Why the Contax TVS is great 

00:00 Introduction
00:19 Background
Released in 1994, the Contax TVS is kinda like the T2 but with zoom, but also not really.
Equipped with a full titanium body, along with many other features, this definitely isn’t the average run-of-the-mill camera.
So let’s get to it.
00:35 Chapter 1 - Turning the camera on.
By far one of the most unique ways to turn on a point & shoot. To be honest, I think it’s cool.
But, I also think it’s pretty fragile.
Some users online have complained about a wire that breaks after rigorous use.
- But I’ve owned this camera for almost 2 years and it seems to be working fine… for now.
01:01 Chapter 2 - Lens
Equipped with a Zeiss Vario Sonnar lens, the optics are undoubtedly sharp.
It’s 28mm-56mm, f/3.5 at its widest aperture.
I’ve only used it at its maximum zoom, probably once or twice.
01:16 Chapter 3 - Focusing
This camera has both Autofocus and Manual focus (kind of).
It has the conventional half-press to lock focus.
Manual focusing is really cool. You basically rotate the dial until it shows a solid circle. And that’s it. boom.
01:34 Chapter 4 - Exposure
Aperture priority or program. That’s what it does.
Aperture priority gives you good control for taking photos.
Setting the aperture is easy, too.
Even though the shutter speed is automatic, it ranges from bulb to 1/700s, depending on the mode that you’ve set.
01:57 Chapter 5 - Additional Features
It has: A timer, an exposure compensation dial.Panoramic mode. (Mask), the ability to retain flash off on startup.
02:12 Chapter 6 - Shooting the Contax TVS during the Day
03:22 Final Chapter - Shooting the Contax TVS at Night
What I think about the Contax TVS:
Cons:
1. Startup is slow.
Turning on the camera take a bit of time, considering how it's a twist of the lens, then the lens cap. Also, the lens cap is an extra fiddly piece that you'd have to keep in a pocket or something.
2. Weight.
As compared to a MJU i/ii, this camera is heavy.
3. Not as "sharp" as a T2.
Not that I've compared them myself, but just from what I've read online. Also, usually primes are optically sharper.
Pros:
1. Many useful features (AF/MF, Aperture Priority, Timer, Exp Comp)
Even if you don't care about the above functions. One important thing that the TVS does, is to leave the flash OFF on startup. Meaning, the camera doesn't automatically bust a flash if you're shooting street or when you want to be discrete. There's also an additional function which can reel your roll back and leave the leader sticking out... for emergencies I guess?
2. Solid Body
I mentioned the weight, but this camera is really built like a tank. I like it. It makes me feel good using it, knowing that it's not a heap of plastic. Really up to personal preference.
3. Photos come out decent :)
That said about lens and optics and stuff, I'm still impressed with how the photos turn out. Sure it might not compare to the T/2/3, but I love it nonetheless.
Er anyways yeah, I've had it for about 2 years, I'm probably keeping it forever.