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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by digitalintrigue

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Andrew Sowerby

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 sweet~

[George S.]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by fbf

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 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]

Originally Posted by meven

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.