> I just retired from Kodak where I was responsible for designing many of the new B&W papers Kodak is selling today. In retirement, I am shooting more B&W than I did while I was working (makes sence.... more time to do what I want.). In my Kodak career, I used every size format camera there is and I elected to go with Contax 35mm. Why? because I'm tired of carrying all the junk with a 4 x 5 and I don't like loading and hand processing it. Now a lot of experts will tell you that's the best way for B&W because then each negative can be processed according to it's own exposure. But those conditions are rare. I prefer the ability to shoot multiple shots when the 4 x 5 guy waits and waits and waits for just the right moment which may never come or just passed. I toyed with Voitlander and Leica but decided on Contax because I'm getting older and so are my eyes and I need a good autofocus. Autofocus...if you can trust it...is very valuable. I had a G-1 but I couldn't trust the autofocus. I now have a G-2 and it tells me in the viewfinder, the distance. If I agree with the viewfinder, I shoot, if I don't, I move the lens slightly and re-focus then shoot. By the way, one of my favorite 120 cameras was the Fuji 6x9 but it doesn't match up to the Contax for sharpness.
The range of Contax lenses I have are the 21mm, 35 mm and 90mm. This is a much better choice for B&W since you can crop easily on the enlarger. A circular polarizer can be used but is not necessary for the Contax system. Reason is that the lens does not rotate when it focuses but moves straight out. I use a linear polarizer. I like to see what is is going to do. Then I visually check it for alignment then put it on the lens at the same position. Seems to work. I also use a red filter a lot. I use mostly Tmax 100 and also T400CN.
I use my 35mm Contax like a 4 x 5. Each shot is composed similarly to 4x 5. I use a heavy tripod and for B&W. I overexpose each image. I use a Leica enlarger.
People tell me they can't tell the difference between Contax 35mm and medium format in my prints. That's what I like to hear.
Dave