2 New Contax G2 Black Kits

[whitecat]

I was at Central Camera in Chicago last week and they have 2 new kits available. One is a 3 lens set and the other had the 35-70 zoom. Move quickly my fellow photographers! Did not get any pricing.

[whitecat]

I think the one with 3 lenses wes 2595.00.

[uhligfd]

This is a steep price for a wonderful camera and set of 3 lenses. The equivalent Titanium silver set sells for under 1000 $ on the bay, and I paid less than that. This black body price gouging is beyond me, but go ahead everyone if you love great photography.

[raid]

There was a green label G1 with 28-45-90 for $625 for sale here. Why pay $2000?

[fbf]

Because the black set comes with the contax case and rarer than the silver one. Collectors used to pay big money for them. Not any more? I wish there will be a digital camera or back support the G series lenses.

[raid]

An AF system like the G2 is never really "rare" as a collector's item [I think]. It's is an automatic camera that has no history.

[digitalintrigue]

Because the black set comes with the contax case and rarer than the silver one. Collectors used to pay big money for them. Not any more? I wish there will be a digital camera or back support the G series lenses.

The only option for Contax G lenses is to convert them to M mount. In that case, buy the cheap lenses, not the black ones. :)

[raid]

The only option for Contax G lenses is to convert them to M mount. In that case, buy the cheap lenses, not the black ones. :)

If the conversion costs $500/lens in Japan, is there a less expensive way out to convert three lenses?

[digitalintrigue]

Raid, talk to Dirk at Japan Exposures:

http://www.japanexposures.com/services/#lens

I had the 3 lens Contax G1 kit in the mid-90s, the lenses were superb...I'm seriously thinking of doing a conversion or two. I know another RFF member who is in the process with a 28mm, and has already done a 45mm before.

[fbf]

Thanks Robert.
IMHO, the lenses quality of the whole G series is beyond most of leica lenses (I know most people will probably disagree, oh, well..)

[digitalintrigue]

I haven't used all the comparable Leica lenses, but the three lenses I had were great.

I'd really like to have the 90/2.8 Sonnar. It's cheaper to buy a used one and convert it, than it is to buy the new ZM 85/4 Tele-Tessar, and you get an extra stop, too.

There are some who believe the Zeiss produced lenses are better than the Cosina produced ZMs.

[raid]

Raid, talk to Dirk at Japan Exposures:

http://www.japanexposures.com/services/#lens

I had the 3 lens Contax G1 kit in the mid-90s, the lenses were superb...I'm seriously thinking of doing a conversion or two. I know another RFF member who is in the process with a 28mm, and has already done a 45mm before.

I think of the G1/G2 as a temporary equipment, with the goal to make maximum use of the 28-45-90 lenses on an M camera one day.
Thanks for the link.

[fbf]

Just emailed Dirk and he sent the price list... It's pretty dawn expensive conversion. I wouldn't hesitate if i have the money though.

[Dan States]

An AF system like the G2 is never really "rare" as a collector's item [I think]. It's is an automatic camera that has no history.

Actually in Japan they carry quite a premium. With the strong Yen/Dollar relationship now I'll bet those kits finally get sold. The Japanese market is totally unique in what demands top dollar and what goes unloved.

Best wishes
Dan

[digitalintrigue]

It's not cheap, but when one considers all the work and custom machining, it's actually a lot less than one might think.

Consider that a custom machined lens adapter for M lenses to the Panasonic G1 costs $250 all by itself, has no focusing helical, doesn't require mounting of lens elements, doesn't required collimation, and doesn't come with an individual report of MTF curves ;)

[oris642]

I'd like to see a conversion ring to mount my Contax G lenses on a Lumix G1! Anyone else?

[Andrew Sowerby]

How do you focus Contax G lenses converted to M mount?

[raid]

The lens itself better be worth a lot, or else, it is a waste of money. If an M mount Zeiss lens [ZM] sells for less than $700 used, then wouldn't it be the better buy than converting a Zeiss [say] 45mm 2.0 at that price?

