ricoh gr1s / contax t2

Y

yeah!

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hi, i'm interested in these two cameras. I'm currently thinking of buying, or maybe trading my hexar af, for one of these.
I want something that is pocketable and I like the idea of having the built in flash, but I still want basic manual functions..

some advice/info on these cameras would be great! cheers
 
I got the GR1s. Superbly tiny and handles like a dream. Nothing much to learn at all. The flash is kinda weak (guide number 7) but as long as you move in close, it can still work as a camera for night street photography. Snap focus and the 28mm focal length are the main selling points of the ricoh :)
 
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Can't comment on the Ricoh, but for the Contax camera, I remember when I purchased my T-3 originally, the T-3 was supposedly much better than the T-2 (in terms of optics), and the T-3 is a truly outstanding P&S camera. So, rather then the T-2, I'd go with the T-3....
 
mbisc said:
Can't comment on the Ricoh, but for the Contax camera, I remember when I purchased my T-3 originally, the T-3 was supposedly much better than the T-2 (in terms of optics), and the T-3 is a truly outstanding P&S camera. So, rather then the T-2, I'd go with the T-3....
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The T3 is great but very expensive. The T2 is a lot cheaper and some people prefer it. I've used both, and due to price I think the T2 is the better option. If the T3 weren't so expensive maybe I'd consider it.

The GR1s is good too, they are so tiny and have great optics but it seems like they can be kind of unreliable (especially in terms of the top display screens...at least from what I've read). Make sure you get a good one. The Contax's seem to have less electronic problems.

I would pick your focal length first, and then choose the camera. Also worth considering is the Fuji Klasse W and Klasse S.
 
yep t3 is a little out of what i want to spend at the moment.
been reading up on the gr1s and now i'm not sure as I don't want a faulty lcd...

thanks for the recommendation of the fuji, looks nice i'll look into it..
otherwise i think i might just be a t2?? is the t2 much smaller then the hexar?
 
Pocketable? Depends what pocket you are intending to put it in. Jeans/Trouser pocket, then the GR1s. I'd say the T2 is a little too big to go in a trouser pocket and is more suited to a jacket pocket. I've owned two T2's and two GR1v's(but not at the same time!). I preferred the GR1v but I never got a faulty lcd. Maybe my opinion would have changed if I had! The T2 is also quite heavy, much more noticeable than the GR1v, which is very light. I really enjoyed both camera's and I could never split them in terms of best performance. Based on price and performance, I would say the T2 wins.

Paul
 
thanks for your reply. pocketable for a jacket pocket is small enough, i really like the results i've been seeing from the GR1/s but yeah that LCD scares me about spending $500...

i've also been looking at the nikon 35ti..
 
yeah! said:
i've also been looking at the nikon 35ti..
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I wouldn't bother. It's heavier and slightly more bulky. Also, the flash is a PITA. If you have it set to always be off then you have to hold in a tiny button on the front of the camera to force it to flash. The 28ti introduced a sliding switch, more easier. I've had a 35ti and the weight and flash put me off. Those analogue dials on top look good, but can go wrong.

FrankS said:
Also consider the Rollei AFM35.
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Check my signature. :) Outstanding lens. Contax T2 size, but a little thinner and much lighter.

Paul
 
that does look nice, not many on the 'bay though, how does the lens compare to the contax? @muf, with owning both do you have a preference?
 
Contax T2: Outstanding lens, fiddly flash modes -- you can't use aperture priority and a flash mode at the same time. Also the lens housing is prone to light leaks, at least in the two I have handled. (it will make circular flare marks on your negatives)

Ricoh GR1s/v: Great lens, great flash modes, takes lens hood and filters. The viewfinder is much better than the T2, the camera actually shows you what it is focusing on. This alone is worth the money for this camera. It makes shooting really easy. Shutter speed read out in the viewfinder is really handy too. Easy to read in daylight. Possible electronic faults, I haven't had any problems with mine and it sees about 20 - 40 rolls a year.

Fuji Klasse / Rollei 35 AFM: Outstanding lens, possibly as good as the T3. They handle well and they're built like tanks. My Klasse made really amazing photographs. No shooting info in the viewfinder and the viewfinder is prone to black outs unless your eye is dead center in the viewfinder.

Contax T3: Marvelous viewfinder (think Leica clarity) and shutter read out / focusing info like the GR1s/v. It's just really hard to read in daylight. The numbers washout if you have something bright behind them. Optically one of the sharpest cameras I have used. Custom modes, hood / filters (same size as GR1s/v) and good flash modes. I think the GR1s/v does better with daylight / fill flash, however.

If there is any obstruction in the lens cover / blades, the lens will retract and extend a number of times before opening. A total downer for an otherwise great camera.

For the money, the Klasse / AFM35 is probably the most bang for your buck. If you prefer 28mm lenses, consider the Ricoh, or the Fuji Klasse W.

Hope that helps.
 
I've had T2 and sold it. While the lens is a true gem, this camera is huge and heavy. No match for the slickness of GR, which I am going to buy next. To be honest, I have no clue how anyone could call T2 a 'compact' camera... It's a brick burden :)

XA, that's a real compact camera! And the lens ain't shabby, either :D

But I will buy GR for 28mm and the autofocus.
 
I love my T2. It's true - T2 is not very compact, but the lens is great. I would not trade though Hexar AF for T2 (I also have Hexar AF). Hexar and T2 are pretty different animals... You will regret soon selling/trading your Hexar...
 
valdas said:
I love my T2. It's true - T2 is not very compact, but the lens is great. I would not trade though Hexar AF for T2 (I also have Hexar AF). Hexar and T2 are pretty different animals... You will regret soon selling/training your Hexar...
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I've had both and sold both. No regrets. I found both to be bulky, big, totally not portable. Nothing beats a tiny camera which no one pays attention to. :)
 
yeah! said:
that does look nice, not many on the 'bay though, how does the lens compare to the contax? @muf, with owning both do you have a preference?
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If you are referring to the Rollei AFM35 vs the Contax T2, then there really is no competition. The Rollei is sharper, better contrast(which I love) and the meter stomps all over the T2. The lens coating is so good I've taken shots towards the sun with no flare! It's also got one of the best meters I've ever encountered. Easily on a par with the 35ti matrix meter. In my opinion, the lens on the AFM35 beats the Contax T3. That will probably be seen as blasphemy on here, but I've owned a T3 and for me the Rollei wins.
 
VF on AFM35 sucks. Also the simple "in focus" LED is all you got. Also a kind of cheap feel about it too. Too contrasty for my taste.
Gr1v is the best in my opinion. On the other hand my Minolta CLE is the only camera I need.
 
thanks everyone for the great reply's.

i've just brought a ricoh gr1s for a bargin $100, look forward to seeing how it goes!
and i'll be keeping the hexar
 
MikeAUS said:
In 2000 the Contax T3 had a street price of $699 - and it still sells now for $550-$700. Agreed, very expensive!
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Just looked at my sales slip from B&H dated May 2004: after $100 rebate from Contax USA, my silver T3 cost $484.96. Should've bought a pallet of them! T/T2 Sonnar 38mm is a fine lens, but the T3 Sonnar 35mm performs on another level.
 
Rico said:
Just looked at my sales slip from B&H dated May 2004: after $100 rebate from Contax USA, my silver T3 cost $484.96. Should've bought a pallet of them! T/T2 Sonnar 38mm is a fine lens, but the T3 Sonnar 35mm performs on another level.
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haha thats crazy
 
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