leicamshooter
Established
I bought a G2 new in 2005. I've owned several Leica during that time, and they've all had to be CLA'd/ or had repair issues of some type, while the G2 goes on performing reliably. I keep going back to Leica for some of the reasons mentioned here already, but the G2 is a fantastic camera with wonderful lenses.
If you're vain like a lot of us, get the black G2 if you can. You won't regret it. I keep thinking i'm going to sell mine eventually, but the resale value is poor after having bought one new, and it's such a great camera... well you get the message.
If you're vain like a lot of us, get the black G2 if you can. You won't regret it. I keep thinking i'm going to sell mine eventually, but the resale value is poor after having bought one new, and it's such a great camera... well you get the message.
Pablito
coco frío
Buying without handling it is a BIG mistake. I was sold on these cameras until I picked one up in a store and played with it. In 5 minutes I decided it was not for me due to the "cons" folks cite in previous threads.
Ted2001
Established
Once you get the 21, you'll want the 16. Get the 21, one of the best lenses I've ever used. Remarkable glass.
The G series were far cheaper than Leicas at the time, and are even better buys now. A G2 with 28, 45, and 90 lenses was about $2500 at the time the M6 with 28, 50 and 90 was over $6500 (circa 2000.)
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Well Fred, you edited your post so my comment no longer has relevance. Your original post contained "At the time these cameras were released they were as expensive as a Leica, and made little sense to me." 
There are people active in this thread that show the camera can be just as capable (in the right hands) in terms of creativity as any other camera.
There are people active in this thread that show the camera can be just as capable (in the right hands) in terms of creativity as any other camera.
Yes, I don't bother with the manual modes on the Contax. And yes, I agree on Leica prices. It's hard to fathom.
Speaking of 2 cent loaves...I remember elementary school where I distributed half pints of milk at lunch...they were a penny each.
Speaking of 2 cent loaves...I remember elementary school where I distributed half pints of milk at lunch...they were a penny each.
Ted2001
Established
When I bought my G2's they were about $1K per body, the M-6 was close to $2.5K. This ratio were true with the lenses too.
imokruok
Well-known
As I am considering an RF purchase right now, this is my main issue. I have Nikon bodies and lenses that are still compatible and serviceable despite being made 30 years ago. But I think what it comes down to is individual usage, and whether you can get your money's worth before the body/kit falls apart. I know about the LCD issues, but is it unreasonable to assume that you could get a decade worth of service out of it? If I buy a package for $1,000, $100/year for solid photos is not a bad deal, and that's assuming it's worth nothing at the end.
I look at photography probably a bit different than most on this site. I'm far more into the gear than actually using it day-to-day, but when I travel a few times a year, I'll shoot 20 rolls, so for me the gear needs some kind of longevity. That's why I've come back to film after digital - because I'd invest in a digital outfit, use it a handful of times over the course of a couple of years, and then it's worth practically nothing.
nebraska
Member
G cameras
G cameras
This response is probably a little late. Here it is anyway. I own and use Leica MP, Konica Hexar RF, Contax IIA, Kiev IV, G2 with lense 21 to 90, a variety of 35mm film and DSLRs, and several medium format cameras. By far the most pleasant and handy - for me - is the G2. I am not making a living with photography so the occasional "miss" because of its out-dated AF system doesn't bother me. It is compact and therefore my favorite travel outfit! Everything fits in a small bag. The lenses are just as good or better than my M lenses. They produce wonderful images.
G cameras
This response is probably a little late. Here it is anyway. I own and use Leica MP, Konica Hexar RF, Contax IIA, Kiev IV, G2 with lense 21 to 90, a variety of 35mm film and DSLRs, and several medium format cameras. By far the most pleasant and handy - for me - is the G2. I am not making a living with photography so the occasional "miss" because of its out-dated AF system doesn't bother me. It is compact and therefore my favorite travel outfit! Everything fits in a small bag. The lenses are just as good or better than my M lenses. They produce wonderful images.