Why I Still Shoot with the Contax 645 — And Why You Should Too

In a world dominated by the latest mirrorless marvels and AI-powered phone camera apps, my go-to camera is a relic from a bygone era — the Contax 645. Yes, that Contax 645: heavy, film-hungry, temperamental at times, and entirely devoid of megapixels. But make no mistake — to me, taking photos with it is one of the most soulful and rewarding experiences you’ll ever get in photography.

A Medium Format Legacy That Refuses to Fade

Introduced in the late 1990s, the Contax 645 was a revelation. A medium format SLR with autofocus and Carl Zeiss glass? It sounded almost too good to be true. And even now, more than two decades later, it still feels too good to give up.

The Zeiss 80mm f/2 lens alone is worth the price of admission. The way it renders skin tones, the velvet-smooth bokeh, the way it renders that feels almost three-dimensional — it’s an alchemy modern lenses rarely replicate. I’ve shot countless portraits with this setup, and there’s a depth and intimacy to the images that digital often struggles to convey.

Not Just a Camera — A Ritual

Shooting with the Contax 645 is slower. More deliberate. It forces you to consider each frame carefully — because each roll only gives you 16 shots. But that’s what I love. It turns photography into a meditative process rather than a rapid-fire reflex. You begin to see differently. You compose with intention. You listen to the shutter. You feel the moment.

In an age of convenience and instant gratification, the Contax reminds me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.

The Digital Imitates, But Never Replaces

Sure, film is expensive. The camera is finicky. The autofocus can be hit or miss. But here’s the thing: the imperfections are part of its charm. Every frame has a soul. The slight unpredictability of film. The subtle inconsistencies that make it real. When I scan the negatives from a Contax 645 shoot, I’m often stunned at just how timeless — almost cinematic — the results look.

Many photographers try to recreate the “Contax look” with presets and LUTs. But nothing beats the original. That creamy tonality. The whisper of grain. The softness without losing detail. It’s not nostalgia — it’s a reminder of what photography can feel like when you strip away all the noise.

Still a Workhorse — Still My Favorite

Despite its age, my Contax 645 has never let me down. I’ve shot editorials, weddings, portraits, and personal projects with it. It may not be the camera for every situation, but when I want to create something lasting — something that breathes — I reach for it without hesitation.

This isn’t just a camera. It’s a collaborator. A teacher. A muse.

Final Thoughts

The Contax 645 may be outdated on paper, but in practice, it still holds its own — not by competing with modern gear, but by standing apart. It invites us to slow down, to trust our eye, to fall back in love with the process of creating.

If you ever get a chance to shoot with one — do. Don’t be surprised if it ruins other cameras for you.