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Contax N1 35mm SLR Camera

The Contax N1 is a film camera from Contax — known for its Contax N Lens Mount and Autofocus 35mm SLR. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Contax N1 35mm SLR Camera

Contax N1 35mm SLR Camera

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Camera Overview — Contax N1

The Contax N1 is a 35mm SLR film camera from Contax, manufactured during the 1990s. Built around the Contax N lens mount, it accepts interchangeable Contax N-mount lenses, giving photographers access to a dedicated lens ecosystem designed specifically for this system. The camera uses a focal plane shutter and features autofocus capability, placing it in the more sophisticated tier of 35mm SLR film cameras from its era.

At 850g, the N1 has a substantial, solid feel in hand — a characteristic consistent with its professional-leaning positioning. Flash connectivity is covered on two fronts: a hot shoe on top of the camera and a PC sync port, giving photographers flexibility when working with both on-camera flash units and studio strobes tethered via sync cable. The 35mm film format means shooters have access to the widest range of available film stocks, from everyday color negative films to slide and black-and-white emulsions.

For collectors or film photographers looking to work within the Contax N mount system, the N1 represents a capable autofocus body built during the peak era of 35mm SLR development.

Key Features — Contax N1

Contax N Lens Mount: Accepts the full range of Contax N-mount interchangeable lenses, a dedicated system featuring high-quality Zeiss-designed optics.

Autofocus 35mm SLR: Integrated autofocus system places the N1 in the professional tier of late-era 35mm film SLRs, capable of handling a wide range of shooting situations.

Focal Plane Shutter: Provides precise exposure control across a broad range of shutter speeds, consistent with professional-grade film camera construction.

Dual Flash Connectivity: Both a hot shoe and PC sync port allow connection to on-camera flash units as well as studio strobes via sync cable.

35mm Film Format: Shoots standard 35mm film, giving access to the widest selection of available emulsions including color negative, slide, and black-and-white stocks.

Substantial 850g Build: The solid body weight reflects a professional-leaning construction that contributes to stability and durability in regular use.

Camera Specifications — Contax N1

Contax N1 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Landscape, Street, Travel
AF SystemOther
Lens MountContax N
Hot ShoeISO Standard (Universal)

Description — Contax N1

The Contax N1 is a 35mm SLR film camera built around the Contax N lens mount, accepting interchangeable Contax N-mount lenses for a dedicated optical system. The camera incorporates autofocus functionality and a focal plane shutter, representing a capable combination for film photographers who want automated focusing in an analog body. Weighing 850g, the N1 has a hefty, confidence-inspiring presence.

Flash photographers will appreciate the dual connectivity options — a hot shoe and a PC sync port — allowing compatibility with both portable flash units and studio lighting setups. The 35mm film format keeps the N1 practical and versatile, as 35mm film remains widely available in a broad selection of emulsions. Manufactured during the 1990s, the Contax N1 sits within a notable era of 35mm SLR development and remains an interesting option for film shooters looking to explore the Contax N mount system.

Pros — Contax N1

  • ✓Autofocus system makes it accessible for a range of shooting situations
  • ✓Contax N lens mount opens compatibility with dedicated Contax N-mount interchangeable lenses
  • ✓Dual flash connectivity via both hot shoe and PC sync port

Cons — Contax N1

  • ✗Contax N mount is a niche ecosystem with limited lens availability compared to more common mounts
  • ✗At 850g, the body weight may feel heavy for extended handheld use
  • ✗No weather sealing information available in specifications

Videos — Contax N1

Contax 35mm Film Cameras. Contax N1, Contax RX & Contax RTSII — Joe DAgostino Photo

Resources & Downloads — Contax N1

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Contax N1

What lenses are compatible with the Contax N1?+
The Contax N1 uses the Contax N lens mount and is compatible with interchangeable Contax N-mount lenses. This is a proprietary mount specific to the Contax N system.
What film format does the Contax N1 use?+
The Contax N1 shoots standard 35mm film, giving you access to a wide variety of readily available film stocks in color negative, slide, and black-and-white formats.
Does the Contax N1 support flash?+
Yes. The Contax N1 offers both a hot shoe and a PC sync port for flash connectivity, making it compatible with on-camera flash units as well as studio strobes connected via sync cable.
Is the Contax N1 an autofocus or manual focus camera?+
The Contax N1 features autofocus, which sets it apart from many other vintage SLRs of its era that relied solely on manual focus.
When was the Contax N1 manufactured?+
According to the specifications, the Contax N1 was manufactured during the 1990–1999 period.
How heavy is the Contax N1 body?+
The Contax N1 body weighs 850g, giving it a solid and substantial feel consistent with professional-grade 35mm SLR cameras of its era.

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