Contax G1/G2: Any opinions?

[Brian Moore]

Today I became infatuated with the Contax G1 and/or G2 rangefinder cameras. I have a wee bit of pocket money available. Do any RPFrs have an opinion of this line of cameras, or experience they'd like to share.

Also, I'd be interested in your opinions of other interchangeable lens rangefinders that you think might be good alternatives to the G1/G2.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Hamish Gill]

... They are autofocus?
I say that because this is you... Have you concidered a manual focus RF
my vote (with your taste in cameras as I understood it) is for a voigtlander ... Probably an r2a (like mine)
you can buy them new, they take Leica m and leica thread mount lenses meaning there a stacks to choose and play with
nice responsive feel to them, robust etc ... Great camera imo

If its to be a contax g I think (of what I know of you and them) you would much prefer the g2!

- - - Updated - - -

... That said, looking at it an r2a and decent lens would be a bit more expensive than a g2 probably with two lenses
i just think you (specifically you) would prefer the "real" rangefinder feel of a ... Well real rangefinder ...

 

[Brian Moore]

Thanks Hamish. I was thinking about the Voigtlander, too, as a possible alternative. I'm not convinced I'll buy either at this moment, or even anything in those price ranges because in the cold light of day there are so many alternative cameras to be had for far less coin. (And, as I think you know, I often satisfy my visual esthetic with lesser photographic indulgences.)

I'd certainly like the flexibility of an interchangeable lens rangefinder, though. I haven't ruled out just investing in glass for my Soviet rangefinders. (LTM as well as Contax-mount.)

Anyway, more to think about. Thanks again, Hamish.

 

[Larry Bolch]

Reading reviews in the 1990s comparing them to the Leicas of the time, in general, the lenses were better at half the price, and while Leicas had not changed substantially since 1954, the G2 was pretty much state of the art in use and design. I fully planned on dumping my Leica stuff and buying into the G2 system.

Then digital came along. I had hoped that Kyocera would do a digital G2, but instead the executive suite lost patience with those in the Contax division and terminated all camera production. R.I.P Contax and Yashica. They did not even try to sell it.

Now I have the digital G2 I so much wanted. When Fuji went a-raiding, they stole the G2, adapted and improved it immensely as the X-Pro1. In every way, it is the digital G2 I was so hoping for. There is even an adapter from Novoflex for G2 lenses if you have them. No point in buying with the XP1 in mind, however. The Fujinons so far are absolutely brilliant.

 

[Brian Moore]

Thank you, Larry. I appreciate the response.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

That's a nice looking camera Brian - prices seem to vary a fair bit on FleaBay though, black one's being the most pricey.

What range are you looking at?

 

[Hamish Gill]

Plain old Bessa R could be had for less pennies
Voigtlander Bessa R

 

[Brian Moore]

That's a nice looking camera Brian - prices seem to vary a fair bit on FleaBay though, black one's being the most pricey.

What range are you looking at?

A G1 body at KEH caught my eye initially. I liked the look of it and the price. (It was about $100.) Then, when reading up on the G1/G2 line I saw that the G2 had an improved rangefinder system and some other mods. But for a G2 body I think I'd be spending probably three times what I'd spend on a G1. On top of that the lenses, which have a unique mount, look to be around $3/400 apiece, give or take. Granted, they're said to be very sharp. Worth it to me personally, though? Not so sure at the moment, given that I get a lot of pleasure from many a camera I've paid little-to-nothing for.

I glanced at Hamish's suggestion of the Bessa R. (Thank you, Hamish.) That one is attractive for several reasons one being less coin (per Hamish, but I haven't seen any prices yet), another that it is said to have a very bright viewfinder and also that it uses the Leica thread mount for which lenses are abundant.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

I see Adorama have a few listed in their used section:

contax g2 : Buy or Learn at Adorama

Also 7 on Amazon of all places

Amazon.com: Used and New: G2 Camera Body

Although on closer inspection they are not all G2s!

Camerapedia give it a glowing review

With its titanium clad body, sophisticated electronic rangefinder and superb lenses, the G system has not been equalled in the years since its introduction. To its fans, the Contax G2 is the finest 35mm camera ever produced. The Contax G system is still available in quantities in the used camera market at prices much below the Leica M system. Users who do not need lenses faster than f/2.0 will find that the Contax G system is still unmatched in camera performance with lens quality equaling the Leica M performance in most cases.

And you may already have found this, but this is a price guide to buying G series

Contax G Lens Page

Contax G1 Body $ 200-375
Early G1's cant use the 21 or 35 lens w/o upgrade

Contax G1 Body (modified, "green label") $ 225-450
Factory modified to use 21mm & 35mm lenses

Contax G2 Body $ 375-500
Black version sells for about $ 200 more

Contax G2 Body Black $ 900


16mm F8 Hologon $ 1800-2100
includes finder & filter
5 Elements in 3 groups

21mm F2.8 Biogon $ 600-800
includes finder
9 Elements in 7 groups

28mm F2.8 Biogon $ 275-325
add $50 if black
7 Elements in 5 groups

35mm F2 Planar $ 350-450
7 Elements in 5 groups

45mm F2 Planar $ 225-300
add $40 if black
6 Elements in 4 groups

90mm f2.8 Sonnar $ 150-300
add $40 if black
5 Elements in 4 groups

35mm-70mm F3.5/5.6 Vario-Sonnar $ 425-550
13 Elements in 8 groups - only fits the G2


Great looking system - if you're passionate about the look/feel/potential I'd say that overrides all purchasing logic.

After all, it's about the emotion when taking the images - and if you're fired up about a new camera/system, you'll enjoy it even more.

That's just me trying to spend your money for you!

 

[Brian Moore]

Great looking system - if you're passionate about the look/feel/potential I'd say that overrides all purchasing logic.

After all, it's about the emotion when taking the images - and if you're fired up about a new camera/system, you'll enjoy it even more.

That's just me trying to spend your money for you!

Thanks for all the research you've included, Chris. That system does look the business don't it? Also, thank you for helping with the spending logic!

A further bit of research this morning revealed that E-Bay prices may offer some less expensive options than are shown in the price guides. More research, and a bit of watching, to follow I think.

Thanks again, Chris.