing
I am really amazed that Contax has not moved to correct the N digital shortcomings to produce a solid product for the high end digital SLR market. Relatively minor tweaks such as developing a RAW plugin for Photoshop and better power management would result in an excellent Zeiss Lens powered system.
I have a number of Contax P&S products, such as the T3 and T ix, and love them. Hopefully the Contax management can get their stuff together and deliver on the digital SLR front as well.
I have a number of Contax P&S products, such as the T3 and T ix, and love them. Hopefully the Contax management can get their stuff together and deliver on the digital SLR front as well.
Fellow Forum Members...FYI...
Three weeks ago I contacted Kyocera about servicing my N Digital...(my NAM-1 needed work, my rear dial needed some tlc, and I wanted a technician to look at it in general). I was given concise instructions on how to send the equipment in. In about a week, I received a written evaluation and estimate for the repairs ($87). I promptly paid for the repairs. I received the repaired camera and the NAM-1 today. The equipment was beautifully repaired and operates just like new. This is an ex&le of Contax/Kyocera handling their customer service in a very businesslike way. I am very satisfied with the service and I will continue to use and enjoy my Contax/Zeiss equipment. Greg "Al" Larson
Three weeks ago I contacted Kyocera about servicing my N Digital...(my NAM-1 needed work, my rear dial needed some tlc, and I wanted a technician to look at it in general). I was given concise instructions on how to send the equipment in. In about a week, I received a written evaluation and estimate for the repairs ($87). I promptly paid for the repairs. I received the repaired camera and the NAM-1 today. The equipment was beautifully repaired and operates just like new. This is an ex&le of Contax/Kyocera handling their customer service in a very businesslike way. I am very satisfied with the service and I will continue to use and enjoy my Contax/Zeiss equipment. Greg "Al" Larson
D
djg
Greg, that's comforting news indeed. On the other hand, I faxed in an order for two ND battery holders over three weeks ago as instructed through e-mail and no news yet ...
DJ
Patiently waiting
DJ
Patiently waiting
D
dormant
Hello Greg,
What kind of repair did you need for your NAM-1? I understand it is basically a metal ring with no moving parts. It shouldn't need any repair, unless the mount is warped. But I have seen at least two people here now complaining that something's not right with their NAM-1s. I was going to buy a used NAM-1, but if it needs repairs I might have to get a new one.
Is NAM-1 not rigid enough that it warps easily? How does it feel attached to ND with a 645 lens? Does it feel solid with no play?
Many thanks.
What kind of repair did you need for your NAM-1? I understand it is basically a metal ring with no moving parts. It shouldn't need any repair, unless the mount is warped. But I have seen at least two people here now complaining that something's not right with their NAM-1s. I was going to buy a used NAM-1, but if it needs repairs I might have to get a new one.
Is NAM-1 not rigid enough that it warps easily? How does it feel attached to ND with a 645 lens? Does it feel solid with no play?
Many thanks.
albert4321
Well-Known Member
I had my N1 AF sensor adjusted under warrenty. I got my camera back within two weeks. The other time I sent my 24-85mm zoom to tighten the zoom ring, I got my lens back in one week. Both repair works were great.
Taylor, I got an USED NAM-1 from a dealer and it did not focus correct. Although I was not sure it was my N1 or the adapter, but I got a new one and it works perfectly. The NAM-1 fits into the N1 and ND pretty will. I usually mount the 120mm or 80mm C645 lenses for portrait or product shoot. One of the greatest thing about the N system is being able to use the C645 lenses. Contax got some design right in this case.
When I have time, I will mount the huge 45-90mm zoom or the 35mm lens to the ND and see how they perform.
Albert.
Taylor, I got an USED NAM-1 from a dealer and it did not focus correct. Although I was not sure it was my N1 or the adapter, but I got a new one and it works perfectly. The NAM-1 fits into the N1 and ND pretty will. I usually mount the 120mm or 80mm C645 lenses for portrait or product shoot. One of the greatest thing about the N system is being able to use the C645 lenses. Contax got some design right in this case.
