Yet another considering Contax G1 thread

[roddymac]

Hi there,

I am considering getting a contax G1 but I have 2 questions.

First does it matter when you see ads saying that the lcd has bleed, and is it fixable. Ie can you get spares in the uk.

Also how hard is the viewfinder to see through as it was mentioned in the contax G pages. Don't suppose there is anyone in Edinburgh with one where I can check that out 🙂

I have got the ball rolling by putting my Canon G7 up on the bay. Got to fund it somehow... And do a bit saving.

Any help much appreciated.


Thanks,


Roddy

 

[JapanExposures]

Nowadays the G cameras are not realistically fixable, because it is often not worth it. Kyocera in Japan can still fix any part of the cameras, except the shutter. Whether that's economical is another question.

LCD bleed is common, but I have only seen samples with minor issues. I would not buy one with problems, because you are not really going to save much by buying a camera with a flaw. You may pay $200 instead of $250 or something in that range, and is it really worth it? I don't think so.

As for the VF, yes it ain't a Leica finder, so it seems a little dim in comparison. But it is not the end of the world either. As you know people on the web tend to have extreme opinions about things so don't let that put you off.

 

[splitimageview]

Being on my second G1, after getting one when they came out in the mid-90s, I guess that shows I like them. 🙂 The viewfinder of course isn't a Leica viewfinder, it's smaller, and dimmer, but it's certainly usable. For one thing, it's not cluttered with framelines and no need for a focus patch. In addition it doesn't really have to be super bright because the camera does the rangefinding and focus. Users coming from the SLR world may also prefer it because it shows what you are going to get -- doesn't show outside of the frame. RF traditionalists will have an issue with this of course.

The best part of the G series are the lenses, which are every bit as good as any lenses ever built, some people argue they are the best. One can get a complete G system with several lenses for about the cost of a single used Leica lens in good condition.

 

[cidereye]

Yes, do try before you buy. Some might say that the G1/2 is a "marmite" camera in that you either love it or you don't.

But after using my G1 for over a week now I must say that most of the stuff you see against it on various camera forums are mostly misinformed or without proper understanding as to how the camera works - especially the AF aspect of the camera. Where many go wrong is in tying to compare the G to other RF cameras such as the Leica when it's not as simple as that because the G is in a category of it's own being an AF RF and cannot be easily compared to a traditional RF camera.

If ever there was one camera made that reading of the manual should be compulsory before use then the G1/2 is it. Many users cannot get on with it because they don't understand how it works to begin with, especially the focusing - Understand that and you will have very few problems with using the camera. As said the lenses are sublime and at knock down prices and probably the best optics that can be had on any camera.

 

[Paddy C]

I just sold my entire G2 kit (camera, 4 lenses) after using it for a year.

It is a really nice camera and has, for me, major gadget appeal. I had a twinge of seller's remorse when I was packing up those beautiful little lenses.

The reason I sold it (and bought a ZI) was because I never really felt connected to the camera. And I think that had a lot to do with the automation though it's hard to describe.

Do not worry about the viewfinder, however. Compared with the best it does appear small and dim. But really, it is totally usable and the zooming/masking nature of it makes composing enjoyable. I think the viewfinder is good and people's complaints about it are overstated.

 

[djonesii]

I got one with LCD bleed in BGN condition. It was marked down when I got it. For mine, that meant that a very tiny corner of the film counter LCD is black. And I mean tiny. Absolutely no effect on function or usability.

I have it, an M6, a fuji GA645 and a Bronica 645 rangefinder, they are all different beasts, and sometimes I take one, and sometimes the other. Lately, I have been using the G1 at swim meets with B&W film, and it has been working fine.

Dave

 

[Larky]

I love my G1, I adore it. It's well built, I've never had any issues, it's quick, it looks good, and the glass on the front is arguably some of the best you can get.