INTRODUCING THE NEW CONTAX N1: Redefining Sharpness And Accuracy in an Auto Focus 35mm SLR Kyocera Corporation is proud to announce the Contax N1 35mm Auto Focus Single Lens Reflex camera, targeted toward a broad range of photographers, from the professional to the amateur. The Contax N1 also incorporates several "World's First" features:
· 5 Point Wide Array Diagonal Focus System · Fine Focus ABC (Auto Bracketing Control) · Liquid Crystal Display Viewfinder (optional extra)
Introduction: The newest camera in the Contax family boasts technological highlights not found in any other camera system. The Contax N1 introduces a Dual Focus Mechanism as an extension to our existing manual focus 35mm system. The new mechanism will enable the user to focus on the subject in a split second by switching at will between manual focus and auto focus modes. We have also taken the greatest care in designing the size and position of the controls in such a way that they can be operated immediately, without the need to take the eye away from the viewfinder. Contax is also launching four N-mount lenses (three of which incorporate Ultra Sonic Motors), newly developed by Carl Zeiss for use with the Contax N1:
- Vario-Sonnar T* 24-85mm F3.5-4.5 - Vario-Sonnar T* 70-300mm F4-5.6 - Planar T* 50mm F1.4 - Makro-Planar T* 100mm F2.8
Additionally, by utilizing the NAM-1 Mount Adapter, the Contax N1 can use all 7 of the Carl Zeiss T* medium format lenses from the 645:
- Distagon T* 35mm F3.5 - Distagon T* 45mm F2.8 - Planar T* 80mm F2 - Apo-Makro-Planar T* 120mm F4 - Sonnar T* 140mm F2.8 - Sonnar T* 210mm F4 - Tele-Apotessar 350mm F4
Plus in the Spring, we will be launching two additional lenses for the Contax N1: - Planar 85mm F1.4 - Vario-Sonnar 17-35mm F2.8 The Contax N1 is also equipped with two new features that assist in optimizing focus: the world's first "5-Point Wide Array Diagonal Auto Focus System" and "Fine Focus ABC" (Auto Bracketing Control), which makes it possible to shift the focus point in three automatic stages. We are also offering a number of multi-featured optional accessories including an external Liquid Crystal Display viewfinder (available Spring 2001) which can be checked while using the camera, and a multifunctional data-back system for recording a range of photographic data. And to further complement the N1 system, we will announce the N Digital Camera for Spring 2001. Detailed specifications for this camera are not available at this time, however it will utilize a more than 6 megapixel sensor. The N1 now proudly joins the family of Contax SLR's. But while the N1 system provides yet another option to photographers, the Contax tradition of allowing photographers to totally control their camera with manual focus will continue. It's all part of the Contax belief to allow each individual photographer to select the camera and lenses that provide them with the ability to express their creativity.
Main features of the Contax N1 A. Focusing system which can be switched easily between AF and MF modes (Dual Focus Mechanism). The N1 does away with the need to choose between AF and MF modes before focusing the camera prior to taking a shot. We have introduced the Contax focusing system to our 35mm SLR line (Dual Focus Mechanism) so as to make it possible to use the two modes in a complementary manner even during the focusing process. In AF mode, you simply turn the focusing ring, and the camera switches automatically from focus lock to manual focusing condition, enabling fine manual adjustments. In MF mode, the user can switch to AF mode instantly by pressing the focus button. Using this focus mechanism it is possible to make delicate adjustments to the selected focus or, when photographing subjects that are unsuitable for AF, you can change the focus at will without the need to operate complicated switches. In both cases the user can concentrate on composing the shot without taking their eye from the viewfinder. World's First! B. 5-Point Wide Array Diagonal Focus System enables the user to select the best focusing point for the shot. When composing a shot for optimum framing, in most cases the main subject is either concentrated near the center of the picture or along diagonals drawn between the four corners. So as to make the N1 as sensitive as possible to the user's intentions when in AF mode, the camera is fitted with a focusing system which measures the distance from the lens to these five vital points. When used in combination with the Dual Focus Mechanism, further fine adjustments can be made to the focusing point. This allows the photographer to make the final adjustments and decide exactly how the picture should look. The N1 can operate in two modes; Manual Select and Auto Select. In Manual Select mode the user can override the system and select one out of the five focusing points. When the user wants to focus on a larger area in order to get the best composition, they may use the Auto Select Option. This mode allows the photographer to select camera focus on different areas of the shot: (a) All (b) Upper (c) Lower (d) Left and (e) Right. Either mode can be selected and used according to the effect that the photographer intends to achieve.
World's First! C. The Fine Focus ABC (Auto Bracketing Control) allows the user to make minute adjustments by shifting the focusing point in three automatic stages. In order to obtain ideal focus point, professional photographers (including fashion, portrait, nature, etc.) often make photos of the same composition, slightly altering the focusing point each time. Using Fine Focus ABC in the manual mode, a series of pictures can automatically be made with the focusing point moved to several slightly different positions, normally not observable through the viewfinder.
