Camera · SLR
Contax Aria
1998-2002
Discontinued35mmIntermediateAdvanced
Daily Zeiss lens shooting
- Format
- 35mm
- Mount
- CONTAX YASHICA
- Metering
- Built-in
- Shutter
- 1/4000 (Av and P); 4s
- Battery
- CR2 x2
- Weight
- 455g
Battery req.
Max speed
Best for
- Daily Zeiss lens shooting
- Travel photography
- Lightweight C/Y mount body
Features
- Lightweight and compact
- Evaluative, centre-weighted and spot metering
- Multiple exposure mode
- AE lock
- A.B.C. auto-bracketing (3 frames)
- Self-timer
Limitations
- Plastic body feel
- 95% viewfinder only
- No mechanical backup
- Less weather resistance
Common issues to check
- Mode dial wear
- Battery door hinge
- Mirror foam degradation
- LCD fade
- Electronics ageing (test all modes)
Buying guide
The Aria (1998) is a lightweight Contax/Yashica-mount SLR with evaluative, centre-weighted and spot metering and about 3 fps drive. Good as an everyday C/Y body for Zeiss lenses. P and Tv modes work only with MM lenses. Test all modes and check the shutter at all speeds.
Pricing
- Typical range
- £200 - £400
- Excellent condition
- ~£500
A limited 70 Years edition (2002, 2,000 made) is more valuable. Indicative, no dated source.
Prices as of 2026-01. UK market, may vary.
Specifications
| Format | 35mm |
| Years produced | 1998-2002 |
| Mount | CONTAX YASHICA |
| Shutter type | Focal Plane |
| Shutter speeds | 16s - 1/4000 (Av and P); 4s - 1/4000 (Tv and manual) |
| Flash sync | 1/125 |
| Metering | Multi Pattern |
| Battery required | Yes (CR2 x2) |
| Weight | 455g |
| Dimensions | 134 x 89 x 59mm |