contax g2 rubber eyecup

joachim · 03-22-2007

Hi,

I noticed a couple of Contax G2 on ebay with the rubber rim around the evepiece of the finder missing. Is this something which gets lost easily and one should query ebay sellers for before buying a camera? -Ta-

J.

jaap · 03-23-2007

no it doesn,t get lost easily i have two G2 bodys and they are still in place

Socke · 03-23-2007

Not so easily, I nearly lost mine twice, first I found the rim in my bag and on the second occasion in my coat pocket.

nasmformyzombie · 03-23-2007

Not lost that easily, however, with the camera out of production, good luck finding a replacement eyecup.

Issy · 03-23-2007

Yes, unfortunately the Contax "bits" are starting to climb exponentially... rubber eyepieces for $40, cases +$125, the power adapter +$150...

jees...

jaap · 03-23-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Issy

Yes, unfortunately the Contax "bits" are starting to climb exponentially... rubber eyepieces for $40, cases +$125, the power adapter +$150...

jees...

Contax G stuff is still cheap considering the high quality range finder system.

Berliner · 03-23-2007

Mine did fall off about a year after I bought it. I ordered replacements from kyocera as they were still supporting it at the time. I have a spare in case it happens again. Other than that little annoyance, the G system is amazing. and DIRT CHEAP right now--considering what you're getting--these lenses are hard to beat even today. Also, TOCAD in the US was still supporting contax stuff as of about 8 months ago...I happen to be selling one complete G2 kit right now. (keeping one kit too). G2, 28,35,45,90, all contax hoods, & caps, & hood caps, TLA 200, & TLA 140

plummerl · 03-23-2007

In the US, you can get the eyepiece surround from TOCAD, at least I was able to about 6 months ago. In fact, I corresponded with them by email and they sent me one for free.

joachim · 03-23-2007

Hi, many thanks for the replies and the discussion. I am inclined to include that here is a bit (not much) of an issue and if I decide to get one, I better ask the seller before buying. Right now I have decided I am not in a rush to "shoot" one at ebay (or from a used dealer). Supply appears plentiful and prices are less than what I paid for my G1 a few years ago.

I am with those we think Contax G is teriffic value at present (spares might be a slightly different issue). I was toying with the idea of getting a ZM 50/2 planar or a Bessa R2m with a 50/2. But then, I have a G1 and would have needed an M body. Zeiss G 45/2 are so cheap right now, I bought one of them in mint- condition with a year waranty from a well known British used dealer. Very happy so far, just managed to get a roll to check that focus is ok - nothing special to post here.

Before I get shot at: I am aware and appreciate that the features and the handling of the G1 is not to everyone's liking and doesn't satiesfy everyone's needs. I guess if you are one of them you need to get an M body or a "real" Contax

nasmformyzombie · 03-23-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaap

Contax G stuff is still cheap considering the high quality range finder system.

The equipment is still pretty cheap. The accessories are through the roof.

joachim · 03-24-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by nasmformyzombie

The equipment is still pretty cheap. The accessories are through the roof.

Which ones? Prices for the lens hoods, cables and flashes on ebay and in used shops are significantly lower than what they have cost new. I am actually worried that people start offering those because low prices make it not worthwhile.

nasmformyzombie · 03-24-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by joachim

Which ones? Prices for the lens hoods, cables and flashes on ebay and in used shops are significantly lower than what they have cost new. I am actually worried that people start offering those because low prices make it not worthwhile.

Some prices are flat and falling, especially for Contax SLR gear and some accessories like flashes and cables. I've seen other Contax accessories---especially black hoods and caps for the G system---go for outrageous prices. I've seen new metal lens hoods for the manual focus SLR system go for $100 and up (used they're cheaper). I shoot with a Contax ST SLR, and last year wanted to get a spare eyecup, because they're getting impossible to find. Of note, the ST uses the same eyecup as the RTSIII and the N1. Last year I saw a new one sell on that auction site for over $100. I believe it sold for $20-$25 new when Kyocera was still producing them.

joachim · 03-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by nasmformyzombie

Some prices are flat and falling, especially for Contax SLR gear and some accessories like flashes and cables. I've seen other Contax accessories---especially black hoods and caps for the G system---go for outrageous prices. I've seen new metal lens hoods for the manual focus SLR system go for $100 and up (used they're cheaper). I shoot with a Contax ST SLR, and last year wanted to get a spare eyecup, because they're getting impossible to find. Of note, the ST uses the same eyecup as the RTSIII and the N1. Last year I saw a new one sell on that auction site for over $100. I believe it sold for $20-$25 new when Kyocera was still producing them.

Hi Gary,

I see what you say. But in the end this counts towards the fun and the pain of using an older system. You have something which is typically not that easy to get and have to hunt down bits&bobs in used shops, web-sites etc (getting the latest EOS cost money, nothing else). If you take the hunting as a game, it can be fun. On the other hand if you want something urgently or you break/loose something the hunting can be expensive and time consuming, in short a pain as you describe.

