The Contax G2 is a beautiful, well designed and convenient camera that is fully automated - range-finder type autofocus, auto film advance and rewind - it is quaint by. As sure as the sun shines these write-ups praising the G series are on target. Thought I restart my film experience and got a Contax G2 camera with Carl Zeiss 28mm & 45mm lenses.If I could anthropomorphize the G2, it’s an unapologetically awkward, runway-gorgeous genius. It’s time to do a review on the Contax G2. The romance was hot and quick. We’ve broken up, it’s over. The cameras and lenses sell for very small sums of money and reward with superb performance Prices below are the approximate amount one should expect to pay for a Contax G lens or camera in excellent, but used, condition.I’ve waited long enough to speak. ✕ Close Search for:The Contax G lenses and cameras may just be the greatest value in used 35mm film equipment today.The G2 kit came from a chap on RFF, the last true ivory tower of internet-forum rangefinder-camera snobbery. When it was time to get to work again I decided on a Contax. When tested in 1995, the Contax G1 cost US2,210 (equivalent to 3,800 in.After the untimely death of my beloved GA645 I spent some time fooling around with point and shoots, some old box cameras and the like.
![]() Contax G2 For Sale Series Are OnTruly, if you’ve shot anything less than professional level bodies with 100% coverage finders, you’ll be happy as a clam with the finder in the G2.When I first used it, I admit to being crestfallen. I understand that sacrifices must be made and that good design is always on a high wire. If only it was 50% larger though, right? Of course would compromise the rest of the design and feel of the camera as well. It’s lovely, contrasty, changes magnification with lenses, just the right amount of information presented to the user. Contax G2 – Top dialsThe dark side of this machine happens to be the viewfinder. The focus and advance motors sound like superbly damped dental drills. Matlab 2012 full downloadI’m not sure thats a fair comparison. So what’s the big deal? Fence, Contax G mount Carl Zeiss 45mm f2 PlanarMany reviews compare the G to any one of the Leicas you can buy on the used market. There’s no DOF preview to worry about, no critical focus patch to wring hands over. The finder is there to make sure you have the camera pointed in the right direction, and gives you a reticle to let you know exactly sort of where it will be placing the razor sharp plane of focus from the Zeiss lenses. Contax G2 and G mount Carl Zeiss 90mm f2.8 SonnarWhen you consider that this camera does not need your input beyond composition, the finder makes absolute sense. Then, as I adapted to the camera’s other quirks and got it set up the way I was familiar with using on the Canon 1-series bodies ( CF4, baby!) the finder suddenly became what it was designed to be: a framing apparatus. ![]() Sure, you need to use CR lithium batteries for both the camera and flash. The TLA200 is simple, quick to recycle and the only time I blew flash balance was when I metered incorrectly. It’s stereotypically bushido.Flash integration is perfect. It just doesn’t exist in that world. It’s not for the touchy-feely plastic-flare camera crowd. I know the ultimate outcome because one of the bodies has become disabled but I will enjoy this arranged marriage till death do us part!I have never shot a single flash image with this camera as it seems meant for available light. He told me it would be on permanent loan and I have used my opportunity to enjoy being seen with this beauty. The person who gifted this beauty to me had recently moved to a Phase one P 35 digital back for his Hasselblad and he was not going back to film. That’s when I was gifted with 2 Contax G2 bodies a 90, 45, 35, 28, and last but not least the 21! Oh, and the flash(never used). Worst case scenario, you rob the flash if the camera dies and push the rest of the film.In 2008 I’d say I married up. Contax G2 For Sale Manual Override OfIf you love detail, beautiful dynamic range and color rendition then look no further.What can I say? I’m totally smitten and madly in love. They always amaze me when I make a print and they are a perfect match for printing at 720(widely unknown feature) on an epson pro printer. Yes, it will be a sad day when I have to start dating again but until that time I will enjoy every minute we get to spend together.On a final note, the sample images don’t even begin to show the sharpness of the 90 and 45. It’s one weakness has been upclose critical focus situations but as the years have passed I’ve taught myself how to overcome this with now pleasing results and I’m from the focus is king crowd. The list of capabilities of this camera, leaving the film leader out on rewind, manual override of auto film speed set, back button focus lock, exposure lock and easy manual focus set-up are only a few of this cameras extra capabilities.Addressing the focus of this camera. I shoot Portra 160 almost exclusively and the shutter allows me to hand hold below a 60th when required with useable results more than 60% of the time.
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