CONTAX TvsIII Point and Shoot 35mm Camera

When I started working in the photo store I always wondered why people would spend [big bucks]for a point and shoot camera. After all, this money could have bought you a nice SLR set up and than some. Answer is simple: quality in the small package. TVS series over the years created reputation for themselves by making crystal sharp photographs, being strong, durable and having functionality of pro equipment. I used mine during Kilimanjaro climb and probably won' leave home without one. I was a proud owner of TVS I and II and awaited III to top them both, unfortunately it didn't happen. TVS III still delivers outstanding results but Contax gamble with new design didn't produce expected pay off. 30-60 mm lens range is good enough for all around traveling. Data back is built in. Like previous versions, when shooting wide angle you can experience some fall off (darkening) at the corners but that's normal for a point and shoot. This can be fixed by using higher f-stop. Let me start with pros of the camera:- strong and durable construction. I have beaten my camera around, it has been in tight spots, I slept on it and still it is as good as new.- Lens is sharp and has a nice warm saturation to it thanks to T* coating- My camera has black finish which I expected to wear off quickly. I was proven wrong.- Very clear viewfinder with a lot of information.And now the cons:- Lens cover is a disaster. It offers good protection when camera is closed but when it's open it creates problems and makes shooting uncomfortable. Also placing some of the controls on the cover puts unnecessary strain on hinges.- Controls are small and hard to reach. Especially aperture settings.- Flimsy "ON" switchThis is a good camera. I like it regardless of it's problems. To be quite honest I don't like it as much as the previous models but it will do for now. After all I'm after picture quality which in this case is superb.