Anyone still using their G1/G2?

[JBC]

Looks like most of the traffic here is related to the G to M lens conversions. Anybody online here still use the G1 or G2?

Jim Couch

[dneyhard]

Hi Jim--

Well yes, I do have a Contax G kit consisting of the G1, G2, and most of the lenses. I have got to admit though that I normally shoot with my Hasselblad equipment. I also have a rather complete Contax 645 kit which I need to break out for some shooting.
Maybe together we can garner some interest in the G system.
I have been a lurker here long enough, so I will try to find the time to use the little G's soon.

Regards,

Don

[digitalintrigue]

Yes indeed. I had a G1 when they first came out, and got another one a few weeks ago after a long absence. I wonder why I bothered selling the first one...now I've picked up a G2 but haven't shot a roll yet.

I won't be selling again...it's a definite keeper. What fabulous glass. :)

-Robert, just down I35...

[JBC]

Good to see at least a few other's still shooting with the G system. I both a G1 & a G2 with the TLA200 flash and the 28,35,45, & 90 lenses. I don't use the system as much as I probably should, but I do really like it and use it fairly regularly.

Don - what a coincidence (or maybe not?) I also have a Hasselblad that still get regular use!

Jim Couch

[dneyhard]

Hi Jim--

What's the saying--"Great Minds Think Alike"--and bring on many a coincidence. Ha! . My G system is almost like yours except that I have the TLA 160 flash.
Now to just find the time to use this wonderful equipment.

Don

[digitalintrigue]

What's everyone's opinion on the 35/2? Has anyone compared it side by side to a 35/2 Summicron?

[raid]

What's everyone's opinion on the 35/2? Has anyone compared it side by side to a 35/2 Summicron?

It seems that the 35mm G lens is less mentioned in online discussions than the 45/2 or the 21mm ... etc.

I may have seen an online score chart where this lens scored below the other G1/G2 lenses.

[digitalintrigue]

Yes, I have seen reports where it isn't up to the superb levels of the other lenses, but I have my doubts about that. It may just be an internet myth. I've never seen a comparison. Until a day or two ago, I didn't have a body to use my 35, I will do my own tests. :)

[JBC]

I have not done a direct comparison between the 35 G lens and the Summicron myself. The 35 G is reputed to be the weakest of the G lenses, but I have been very pleased with the results and it is my most used g lens.

Took the G1, 35, 90 and TLA200 out Sunday. G1 with the 35 over one shoulder, and the 90 & TLA in a small bag over the other shoulder - nice! Had a great day with my wife and daughters up in Seattle. Can't wait to get the film back!

Jim Couch

[Eryximachos]

I have a G1 and a G2; I use the G2 about twice as often for no real reason. I love them both. I often find myself wanting to buy additional G lenses at KEH; they are so reasonably priced compared with similar quality glass.

[JBC]

I have a G1 and a G2; I use the G2 about twice as often for no real reason. I love them both. I often find myself wanting to buy additional G lenses at KEH; they are so reasonably priced compared with similar quality glass.

The G lenses have to be one of the great bargins in photo equipment today. I keep looking at the 21s at KEH, but haven't pulled the trigger - yet. :)


Jim

[jmkelly]

I have a G1 and the 21, 45 & 90mm lenses. IMO even with the recent price increases I have noted at auction this gear represents the best value in photography. That said, it is not my most-used kit - been spending more quality time with older gear lately: rebuild projects like the Contax II, Pen-FT, and as of 2 days ago a lovely black IIIf RD courtesy of Robert Jagitsch, Don Goldberg and Youxin Ye. Sweet.

[bwcolor]

I have been 100% digital since 02, but recently pulled out my G2 and lenses. It seemed slow and awkward, but I think that it was me and not the camera. I then started to shoot my Mamiya 7s and wow.. love those cameras, but the size of the G2 can't be beat, so waiting for an Ikon ZM and 35 f2.0. I have a real interest in a small film camera for B&W. I will be shooting the Ikon and G2 side by side. It will be interesting to see what develops. Now, how to get the wife to spring for the Nikon 9000ED and wet mount kit? Oh ya, that is easy, just take lots of great photos of our kids and tell her that I need a scanner. yah,,, that should work.

