I think it might make sense to summarize some points here about the S2 for people who are in a buying decision for a second hand model. When I started with this site, I have not had the time to write for all cameras I used a review right from the beginning.
Muchan (the member of the S2 gang) kindly helped me out here with his S2 experience. I think if you read this thread there is not so much left to mention, but a summary of my experience might put some things in the right light, especially after my criticism of some features.
1. Outfit S2/S2b
The S2 was build in memory of the Contax S from 1949 and follows the principles this concept in the past. I like the S2 a lot. I used to have 2 of them, both spot metering (silver body). I prefer the spot metering, since the nicest shots I took have been always in very difficult lightening situations and a center weighted metering (anthrazit body) is then not very helpful. For the day to day shooting spot metering is not the easiest way.
The camera looks really sexy, even better then my beloved RTS II. I like the classic design, the clean overview and basic operation. This is how a pure mechanical camera should be.
Although very light (565g) it is robust and solid build. In the inner part are some plastic parts which would have looked in black better then in grey. But this is a personal taste.
2. Features
As written in the S2 brochure (available in the scan section), “simple is bestâ€. This is what I like at the S2, same as for my Leica M6. You will not find many features on the S2, but the one which are there are really essential.
The mirror lock up for ex&le is a very important feature for me. You can use it in combination with the 10 sec. selftimer. The mirror goes first up and 10 seconds later the picture will be taken. Flash syncro of 1/250 is for many people important, I sue flash very seldom. Shutterspeed of 1/4000 is great to have, especially if you need small DOF in bright light-situations.
Multiple exposures, on/off switch, DOF preview button and interchangeable focusing screens are very helpful features. The viewfinder has 95% field of view and 0.82 magnification, which makes manual focussing easier.
3. Handling
The first thing you will probably realize is the noise of the shutter. It is not really louder then a Leica R shutter noise, but I think because of the tiny size and the low weight, everybody would expect less noise. If you think about it, the shutter must have a kind of standard noise level, since all the mechanics are constructed for 1/4000 sec. There is a lot more speed you have to control for this. My N1 shutter is also louder then the Nx because of the higher speed capability. A Leica M6 makes 1/1000. That’s it. So no wonder that it is more silent (Konica Hexar with build in lens is more silent then the M6 by the way)
The second thing you will detect is the lack of the aperture in the viewfinder. Only the shutter speed is indicated. I do not mind, since it forces you more to think about what you are doing, looking at the DOF scale of your lens etc. and in my M6 I even do not have the speed indicated. So no reason to complain. Remember, the S2 is not made to shoot fast action. For this you should take an electronic camera with AF or at least aperture priority.
The viewfinder is bright and even with glasses easy to look through (but no RTSIII). Spot metering is very sensitive to changes as it should be. So concentrate on the circle if you compose your picture. You can see in the viewfinder the shutter speed (proposed and your own settings – if they do not overlap), flash mark, overexposure warning and underexposure warning. Sound like the luxury version of the M6 J
All signs are clearly visible on the right side of the viewfinder. It has a black background with white/transparent numbers which are on the specific setting red lighted.
The operation is smooth and logic. Actually there are no questions on how and what. No dials, buttons or switches you forget to turn on or off. A really relaxing photography instrument. The film-window on the back is really appreciated from a suffering RTS II and M6 user.
What I did not like was the solution for the film rewind knob and the film rewind crank. As described in another posting, there is no protection for accidentally winding/loosening the film while carrying the camera or moving in a bag. So you can end up with images which are either very close to each other or overlapping partly (if someone would find a technical solution as a modification for it, I would buy a S2 immediately again). And of course the spot metering and center-weighted metering combined in one body would make sense too.
For me the Contax S2 is the real answer of Contax to the Leica M6. except that one is an SLR and the other a rangefinder, The S2 has many features and advantages, why Leica users are buying a M6 J. If you then also compare the weight of the C/Y lenses vs. Leica M lenses, you will understand what I mean.
Summary of the most important points:
Very good quality
Very good viewfinder
Mirror lock-up via self-timer
Very light
Very compact
All mechanical
No combination spot and CW-metering possible
Film rewind knob and crank not fixable
Used available for around 500 USD/Euro in excellent condition. New not anymore available.