Contax G series - any fans here?

[tikkathree]

Well a quick search didn't produce a lot of evidence so let's ask out loud: what's the verdict here on the Contax G series of bodies and lenses?

There doesn't seem to be anything cheap about either and there seems to be more than a little passing reference to the electronics going wrong, especially in the G1.

[Rolf]

http://forum.mflenses.com/contax-g2-and-cz-2-8-28mm-g-lens-part-ii-af-t28372,highlight,%2Bcontax.html

http://forum.mflenses.com/contax-g2-and-cz-2-8-28mm-g-lens-part-i-af-t28338,highlight,%2Bcontax.html

and here

http://www.foto-bochum.net/Historical-Equipment/Camera-Contax-G1-G2/8016121_oMR7C#521432444_PuSyb

I own the G2 and 28, 45 and 90mm, Great cam, lenses on the same level like Leica-M, in total the more modern cam than Leica-M6.

With adapter you can use most of the lenses with m4/3 or Nex.

[std]

One more big fan here.

I have G1 and 28, 35, 90. Wonderful lenses and still cheap in comparison with the Leica's

[tikkathree]

[tikkathree]

[IANUS]

Another Contax G-fan.

I do have combination of G2 with 35 and 90mm. There is nothing really to complain. Built quality is very good and lenses can't be praised enough. AF is fast enough for my children and sits spot on.

I am wondering if someone uses the zoom lens of the G-series.

[Rolf]

[IANUS]

[Orio]

I have two G2 cameras, and one 2.8/21 Biogon, two 2.8/28 Biogons, one 2/35 Planar, one 2/45 Planar, two 2.8/90 Sonnars.
They are my favourite travel set it's some years now. I can carry the two cameras and five lenses in a 25x15 cm bag.
I have taken many photos with the set, but my best ones are I think those that I took in Parma:

http://forum.mflenses.com/parma-under-the-rain-contax-g2-rangefinder-t15168,highlight,%2Bparma.html

http://forum.mflenses.com/film-parma-in-ferraniacolor-t34099,highlight,%2Bparma.html

The Contax G2 is an exceptionally suited camera for street snapshots.

[tikkathree]

So what a relatively small number of you seem to be in agreement on is that the Contax G series is a smart, compact 35mm AF rangefinder with a selection of sharp lenses?

Hmm, I can see the merits of an AF rangefinder in a discrete package but I found myself not enjoying using digital compacts such as the Panasonic LX3 and bridge cameras such as the Panasonic FZ18 (I think it was); I wonder if the G1/2 would be too close for comfort?

[std]

Well it does not feel as a 'true' rangefinder - there is no patch which can tell you where is the focus. You only can get an idea by the distance meter displayed in the viewfinder.

Another point is that the viewfinder is not very big. I should get the accessory viewfinder with my next lens - the 21 biogon

The shutter on the other hand is extremely accurate - it has the best accuracy from all my cameras i have been measured.

The lenses are outstanding - they are good on film but also very good on digital (for m4/3 and especially for Nex). Unfortunately i do not shot too much on film but always carry one of the primes in my small E-P2 bag.

[Rolf]

If you will go with film and if you are looking for a nice little cam with excellent lenses you have only the choice to buy Contax G1/G2 and a nice lens set or you have to buy the LEICA-M (M6 or M7 etc.) line for much more money.

I owned the M6 many years and I can tell you the Contax is the more modern cam with more comfort on the same quality level than a Leica.

[tikkathree]

[tikkathree]

[std]

If you need a compatibility with 35mm and 21mm lenses you need to get G2 or G1 with green sticker. The focusing is improved in G2. Well it works also in G1 but you need to be more careful to read if the measured distance seems right.