[fbf]

How do you focus Contax G lenses converted to M mount?


exactly what I would like to know. From the message I received, the conversion would take out the contax lens shell.
MF contax G lenses:p sweet~

[George S.]

The lens itself better be worth a lot, or else, it is a waste of money. If an M mount Zeiss lens [ZM] sells for less than $700 used, then wouldn't it be the better buy than converting a Zeiss [say] 45mm 2.0 at that price?

Exactly what I'm thinking, raid. While I've owned a G system or two back in the day, and I think the lenses were excellent, I don't think they're worth a big $$$ layout to convert. The ZM lenses are just as good.

[digitalintrigue]

Contax G lenses don't have mechanical focusing helicals so they can't work on anything else.

The solution is to take the glass out, and put it into a custom machined lens barrel with helical.

The 50/2 ZM Planar vs the 45/2 Contax G planar. Depends on how much you pay for the 45/2. If one already owns it, that may change the equation.

However if one is of the opinion that the Zeiss-built 45/2 is a better lens than the 50/2 Cosina-built lens, then perhaps the price is not as much of a factor.

The 85/4 Tele Tessar is new; no used ones yet. $877 at popflash.com. You can buy a LN 90/2.8 at KEH for $119; add the conversion cost and it's cheaper.

The 28/2.8 ZM and 35/2 ZM, are $876. It's possible to buy used Contax G 28/2.8 and 35/2 and convert them for less than this.

The 50/2 ZM is $691. This one is closer, but one can still find 45/2 G lenses pretty cheap if you look.

[meven]

exactly what I would like to know. From the message I received, the conversion would take out the contax lens shell.
MF contax G lenses:p sweet~

Have a look at this!!!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/focuslight/360487076/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/focuslight/1214959209/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/focuslight/845579017/

I have been wanting to do this for years but the price has always been the problem but apparently there is one guy here in Hong Kong who can do the same job for less, I am trying to source his contact details.

Cheers
Max

[digitalintrigue]

I believe Japan Exposures is contemplating selling lenses that have already been converted, ask Dirk for pricing, that would be the best comparison.

[fbf]

Do you have the pictures of the converted lens? and pictures taken with it? I am really interested...

[digitalintrigue]

Have a look at this!!!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/focuslight/360487076/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/focuslight/1214959209/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/focuslight/845579017/

Those are the conversions from Miyazaki from Japan.

[digitalintrigue]

http://www.hayatacamera.co.jp/images/services/miyazaki/2007/image0005.jpg

http://www.hayatacamera.co.jp/images/services/miyazaki/2007/image0001.jpg

http://www.hayatacamera.co.jp/images/services/miyazaki/2007/image0002.jpg

http://www.hayatacamera.co.jp/images/services/miyazaki/2007/image0004.jpg


http://www.hayatacamera.co.jp/images/services/miyazaki/2007/image0003.jpg

http://www.hayatacamera.co.jp/images/services/miyazaki/2007/image0012.jpg

[fbf]

Dawn, they look pretty nice...especially with the custom painted m4...
I didn't find any pictures taken with the converted lens though

[digitalintrigue]

Any Contax G1 or G2 photo would suffice...my favorite is the 45/2 Planar.

The lenses are actually Leica thread mount.

I've been looking into this for two or three weeks now. I'd rather have Contax G glass than ZM glass. I like to be different tho. :)

[meven]

...my favorite is the 45/2 Planar.



Me too, I think the 45/2 Planar is one of the best lens ever made.

[fbf]

I'd rather have Contax G glass than ZM glass. I like to be different tho. :)

Ｉconcur ... please write a report when you get your hands on the converted lenses...:D

[digitalintrigue]

meven, do you know how much used G lenses go for in Hong Kong? or France for that matter. :)

[monochromejrnl]

weren't the Contax G series cameras/lens manufacturer by Kyocera in Japan (lens formulas licensed from Zeiss) and branded as Contax (rather than Zeiss?)

Contax G lenses don't have mechanical focusing helicals so they can't work on anything else.

The solution is to take the glass out, and put it into a custom machined lens barrel with helical.

