New G2 Owner

[MJFerron]

Hi I'm Mike and new to this site. I just purchased a G2 and 45mm2. They should be here in a few days. I use mostly Nikon AF cameras (just have a D70 at the moment) and was wondering how the AF compares to modern SLR's. Also is it easy to manual focus? I shoot a lot off the tripod at F16 and would want to set the focal distance to say 7 feet with the 45. Only other RF I've used is a Mamiya 7 so any tips on using the G2 would be appreciated.

[charlesfoto]

Congrats on your G2 and 45/2. I've had the G2(2) since its inception, and through all of my gear changes, including a stab at digital, the G2 has always remained in my bag. The 45/2 is one of the best lenses out there. The 90/2.8 is a great portrait lens and, though pricey, the 21mm lens is superb.
AF is fast, though probably not as fast as the top SLRs. It's a bit noisy, as well, but still very accurate. MF is another story, though, as you really aren't seeing what you are fine-tuning your focus on, as with the Leica rangefinders. Focus is done with a dial on the front of the body. I've not really needed it, as the AF has always been dead-on for me.
I've got a gallery here, most of which was done with the G2. Also, www.pbase.com/charles_hess has a variety of images and styles, again many/most done with the G2. You're welcome to check out my work...not for my self-promotion, but to show you what can be done with that great little camera.

[MJFerron]

Thanks for the info Charles. I really enjoyed your work. Especially the street shots. My reason for buying the G2 is to have a quality compact 35mm. Plus I read it has some of the best lenses around. Looking forward to receiving it and I'm sure Ill have more questions once I start using it.

Mike

[suzums]

Congrats on the Contax jump! I actually have a G1 myself, and it works beautifully! The quality of the line of lenses will blow you away. Specially that 45 Planar!
I have played with the G2 a good amount, like mentioned... the focusing may be a little loud, and slow for some. The distance dial is actually very easy to work, and I find myself using it more than Auto mode!

But you will truly enjoy it! Hope you enjoy and have some photos to share soon!



Cheers!

[Doug]

Hi Mike, and welcome to RFF! I got sucked into the Contax G system just through wanting a good deal on a top-quality fast 21mm lens! The body was a necessary accessory to that, but I wasn't at all sure I'd learn to like all the motors and AF and all... coming from all-manual Leica and Pentax. It took some re-education, but I'm totally impressed at the intelligent design and exquisite quality of all components. I'm sure it's a preference matter, so there's no telling whether it will appeal to any particular person or not. Enjoy!

[jrong]

Charles, I like your street work. Just out of curiosity, what scanner do you use to scan your negs? The scans look amazingly sharp.

[charlesfoto]

Thanks for the compliments on my street shots. Scanner...nothing fancy, I use the Minolta DiMage Scan Dual III. It took a lot of experimenting to get the right settings, but I'm pretty happy with the quality of the scans. Thanks again.

[Charlie]

Hey Mike,

Congratulations on your G2 outfit. I've had one for about 5 years. It's a great system and that 45 is one of the best.

Regards,

Charlie

[akptc]

Welcome to the forum Mike! Good to have another new G2 user. I got mine not long ago and love it and its 35-45-90 lenses. Btw, have you considered a leaher half-case from Luigi? I got one recently, it goes oh-so-well with the G2 :)

[Socke]

Oops, forgot tp check the Contax G forum!

Welcome to our small comunity and enjoy your camera.

[John]

Welcome to the Forum Mike. The G2 manual explains a lot of things. Remembering what it said is the hard part. :D :D