When I have time, I will mount the huge 45-90mm zoom or the 35mm lens to the ND and see how they perform.
Albert.
D
dormant
Hello Albert,
Thanks for the input. My N1 has no focus problem, so my question is how sturdy NAM-1 is physically. I've already placed an order for a used NAM-1 from KEH, and I'll see how it works when I get it.
Thanks for the input. My N1 has no focus problem, so my question is how sturdy NAM-1 is physically. I've already placed an order for a used NAM-1 from KEH, and I'll see how it works when I get it.
Taylor-
I was having trouble with the electronic connection between the camera and the lens. The autofocus and aperture readings would not work I shoot manual but I want my stuff to function properly). My beloved ND was fine and the NAM-1 needed a new ring. FYI. I just bought two more NAM-1 adapters so that I can leave them on my MF mount lenses when I am using the ND exclusively. The NAM-1 has a nice tight fit but it is a bugger to remove and when I want to move I don't want to mess with the adapter I want to shoot.
DJ- Is there some way I can get your email so I can give you my contacts at Kyocera? You have to be diligent when you call. I always keep notes and phone numbers when I talk to people (even an assistant...kill them with kindness and they will help you with anything) there so that I can get service asap. This is no different than other big companies. You just have to work their system. Contact me at my website (sorry it is such a mess right now. I'm too busy!).
FYI. I just checked my ND against my Pentax Digital Spotmeter and the ND with firmware 1.07 is right on the money. The more I use this camera the more puzzled I am that they aren't making it. I pick it up in preference to my 1DS and it shouldn't even be a fair comparison. I just like the images better from the ND. I don't need MTF charts or any of that other garbage that tells me what my eyes can't see.
--Greg "Al" Larson
I was having trouble with the electronic connection between the camera and the lens. The autofocus and aperture readings would not work I shoot manual but I want my stuff to function properly). My beloved ND was fine and the NAM-1 needed a new ring. FYI. I just bought two more NAM-1 adapters so that I can leave them on my MF mount lenses when I am using the ND exclusively. The NAM-1 has a nice tight fit but it is a bugger to remove and when I want to move I don't want to mess with the adapter I want to shoot.
DJ- Is there some way I can get your email so I can give you my contacts at Kyocera? You have to be diligent when you call. I always keep notes and phone numbers when I talk to people (even an assistant...kill them with kindness and they will help you with anything) there so that I can get service asap. This is no different than other big companies. You just have to work their system. Contact me at my website (sorry it is such a mess right now. I'm too busy!).
FYI. I just checked my ND against my Pentax Digital Spotmeter and the ND with firmware 1.07 is right on the money. The more I use this camera the more puzzled I am that they aren't making it. I pick it up in preference to my 1DS and it shouldn't even be a fair comparison. I just like the images better from the ND. I don't need MTF charts or any of that other garbage that tells me what my eyes can't see.
--Greg "Al" Larson
D
dormant
Thanks Greg. I see the problem mainly lies with the electrical contacts. So long as I keep them clean I should have fewer problems, I presume. Well, let's see how my NAM-1 work and go from there.
D
djg
Greg,
You can reach me through my website:
Just go to the Webmaster. Or you can private-message me through my Contaxinfo profile. Thanks.
My concern is more on the availability of the part than about Contax support, which has been excellent in the few times I have required it.
Cheers,
DJ
You can reach me through my website:
Just go to the Webmaster. Or you can private-message me through my Contaxinfo profile. Thanks.
My concern is more on the availability of the part than about Contax support, which has been excellent in the few times I have required it.
Cheers,
DJ
stan_parry
Well-Known Member
I think Kyocera may know exactly what it is doing. The high end Contax line was a favorite of a previous president. When he left, the brand became orphaned. They seem to be repositioning the brand towards point and shoot, which is more compatible with Kocera's other camera products. How much true R&D is left Kyocera that focuses on Contax? Are they really interested in keeping Contax competitive with Nikon, Canon, Fuji, etc. in the digital game? Are the folks that developed the N System as a precursor to a full chip digital system even working at Kyocera on Cotax related development or are they in Siberia for their mismanagement? I hope I am wrong.