Compact35mm
advanced
Discontinued
Contax T3
2001-2005
Ultimate compact image quality
Format
35mm
Shutter
1/1200
Max speed
Metering
TTL
Battery req.
Weight
195g
Best For
- Ultimate compact image quality
- Street photography
- Travel (pocketable excellence)
- Collectors
Features
- Carl Zeiss Sonnar 35mm f/2.8 T* lens
- Titanium construction
- Smaller than T2
- Aperture-priority and full manual
- Manual focus override
Limitations
- Extremely expensive
- Electronic with no backup
- Repairs difficult to impossible
- High collector premium
Common Issues to Check
- Lens mechanism failure
- LCD display problems
- Electronic failures
- Battery door issues
- Flash problems
Buying Guide
The T3 is often considered the finest 35mm compact ever made. Smaller than T2 with an even sharper lens. Double and single-teeth versions exist (double-teeth later, preferred). Test everything thoroughly - repairs are nearly impossible. Expect to pay premium prices for a working example.
Pricing
Typical Range£1500 - £2500
Excellent Condition~£3000
Black version extremely rare and expensive
Prices as of 2025-12. UK market, may vary.
Last verified: Jan 2026Report an error