Yashica Contax RTS II

The Contax RTS II, introduced in 1982 by Yashica, represented a refinement of the RTS series that had debuted in 1979. As a flagship 35mm SLR, it showcased Japanese engineering married to Carl Zeiss optics, positioning itself against other professional systems of the era. The RTS II brought notable improvements over its predecessor, including an upgraded viewfinder with brighter image projection, enhanced electronics, and the addition of a mirror lock-up function valuable for macro photography and copy work. Its vertically traveling metal focal plane shutter offered speeds from 1 to 1/2000 second, while the sophisticated TTL center-weighted metering system provided accurate exposure automation. The camera's substantial metal construction and modular design, compatible with motor drives and various accessories, reflected its professional-grade orientation.

While the Contax RTS II earned respect for its build quality and precision engineering, it operated in a highly competitive market dominated by established players like Nikon and Canon. The system's main draw remained the exceptional optical performance of Zeiss lenses, though the relatively high price point and specialized positioning limited its widespread adoption among working professionals. The RTS II found favor among photographers who valued the unique rendering of Zeiss glass and appreciated the camera's refined ergonomics and features like the advanced self-timer with intervalometer capabilities. Despite not achieving the legendary status of some contemporaries, it represented a noteworthy achievement in combining advanced electronics with traditional precision manufacturing.