Interested in a G1 or G2

[jamesdfloyd]

I got the bug to collect different rangerfinders and I am interested in getting opinions on a G1 vs. G2.

Also...what is the difference between a Green Label and a Silver Label?

J.D. Floyd

 

[splitimageview]

Green label G1 (as opposed to silver label) can use the later released lenses (21 and 35, but not the zoom.) G2 can use all lenses.

Lots of G1 vs G2 threads...just get one. 🙂

 

[kdemas]

The green label lets you use the 35mm lens. It's a firmware update.

There are some other threads on this subject but, for me, the G2 is a more capable camera. Both are excellent and the lenses are terrific. Enjoy.

Here's a link to some links 🙂
site:www.rangefinderforum.com contax g1 g2

 

[akremer]

Both good, but spring for the G2.

You'll get used to the focusing in no time and you can thank us later.

 

[bobby_novatron]

I own both. The G1 is a very good camera -- I've taken some great shots with mine. Personal preference leads me to the G2 ... I like the autofocus system on the G2 better.

 

[vfrazz]

...been using the G1 for a while now, and I have no significant complaint (just wish the viewfinder was larger)--wouldn't even consider paying the extra money for G2, plus I believe the 1 is slightly smaller than the 2, and that is important to me (it's become my walk-around camera, replacing the Rollei 35s)...

...my camera is a green label, but if were buying a second body, I'd probably get a silver label for less money, since I use the 45mm and 28mm lenses (both wonderful lenses)...


http://www.vincentfrazzettaphotography.com

 

[Rangefinder 35]

Both G1 and G2 are beautiful cameras and well made. When shooting I gravitate toward G2, keeping G1 as a backup, or loaded with a different film. For static shots both are excellent. For action G2 wins hands down.

 

[Debusti Paolo]

I have a contax g2 with 15(modified heliar lens)21,28,35,45 & 90 lenses and this is a really great kit

 

[bagdadchild]

I have the G2. The automatic parallax correction where the whole viewfinder image moves is a fantastic feature and the button to lock autofocus is most useful. My G2 meter overexposes by roughly 2/3 stop for many subjects like green grass. A darker subject will often be overexposed by up to two stops, whereas it tends to give the correct exposure for brigher things, so its taking me a while to get accustomed to the metering, especially when shooting slide film. The autofocus is rudimentary but simple to use and efficient. The G2 is considerably heavier than my handy plastic EOS 300 SLR, but the G2 lenses are a lot smaller than the SLR lenses.

 

[Dez]

G1 vs G2

G1 vs G2

Why is it that the G2 is so much more expensive than the G1? I have one of the latter, and it is a very fine camera indeed, but the ebay prices are depressingly low. What does the G2 deliver that makes it worth so much more? is it just the possibility of using lenses I cannot afford to buy?
😀

Cheers,
Dez

 

[Cron]

if you want to collect as stated, then there is a black G2 with very rare black 2/35 and 2,8/21 to look for!
If you want to see it, take a look into my flickr.

 

[nonot]

Yeah, what Cron said if you're going to collect (as in not use), collect black parts because they are rarer or something. I'm no collector but I do have a black G2 kit that would make collectors cringe with how beaten up the finish is. If you're going to shoot it (which you should), get whatever you can - I'd spring the extra couple hundred on the G2 over a modified G1 though but that's only my opinion. All the reasons for that are all over these parts of the forums.

 

[Rangefinder 35]

G2 v. G1

G2 v. G1

Why is it that the G2 is so much more expensive than the G1? I have one of the latter, and it is a very fine camera indeed, but the ebay prices are depressingly low. What does the G2 deliver that makes it worth so much more? is it just the possibility of using lenses I cannot afford to buy?
😀

Cheers,
Dez

Well, the most cited difference is in G2's better auto focus performance (both passive and active). I do miss some action shots with G1 due to its focusing/ shutter lag, whereas in G2 one can set the camera on Continuous Focusing, depress the focusing button and fire away. Also, i like better how the manual focusing is set in G2, by depressing the focus wheel and rotating the front dial, which basically locks the focus. In G1 you rotate the focus dial and hope it doesn't move while you fiddling with the camera. And, if one cares for zoom, even the green label G1 can't handle the 35-70mm Vario-Sonnar.

 

[froyd]

I do not have direct experience with the G2 but I had a good deal on a G1 kit and went for it thinking I would eventually swap the G1 body for a G2 because of all the bad mouthing the G1 seems to get on the internet.

Six months later, I still have the G1. After the first two rolls I'm completely comfortable with the focusing of the G1. I shoot my young children primarily, and the G1 does not have a problem even with that tricky subject matter. The G90 was part of the kit and while I thought I would rarely use it (both because I prefer wides and because users claimed the G1 focuses it unreliably) I've grown to really like it and I've not had any issues whatsoever focusing it.

One modification I made was to take the camera to my local tech and asked him to tighten the focus wheel so it offers more resistance. BIG IMPROVEMENT! I now use manual focus much more confidently, especially with the amazing G28, which makes it is easy to zone focus.

In short, given the lighter weight, smaller size, and performance of the G1 I think I'll hang on to it for quite a bit longer. Selling it for a couple of hundred dollars seems hardly worth it for such a capable camera.

As everybody has stated before, this would be a perfect system if the viewfinder were larger and the lenses showed depth of field scales.

 

[LeicaFoReVer]

I have seen some people make/use DOF stickers to stick on G lenses. I will post the link if I can find.

 

[Rangefinder 35]

I have seen some people make/use DOF stickers to stick on G lenses. I will post the link if I can find.

I have made a copy of DOF tables (hyperfocal distance) straight from the G1/G2 manual and printed it on Fujiflex paper as a 6x4 in. card, that is plasticky and is impossible to rip. i always carry it in my camera bag. Because of a frequent use, though, I have memorized the most used settings, so I set them almost automatically when needed. Now, I have a few cards left, so if anybody needs one, let me know and we work out the details.

 

[Bob Michaels]

Why is it that the G2 is so much more expensive than the G1? I have one of the latter, and it is a very fine camera indeed, but the ebay prices are depressingly low. What does the G2 deliver that makes it worth so much more? is it just the possibility of using lenses I cannot afford to buy?
😀

Cheers,
Dez

I have had both a G1 and a G2 for about 8 years. I always reach for the G1 first. The G1 does everything the G2 does that matters to me. I have never been able to see where the G2 focuses better in my years of experience. The difference in focusing technology is great marketing techobabble to support a higher price for a newer model. But it just does not seem to work any different in the real world for me.