Contax's early-1980s pro C/Y SLR — the RTS II, electronic shutter, aperture-priority auto, Zeiss T*.
The Contax RTS II is a 35mm film SLR from the early 1980s and the successor to the original Contax RTS, the professional-level body of the Contax/Yashica (C/Y) system created through the collaboration of Contax, Yashica and Carl Zeiss. It used the C/Y bayonet and was built around Carl Zeiss T* lenses, sitting at the top of the C/Y range as a camera aimed at professionals and demanding enthusiasts.
The RTS II is a C/Y bayonet SLR for 35mm film with an electronically controlled focal-plane shutter. It offers aperture-priority automatic exposure and manual control, with through-the-lens metering shown in the viewfinder. Because the shutter timing is electronic, the camera depends on a battery to fire. Points beyond these verified facts, such as exact shutter range, are omitted here rather than guessed, in keeping with the accuracy-first approach.
The RTS II suits professional and serious users who want the full quality of the Carl Zeiss T* lens range in a well-built body for portraits, reportage and general professional work. Its solid construction and aperture-priority automation make it capable for demanding shooting. The main limitation is battery dependence, since the electronic shutter will not operate without power, so carrying spares is prudent.
On the used market the RTS II is a higher-end electronic C/Y body, so foam and electronics both need careful checking. Replace perished foam light seals and mirror-damper foam. Confirm the camera powers up and the electronically timed shutter fires accurately across speeds with a fresh battery, and test aperture-priority auto and the meter, since electronic faults are the main risk and repairs can be costly. Inspect the prism for haze, and verify film advance, rewind and the bayonet lock.