The 50/2 ZM Planar vs the 45/2 Contax G planar. Depends on how much you pay for the 45/2. If one already owns it, that may change the equation.

However if one is of the opinion that the Zeiss-built 45/2 is a better lens than the 50/2 Cosina-built lens, then perhaps the price is not as much of a factor.

The 85/4 Tele Tessar is new; no used ones yet. $877 at popflash.com. You can buy a LN 90/2.8 at KEH for $119; add the conversion cost and it's cheaper.

The 28/2.8 ZM and 35/2 ZM, are $876. It's possible to buy used Contax G 28/2.8 and 35/2 and convert them for less than this.

The 50/2 ZM is $691. This one is closer, but one can still find 45/2 G lenses pretty cheap if you look.

[meven]

meven, do you know how much used G lenses go for in Hong Kong? or France for that matter. :)

Used lenses (G, M, LTM, etc...) are more and more expensive in HK, I will have a look this week end but I doubt the prices will be lower than KEH. As for France, I have no idea, it has been a while since I bought any camera equipment there!!!

I will keep you updated but I think you better order from KEH, myself, I will do that after I send you my M2 for a dark hammertone repaint job (just need to finish the roll that's inside)!!!!!!!!!!

[raid]

The first issue is then how good the optics on the G1/G2 lenses are when compared to the optics of the ZM. The second issue is how solid/reliable the converted lenses are as compared to the ZM. The third factor is the uniqueness and showing off issue. The converted G1 lenses are cool. The fourth factor is cost. [in different order of importance, depending on each person here].

[digitalintrigue]

weren't the Contax G series cameras/lens manufacturer by Kyocera in Japan (lens formulas licensed from Zeiss) and branded as Contax (rather than Zeiss?)

The lenses say Carl Zeiss.

I believe they were built by what used to be Tomioka Optical in Japan, which was owned by Yashica, that built the Contax RTS lenses for Zeiss going back to the 70s. Then Kyocera bought Yashica.

My G1 was labeled "Kyocera Japan"

[digitalintrigue]

There is another thread here, including some claims that the G lenses are better:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61513

There are also links to the Zeiss MTF diagrams for the current lenses as well as the G lenses.

[noimmunity]

Other than the cachet of having unique, modified mounts, I am totally unpersuaded by these photos. Judging by looks (which are not definitive) I would not like the ergonomics of these lenses, particularly the uneven leap from aperture to focus ring--and it is different on each lens, no less. You guys must have dexterous fingers! The gap between rings also looks like a nice way for dust to enter the lens.
All of the ZM lenses I have in my possession are of incredibly high build quality (even my old planar had none of the oft-reported "wobble"). As good or better than what I've seen from Leica and Konica. And better than the G lenses I've seen. And consistent all across the board.
Go and do your G lens conversions because you love these lenses and/or want the cool factor of modified mounts.
The comparisons with the ZM line, however, seem totally speculative to me.

[digitalintrigue]

You've never shot with a Contax G lens, have you. :)

Most lenses are different from each other, different sizes, different feel, etc.

ZMs are excellent, no doubt.

[noimmunity]

You've never shot with a Contax G lens, have you. :)

Most lenses are different from each other, different sizes, different feel, etc.

ZMs are excellent, no doubt.

Actually I have used the G system. I love Zeiss lenses, and have a modest Contax SLR system. But I wanted the full MF experience of rangefinders, so the G series bodies didn't speak to me. The ergonomic differences among G lenses are irrelevant in the G system since they all autofocus anyway. But now that conversions are becoming available, it's another cool choice to put manual Zeiss on an LTM/M body. In fact, some people might just want the conversion because of the LTM mount itself (which no ZM lens could match).

It'd be fun to see comparisons of the G lenses and their ZM counterparts. I followed the other thread cited above when it was first posted. The only reference in that thread is to MTF charts, but no actual photos. I hope you do the conversions and have a chance to compare with the ZM lenses and post the results so that the speculation ends and people can really decide based on use. Nothing beats photos for comparison.

