Difference between Contax G1/G2

[akdwivedi]

Hi

I am thinking of getting a contax rangefinder... I see contax has small compact G series rangefinders... How do these G1 and G2 compare.. Are there any special differences to go for G2.. I see there is quite a bit of price difference between these two bodies.. I am thinking of getting a used body with probably just a 28mm or 45mm lens..

any links, references and inputs will be highly appreciated..

regards
Andy

 

[szekiat]

the cotax g section of www.rangedfinderforum.com

 

[Parchiao]

The Contax G User Pages.

 

[CaeSiuM]

The AF takes some getting used to for the G system. It can't focus on horizontal lines and can be easily fooled when attempting focus on a low contrast subject. The minimum focus for most lenses is half a meter so don't expect extreme close-ups.

The above disadvantages mentioned can be turned to your advantages. The focusing speed is blazingly fast if you focus on the right spot. The minimum focus of half a metre helps eliminate cliche shots to an extend.

The good? The 45mm/f2 is a superb lens that needs no introduction. You have to see some actual prints for yourself. You'll be really thankful that you don't need to lug an SLR around for some candid shooting outdoor on your rest day! You go around with an excellent lightweight camera that also makes you look less conspicuous.

Verdict : Go get it!

 

[leef]

Go for G2,its AF faster,less sound,tried it last few month compared to G1.

 

[Terence]

Andy, try the Bessa like I advised you to. Lots more options when it comes to lenses. The AF on the Contax G is nothing to shout about, go for manual!

 

[Neo]

Contax G2 has both active and passive autofocus, while G1 only has one (forgot which one though). The autofocus in G2 is slightly faster, and some say the G2 focuses better with the 90mm. In addition, the G2 works with all the G lenses while the G1 has to have its ROM upgraded (green sticker in film compartment) to work with 2 of the G lenses.

I bought the G2 because I was frustrated by my inability to focus with manual rangefinders quickly (plus the manual metering drove me nuts). Although the G-series autofocus is not foolproof (I get one or two dud shots every roll), but my % of success is much better than manual rangefinders. Your experience will vary (as testified by the Leica M-users here), so go to Camera Workshop to try out both systems. The G-series is great for me because of the AF and built-in metering, but seriously the viewfinder is terrible compared to Leica (i've both systems). But when I'm in a leisurely mood to photograph and my subject is not moving, nothing beats having a silky smooth manual rangefinder and rolls of film in your pocket...

 

[akdwivedi]

thanks for all the feedbacks.. the responses and link to contax G pages were very helpful..

Any idea where I can get used contax G stuff... what are the prices for a used good condition contax G2 and 45mm planar..

regards

 

[Terence]

TCW has a bunch of G1 and G2s along with their lenses. $1500 for a G2 with the 3 lenses sound about right?