World's First! D. The Liquid Crystal Display Viewfinder FE-1 (optional) allows the user to make a photo while checking the picture on an external full color viewfinder. When the Liquid Crystal Display Viewfinder is attached to the camera's eyepiece, the photographer can preview composition and exposure in the Liquid Crystal Display Viewfinder. The brightness of the viewfinder's screen responds to changes made to the exposure, enabling the user to make a visual check of the likely effects of exposure adjustments. The screen can be switched between color or black and white modes so that even when monochrome film is used, the photographer can check the approximate appearance of the eventual photographic print. The external Liquid Crystal Display Viewfinder is fitted with a shutter release mechanism. If the panel is attached to the camera using the supplied cable, the viewfinder can be used and positioned at a considerable distance from the camera, making it possible to do remote photography while checking the image on the screen. The Liquid Crystal Display Viewfinder measures 1.5 inches square and uses a 330,000 pixel Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) display.
E. High-reliability, high-speed 1/8000 second shutter. In order to make the best use of the high definition provided by Carl Zeiss T* lenses, the N1 is fitted with a high-speed focal-plane shutter with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 second and a maximum flash synchronization speed of 1/250 second. To enhance the range of artistic effects achievable with the N1 we have also increased the range of adjustable aperture settings.
F. Three methods of light-metering ensure image fidelity: Matrix, Center-Weighted Average and Spot. The N1's metering system divides the picture frame into five independent sections and measures the light falling on each of them. Three different metering methods are available: Using Matrix, it is possible to take pictures with virtually no further adjustment to the exposure settings, both in conventional lighting situations and when using back lighting. Center-Weighted Average Metering produces superb results with high-speed shots while Spot Metering allows the photographer to make careful adjustments to exposure settings.
G. The Multifunction Data-Back D-10 (optional) records photographic data on the film. Using the Data-Back, exclusive to the N1 camera, you can record the date the photo was taken and technical data concerning the exposure. The device enables photographers to preserve and organize information according to type of photograph and exposure settings, then compare the resulting photographs with the settings used. Information relating to the entire film (recorded on the first two frames): 1 Time, day, month and year the film was loaded 2 Camera used: "N1" 3 Exposure data (exposure adjustment settings; shutter speed; aperture size; exposure mode) 4 Frame number (every five frames) 5 Time, day, month and year the film was rewound
Information relating to individual frames (one of the four modes listed below can be selected and the information is recorded in the spaces between the frames): 1 Date (year, month, day; month, day, year; day, month, year; or day, hour, minute) 2 Exposure data (exposure adjustment settings; shutter speed; aperture size; exposure mode or two letters of text) 3 Counter number (four-digit cumulative counter and film counter) and two letters of text 4 User-entered six-digit number and two characters of text 5 No information recorded The Data-Back is also equipped with a convenient timed exposure feature which is useful for time-lapse photography, etc.
H. Flash Auto-Set Function ensures improved control when flash photography is required. When the flash (TLA360) is installed, the Flash Auto-Set Function gathers data concerning the speed of the film, the aperture size and the lens focus, and displays them on the reverse of the flash unit, automatically adjusting the angle of the light in response to the lens focus. The balance between flash lighting and natural lighting can be corrected by adjusting the exposure settings on the flash independently of those on the camera body. Using this flash Auto-Set Function, flash lighting can be applied to a wider range of photographic situations and the camera and flash can be operated as a single, integrated system.
I. Twenty different custom functions can be tailored according to the users' preferences. The following functions can be selected by the photographer: (01) Power hold interval. The time to auto power off can be set to 4, 8, 12, or 16 seconds. (02) AE lock, activated by pressing the shutter button half way, can be turned on or off. (03) AE lock on the exposure check button can be switched on or off. (04) The shutter increment settings on the command dial can be set to 1.0Ev or 0.5Ev. (05) The exposure adjustment increment on the command dial can be set to 0.3Ev or 0.5Ev. (06) The Matrix light meter display can be adjusted to show (a) the divergence from Center-Weighted Average Metering (b) the divergence from Spot Metering (c) No display. (07) Order in which exposure settings are made (standard-over-under or over-standard-under). (08) ABC Focus Mechanism adjustment parameter (depth of field set to installed lens aperture or depth of field set to twice installed lens aperture). (09) ABC Focus Mechanism focusing mode (MF/SAF). (10) ABC Focus Mechanism (on/off). (11) Supplementary AF lighting (on/off). (12) AF audible focus signal (on/off). (13) Superimposed image when the shutter button is pressed half way (the focus frame flashes red for a moment: on/off). (14) Superimposed image when focus is achieved (on/off). (15) Automatic rewind (on/off). (16) End of film is left exposed when film is rewound (on/off). (17) Aperture button function toggle (aperture closes during time that button is depressed/aperture closes by a small amount each time button is depressed. (18) Rewind volume (normal/slow and quiet). (19) Focusing screen light metering adjustment (on/off (when focusing screen FX-1 is used). (20) Focus button function when focus switch dial is at "M" (SAF/CAF) CLE: Initialize of custom functions.
J. NAM-1 Mount Adapter (optional extra) makes it possible to use Medium Format lenses from the Contax 645 without making any adjustments. With the NAM-1 Mount Adapter, all Carl Zeiss T* lenses from the medium-format Contax 645 camera can be used on the N1 and their automatic aperture and auto focus will function without further adjustment. Since the N1 makes use of the center of the lens (the most effective part of a medium-format lens), users of the N1 will be pleased to discover that lenses from the Contax 645 will offer a level of quality exceeding that of the lenses normally fitted to 35mm cameras. (Note: The Fine Focus ABC feature cannot be used with lenses from the Contax 645.)
Contax N1 camera specifications:
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