Back to my original question. I noticed that a large number of G2 sold on ebay lack the rubber eye-piece (could be careless users or users which had attached a diopter lens).

sepiareverb · 03-26-2007

I too popped one off, but it too was right there in the bag. Happened that once and hasn't since. I really like the G2 and lenses. That 90 is as sharp a lens as my 50 summicron, and I really do like the Zeiss wides. Something about their 'drawing' of things that I find quite nice. A ZM 25 is my next lens as soon as I can swing it. I shoot the G 21 a lot, but find the 28 not quite wide enough. I always loved my 24 AiS nikkor.

nasmformyzombie · 03-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by joachim

...(when) you have something which is typically not that easy to get and have to hunt down bits&bobs in used shops, web-sites etc...if you take the hunting as a game, it can be fun.

Back to my original question. I noticed that a large number of G2 sold on ebay lack the rubber eye-piece (could be careless users or users which had attached a diopter lens).

The G2 has a built in diopter lens, so I think attaching a diopter would be unusual for this camera. I don't think the G2 eyecup is easily removable---as in doing it by accident. My limited experience indicates that replacement Contax eyecups are hard to come by, regardless of the camera. These were limited production run items, and today are out of production and are very scarce. Be wary of the missing eyecup, unless hunting for one amuses you.

joachim · 03-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by nasmformyzombie

The G2 has a built in diopter lens, so I think attaching a diopter would be unusual for this camera. I don't think the G2 eyecup is easily removable---as in doing it by accident. My limited experience indicates that replacement Contax eyecups are hard to come by, regardless of the camera. These were limited production run items, and today are out of production and are very scarce. Be wary of the missing eyecup, unless hunting for one amuses you.

There were diopters available for the G2: GFL(-4), GFL(-2) and GFL(+2). I don't think they were hughly popular, but might be wrong. There were none for the G1. The FAQ at the US contaxcameras in the late 90ies said, something along the lines: If your prescription exceeds the range of adjustment on the G1, wear your glasses.

I am not sure hunting for an eyecup is much fun I agree. I just succeeded in hunting down a TLA140 and a remote cable. The TLA mainly for the fun of owning one

plummerl · 03-26-2007

I would have to re-emphasize, that two years ago, Contax discontinued the G2. They said at that time, that parts should be available for 10 years. A little over a year ago, I emailed Tocad (who took over the Contax series in the US) about my broken eyepiece frame (this is what holds the diopter lens). In a matter of days, I received a free eyepiece frame in the mail. This may have changed, but I would at least give them a shot. They still do repairs on the G2. I would also assume the 10 year period was world-wide.

nasmformyzombie · 03-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by plummerl

A little over a year ago, I emailed Tocad (who took over the Contax series in the US) about my broken eyepiece frame (this is what holds the diopter lens). In a matter of days, I received a free eyepiece frame in the mail. This may have changed, but I would at least give them a shot...I would also assume the 10 year period was world-wide.

Larry, I too live in Seattle as you do, and emailed TOCAD twice within the past year about two different issues and not receive a response either time. First time was about an eyecup for an Aria camera, the second about a shutter speed dial for an ST camera.

nasmformyzombie · 03-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by joachim

There were diopters available for the G2: GFL(-4), GFL(-2) and GFL(+2). I don't think they were hughly popular, but might be wrong...The FAQ at the US contaxcameras in the late 90ies said, something along the lines: If your prescription exceeds the range of adjustment on the G1, wear your glasses.

This is the only reason to add a separate diopter lens on a G1 or a G2 camera. The G2 has built in diopter adjustment ranging from +.3D to -2D. The separate diopter lenses for the G are extremely rare.

plummerl · 03-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by nasmformyzombie

Larry, I too live in Seattle as you do, and emailed TOCAD twice within the past year about two different issues and not receive a response either time. First time was about an eyecup for an Aria camera, the second about a shutter speed dial for an ST camera.

What I didn't reveal (don't mention my name(!!), I might want to use the contact in the future, if still valid) is that I somehow obtained the name of someone on the inside of Tocad. I actually found him out before Tocad made the takeover, and he moved over to Tocad. His name is Nick Cheremsak (ncheremsak@tocad.com). I was initially put in touch with him when I wanted to get a wrist strap and manual for the T3. He is/(hopefully not was) a really great guy, who has helped me several times, both for my G2's and T3. Persistence, squeakiness and especially phoning helps greatly.

nasmformyzombie · 03-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by plummerl

What I didn't reveal (don't mention my name(!!), I might want to use the contact in the future, if still valid) is that I somehow obtained the name of someone on the inside of Tocad. I actually found him out before Tocad made the takeover, and he moved over to Tocad. His name is Nick Cheremsak (ncheremsak@tocad.com). I was initially put in touch with him when I wanted to get a wrist strap and manual for the T3. He is/(hopefully not was) a really great guy, who has helped me several times, both for my G2's and T3.

I remember Nick from Kyocera/Contax. I have a friend from my days in Baltimore (1990's) who knew Nick pretty well. I had Nick's phone number when he was employed by Kyocera. Great guy.