[JBC]

I have been 100% digital since 02, but recently pulled out my G2 and lenses. It seemed slow and awkward, but I think that it was me and not the camera. I then started to shoot my Mamiya 7s and wow.. love those cameras, but the size of the G2 can't be beat, so waiting for an Ikon ZM and 35 f2.0. I have a real interest in a small film camera for B&W. I will be shooting the Ikon and G2 side by side. It will be interesting to see what develops. Now, how to get the wife to spring for the Nikon 9000ED and wet mount kit? Oh ya, that is easy, just take lots of great photos of our kids and tell her that I need a scanner. yah,,, that should work.

Keep us posted. I have been thinking of getting a Ikon body ever since I lost my CLE a few weeks ago.

Jim

[bwcolor]

I purchased the kit, which makes the body around $1000. I don't know how long it will take B&H to ship, but the kits seem like great deals.

My wife saw some Mamiya 7 photos of the kids and insisted that I buy the scanner. Of course, I immediately complied..before she changed her mind... Now, everything is on backorder... infinite on the Nikon..as far as I know.

[raid]

I have a Contax G1 with the 28-45-90 set in mint condition. The lenses are awesome and the camera feels solid. Just a few minutes ago I was lovingly looking at the set.

[Full Lumen]

Still using mine - was out an about with it yesterday and took five rolls of film. Got a G2 with GD-2 databack, TLA200 flash and 21, 28, 35, 45 and 90 lenses. Would not part with this outfit for anything it just oozes quality, and still use it a lot.

[bwcolor]

I've pulled my G2, three lenses and flash out of many years of storage. I'm getting back into film. Just purchased an Ikon ZM and four lenses, scanners..etc. I prefer the view out of the Ikon, but the G2 is much better when shooting dynamic subjects, such as my kids. I just picked up a pack of twenty batteries and have noted how little money I can get for my system, so might as well use it.

[jmkelly]

Unfortunately I needed to raise some cash so I sold my G1, 45mm Planar and 90mm Sonnar. Looking to sell the 21mm Biogon as well - see FS listings. :( Oh well, maybe I will pick up another sometime in the future.

[Jaap]

I even use the vario sonnar 35-70 Nice peace of glass when there,s enough light. It makes a fantastic travel combination on my G2 with Gd-2

[Polon]

I have a G1 with 28mm 45mm and 90mm. I normally use monochrome but shoved in a Reala 100 and must say was astonished with the results, especially with the 45mm.

[JBC]

I have a G1 with 28mm 45mm and 90mm. I normally use monochrome but shoved in a Reala 100 and must say was astonished with the results, especially with the 45mm.

The Zeiss lenses are renown for their color rendition, as you have found. To those that have only shot B&W throught your G, run some color film and be amazed.

I will be using my G1 to shoot the last of my Kodachrome over the holidays.

Jim Couch

[daddio]

just got a G1 in great condition, had one years ago but sold it happy to have it back

[daddio]

i'm new to the forum and used a g1 up to 5 years ago and sold it only to purchase another in exellent condition boxed. Went digital for awhile with a Leica V Lux1 great camera but i still like film Photography. Developed a couple of rolls laying in a draw for years shot with the previous contax and not suprised to see how good most shots looked considering expired (5 years ago) developer and fixer. i'm keeping this camera. I have a plustek 35mm film scanner to replace setting up my enlarger.

[kdemas]

I even use the vario sonnar 35-70 Nice peace of glass when there,s enough light. It makes a fantastic travel combination on my G2 with Gd-2

The 35-70mm is a terrific lens for daylight shooting. I have been blown away by the quality, one of the finest results from a zoom I have seen.

[robgrune]

I use my G2 with 28, 45, 90 lenses almost daily. nothing beats the Zeiss glass.
BTW, I bought rechargeable batteries for the G2 ! great.

[mretina]

Just got a G1 with 21, 28, 45, 90. Great buy!. Love it. A bit awkward focusing and small viewfinder if I compare with the simple plasticosity of my Bessa R, not having a Leica to compare, but amazing images and I have just started to get going. Could have never afforded the same line up with Leitz.

[jazz]

Please include me in the loop...:)

Just got G1 and Planar 45/2 a week ago, loved it...