i *want* to like the g-series

[v3cron]

just bought a g2 recently off craigslist. met the owner, tested the camera at a few different shutter speeds, and everyhting checked out. took it home and tested further. shutter stopped working. just some whirring sound when i trip the shutter (not the focus motor - that works fine). ok, i *really* wish i'd purchased from a dealer, because i can't go back and complain, since the damn thing worked when i checked it. with the price of repair, i'm back up to what the thing is worth, but if i was going to pay full rip, i'd have just bought the zeiss planar for my leica.

the thing is, i bought a g1 kit off ebay just days earler. it was broke - af motor problems. sending it back for a refund, thankfully.

i've used this system before (when it was current) and loved it. is it just a bad buy now to age and longevity issues? were these meant to be disposable? this is why i generally hate electro-cams. *sigh*

thanks for listening.

 

[clintock]

The cameras can be serviced by tocad
http://www.tocad.com/
I called them recently and they were quite nice and reasonable..
Turned out I didn't have to send the body in that I thought I would, since it already had the green sticker.

Do you have a new battery to try? or maybe take it out and put it in again.. just grasping..
That battery is expensive, but has a long shelf life, so if that's not it, then it's not a total waste..

 

[v3cron]

yeah, i used new batteries and took them out. it definitely sounds like something is not physically connecting. i sent tocad an email, and i have a reputable local shop willing to fix it for $180.

 

[sepiareverb]

I like my G2's- shoot one for all my family snapshots, loaded with Kodachrome usually. The second is my camera for either a rainy day, or shooting while out with the family- a faster pace than with the Leicas.

One of mine had some weird light leak, TOCAD did a great job for the in-warranty repair.

 

[BigSteveG]

I got rid of mine for a few different reasons...

I got rid of mine for a few different reasons...

lens mount had some problems. And sometimes the shutter just wouldn't fire for no good reason at all. It really was a battery hog. The lenses are superb!! I went to Leica M and am still happy. For quick grab shots I have a DSLR and a smaller Contax P/S. G system is wonderful if no problems are present.

 

[v3cron]

lens mount had some problems. And sometimes the shutter just wouldn't fire for no good reason at all. It really was a battery hog. The lenses are superb!! I went to Leica M and am still happy. For quick grab shots I have a DSLR and a smaller Contax P/S. G system is wonderful if no problems are present.

i owned a g1 kit about five years ago, and i loved the pictures. regretted selling it, actually. i'm put off this time around by reliability issues on the used ones i've seen. i may fix this one and sell it for the zm planar. should be a roughly even trade at the end of the day.

 

[mfunnell]

Well, fingers crossed and all, my G2 28/45/90 kit works just fine so far. I'm most impressed with the lenses (though I've mostly used the 45), and the camera is a very clever piece of design and engineering. But, somehow, when I decide to take a camera out shooting I tend to go with the Hexar RF, or the M3 or even the straight Hexar.

I think I need to really work with the G2 on a few more occasions to get used to it and find the things it works well for. I doubt it will ever be one of my main systems, but those lenses are so good that I should work out how to get maximum use of them.

...Mike

 

[sepiareverb]

I'd let TOCAD have a look at it- I've seen some G2's that have really taken a beating and are still working fine- mine have had a fair bit of film through them, but lately haven't seen the use the M's have. Reliability problems don't seem to fit with these from my impression.

 

[sepiareverb]

I'm a big fan of the 21 myself, shoot that more than any other G lens I think.

 

[akptc]

All I can say is that the G2 cameras are perfect. ...../quote]

Amen!

 

[Bob Michaels]

I've used G1 and G2 bodies for about six years. (prefer the G1). Both bought used. I've had a minor service issue with the G1 and now same with the G2. Not bad for the use they have gotten as my only 35mm camera used every weekend.

The 21mm, 28mm, 35mm, 45mm and 90mm lenses have been stellar performers with zero maintenance issues.

Now I'm just a practical guy who thinks cameras are only tools to make photos, but I have no complaints about the G system at all. My gear does show many signs of use but it continues to work well.

Everyone has their own desires and goals, but everything in the G system has worked well for me. Maybe you've gotten some equipment that was sold rather than repaired.

 

[DavidH]

My G2 system has seen some tough usage in some unforgiving terrain and worked flawlessly...I like it a lot and love the lenses. 45 is a fantastic lens and my favourite...the 21 is also excellent and I love the results in low light and indoor situations. I rarely use the 90mm or 28 but have avoided selling them so far... 😉

Sorry to hear the op has had so many problems...

 

[Ronald M]

I wanted to like them too, but there are million things to go wrong and the lens is always going in and out. That`s asking for trouble.

 

[sepiareverb]

I wanted to like them too, but there are million things to go wrong and the lens is always going in and out. That`s asking for trouble.

WADR- I think asking for trouble and having trouble are two very different things- Like many here I've given my G's a pretty good run without any lens problems at all. All lenses move, that's a given. Yes a motor has potential to break down more than a simple helicoid, but these are quite well designed cameras, built for 'professional' use, and it appears that the vast majority of them have worked well.

 

[javabean]

Some people mention a Contax G repair manual - this may help you repair some (small?) problems yourself. Does anyone know where to get it in PDF format ?

I've made a collection of links for the G2/G1 cameras with patents, DOF charts, focussing help, manuals, etc. etc. check here

Regards,

javabean.

 

[DavidH]

I've made a collection of links for the G2/G1 cameras with patents, DOF charts, focussing help, manuals, etc. etc. check here

Regards,

javabean.

Excellent! Thank you...very useful.