[fbf]

They are sending some lenses to Japan for conversion then will be selling them in a week or two. Don't have a idea how they will charge it. Hopefully it will be reasonable...

[frenchspur]

I love G cameras;I have 4 ;the black G2 only works in manual focus.Since Leica and other rangefinder makers have a wider range of focal lenghth,I wonder if there is a company or person out there that can convert them for the G cameras?
Ta
DM

[digitalintrigue]

Converting a lens to a G camera body is not practical due to the way the focusing system is designed on the Contax...

[sniki]

To be beyond doubt about Contax G lens, take a look at this master link:

http://contaxg.com/user.php?id=4580&page=user_images

sniki

[raid]

At today's currency exchange rate (1 JPY = 0.0112457 USD), one lens conversion will cost about $540 plus shipping for the 28mm-45mm-90mm set lenses. An average cost to buy a clean lens from a reliable person is about $200 per lens. The total cost would be about $800. Is any of these G1/G2 lenses worth $800 for a used lens? In particular, the 45mm lens has a reputation to be especially great. It is a "normal" lens, so is $800 a good price for such a lens in LTM? A Heliar 50mm/3.5 with a Bessa T may be fetched for this price [if you can find such a set]. A Zeiss ZM cost how much? A Summilux in used condition costs ... ?

[digitalintrigue]

Raid, the 90 is generally the cheapest. They are available in LN at KEH for $119. They had an EX for $99 a few days ago. I missed a 45/2 for the same price, there are none in stock at KEH at the moment. The 28 seems to be a bit more expensive. With the 28 and 45 barrel condition is irrelevant, since they are remounted. Only the glass condition counts.

The 28 appear to be a bit cheaper in Japan, the others are similar to KEH, plus no need to ship lenses from US to Japan.

Only the individual can determine the worth. Some will say why bother, just buy a ZM. Others will say even ZMs are too much, just buy a Cosina Voigtlander. :)

[ishpop]

To be beyond doubt about Contax G lens, take a look at this master link:

http://contaxg.com/user.php?id=4580&page=user_images

sniki

While the photographs are great, they seem to say more about the photographer than the camera. Viewing a these small sizes makes the analysis useless, but just about any decently sharp lense could have taken all of these photos... :)

[raid]

Raid, the 90 is generally the cheapest. They are available in LN at KEH for $119. They had an EX for $99 a few days ago. I missed a 45/2 for the same price, there are none in stock at KEH at the moment. The 28 seems to be a bit more expensive. With the 28 and 45 barrel condition is irrelevant, since they are remounted. Only the glass condition counts.

The 28 appear to be a bit cheaper in Japan, the others are similar to KEH, plus no need to ship lenses from US to Japan.

Only the individual can determine the worth. Some will say why bother, just buy a ZM. Others will say even ZMs are too much, just buy a Cosina Voigtlander. :)

I have ordered a G1 with the basic three lenses, so if I get another G1/G2 lens, it would be a 21mm lens one day.

[digitalintrigue]

Would love to hear your impressions of the lenses after you have a chance to try them out.

[raid]

Would love to hear your impressions of the lenses after you have a chance to try them out.

I certainly will do so. It is very important to me to find out whether sticking with old lenses and avoiding any modern lenses, have I been doing the right or the wrong thing for my photography.

[digitalintrigue]

For what it is worth, in Ken Rockwell's review of the Leica 28/2.8 ASPH, he states: "I also compared this new Leica 28mm f/2.8 ASPH to the extraordinary Zeiss-for-Contax-G 28mm f/2.8. I found them equally excellent, and each far better than anything I've ever used on an SLR."

http://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/28mm-f28.htm

[Doug]

There's no doubt the 28 Biogon G is a gem, and the 90, and the 45... But it was the relatively inexpensive + fast 21mm Biogon that brought me into the Contax G system, and at first I had only the 21 and the G1 body. But as we know, GAS attacks are almost unavoidable.

[fbf]

Just saw one whole black kit on ebay. I believe i was the first one saw the auction too. It was sold within a few hours with BIN 1150$. Great deal if you ask me.