Can't quit my Contax G2 - Page 2

digitalintrigue · 03-31-2012

Kipon, Raid. Or Metabones. There are cheaper ones, but they are fiddly.

raid · 03-31-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by digitalintrigue

Kipon, Raid. Or Metabones. There are cheaper ones, but they are fiddly.

Thanks. I will check it out

sepiareverb · 03-31-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by StefanJozef

As Raid says the 90mm needs a bit more attention when focusing, and it can be frustrating at times, but the results are in my opinion superb.

No question about the quality of most of the G lenses, the 90 is certainly right up there with the 21 as far as that goes.

david.elliott · 03-31-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by digitalintrigue

That's the one I'm keeping: G1 and 35. I didn't realize it until recently but the G1 is almost exactly the same size as a CL or CLE -- quite small and light. Yes, the viewfinder is a tunnel, but everything else is great. At the prices G1s are going for, there is no reason not to keep it.

Agreed. The bodies are quite inexpensive. Boy did the lens prices shoot up though over the last couple years!

raid · 03-31-2012

I missed buying the 21m lens when it was reasonably priced

Dez · 04-01-2012

I wonder why there is such an enormous difference in market value between the G1 and G2. I have a G1 which has always given me great results, although I very rerely use it, since I am far more likely to make use of one of my old restoration projects or a funky Russki. At the moment I am playing with the fragile old Contax 1A that I am currently using as my avatar: nothing has broken or fallen off yet.

I am not excited about the prospects of selling the G1, since they seem to bring such a pittance, but it seems a shame to have it gathering dust.

Cheers,
Dez

digitalintrigue · 04-01-2012

I really like the G2 but it's bigger and heavier than the G1. The G2 is slightly improved in several ways technically over the G1, but for the vast majority of situations the G1 is just as good. For me it's not worth the price difference...

rhl-oregon · 04-01-2012

My return to photography was via the Lumix G1 in 2009. As I followed discussions about using it with adapted glass, I read lots about Contax G1 lenses. A short time later I got the 45 Planar attached to a G1, and a used Monza adapter (http://contaxgm43.wordpress.com/).

The Monza/Planar combination is too fiddly for fast M43 shooting, but exquisite for composing wide open. I also love the Contax G1 for color slides, and B/W street shooting with the 28. Those 2 cameras frequently travel together in the kit.

I'm on casual/occasional lookout for a green label G1, in order to add the 21 and 35, but in the meantime am appreciating and using what I have.

klaz · 04-02-2012

have been shoot G1/45 for over year. Love it more than anything in my camera bag. recently bought the 28mm from Bob here. didn't have the $$ for his 21mm while he was asking $650. Should have got it

Still love the 45/28 a lot). It's my great day to day and travel camera. I don't think I'll spend $3600 for the Mk III (I have the 5D classic + some L lenses). film tonality can't be replaced with those 'full frame' sensor yet. G1 focusing is simple and once you get used to it, it's pretty accurate.

froyd · 04-08-2012

the G1 + 3 lenses were destined for the big auction house in the sky after landing my dream M4 + Leica lenses.

Six months have gone by and despite that abysmal G viewfinder being made even more abysmal by comparison with the Leica, the litle G keeps getting loaded with fresh film.

gavinlg · 04-12-2012

I'm looking for a G2 right now

digitalintrigue · 04-12-2012

Don't discount the G1. The advantages of the G2 are very minimal, and the G1 is smaller/lighter.

gavinlg · 04-12-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by digitalintrigue

Don't discount the G1. The advantages of the G2 are very minimal, and the G1 is smaller/lighter.

Oh dear... I keep switching back between the two. The g1 is under half the price of the G2. I really need reliable focussing though... I'll be shooting a lot of washed out backlit rim lighted fashion-y stuff with it.

digitalintrigue · 04-12-2012

As long as you know what the system is looking for AF isn't a problem. What lens will you be shooting with primarily?

akptc · 04-12-2012

My all-black G2 outfit (2G2s, 21, 28, 35-70, 45, 90) plus a green-label G1 (for good measure) took some work to put together but have been sitting on the shelf for maybe a year now, there are just too many new digital marvels to play with

gavinlg · 04-12-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by digitalintrigue

As long as you know what the system is looking for AF isn't a problem. What lens will you be shooting with primarily?

Just the 28mm and 45mm for the foreseeable future I think. I manage well with my x100 - in fact I really like the AF on that camera, so perhaps I can manage with the G1 too...

digitalintrigue · 04-12-2012

After owning G1, G2, and x100 I would say either G is a good choice with those lenses.

PMCC · 04-12-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by digitalintrigue

As long as you know what the system is looking for AF isn't a problem.

This comment piques my interest. Can you explain, briefly?

kdemas · 04-12-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by PMCC

This comment piques my interest. Can you explain, briefly?

Peter,

You need to fill the autofocus bracket and realize that repeating horizontal lines can cause it problems. Easily cured by tilting it a bit.

Great article on properly focusing the G2 here:

http://www.botzilla.com/blog/archives/000378.html

I have never had real problems with it at all. Only the 90 can require a bit more attention.

PMCC · 04-12-2012

Thanks Kent! How about the G1? Same same or different? When I used the G1 I couldn't break the code for consistent focusing with the 90mm.

digitalintrigue · 04-12-2012

The G1 doesn't have the button on the back, and doesn't have an IR focus system for use in darkness at close distances, but with the 28 and 45 focus is really not a problem. It does have an AF assist light.

Filling the brackets and watch for horizontals are still the keys, along with the usual other potential troubles (areas with little contrast) and pay attention to the distance scale in the viewfinder...also make sure to keep the RF windows clean and unblocked with fingers...

Check out this comparison:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHCP-UL-rOg

Also refer to page 108-114 in the G2 manual: http://global.kyocera.com/prdct/opti...ual/g2_eng.pdf

kdemas · 04-12-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by PMCC

Thanks Kent! How about the G1? Same same or different? When I used the G1 I couldn't break the code for consistent focusing with the 90mm.

The G2 focuses better than the G1, no question. It has both active and passive autofocus, the G1 doesn't. The G2 can even focus in complete darkness for closer subjects.

Both don't like horizontal lines or very low contrast scenes.

kdemas · 04-12-2012

The point about keeping the auto-focus windows clean, really clean, is very true. It makes a huge difference.

PMCC · 04-12-2012

Thanks gents, I'll check it out. Always thought the G lenses were dynamite. Kent, I'm going to try to make it to American Bull.

kdemas · 04-12-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by PMCC

Thanks gents, I'll check it out. Always thought the G lenses were dynamite. Kent, I'm going to try to make it to American Bull.

Excellent Peter! I might have the G2 with me so you can play with it a bit if you like.