1 Contax's Second Worst Mistake
Hoping to revive its financial fortunes, Kyocera developed this autofocus SLR as the ultimate example of its kind, relying on Carl Zeiss to create a system of autofocus Zeiss lenses akin to what is available now on the Contax 645. Instead, Kyocera created the most expensive autofocus flagship SLR, and regrettably, it pales in comparison with its competition, most notably from Nikon and Canon (Kyocera's worst mistake was designing and producing the Contax N series digital camera, which sank from sight, faster than the RMS Titanic.). I wish Kyocera had done more to strengthen its Contax/Yashica SLR system, thinking perhaps of creating a digital back for the Contax RTS III, if not for either the RX or ST (Both fine cameras which have been discontinued by Kyocera.). It remains doubtful whether the current partnership between Kyocera and Carl Zeiss will endure, especially since Carl Zeiss has created a line of Zeiss-designed, predominantly Cosina (Voigtlander) built Leica M mount rangefinder lenses for its new Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera scheduled to be released in the Spring of 2005 (Indeed, Carl Zeiss and Yashica have already severed ties, with the Contax brand being used solely for compact cameras, especially those which are digital. I understand that Zeiss has closed its Japanese lens making facility.).
