Autofocus on Contax G1/G2 vs Fujifilm GA645zi

[Kai.jpg]

Hello all,


I got a Fuji GA645zi a couple of months ago and it has quickly become one of my favorite cameras because it is just so easy to use. I am really enjoying the more point and shoot style experience. Because of that, I have been thinking about picking up a Contax G1 or G2 as well since I feel like they will offer a similar experience. For context, I currently also shoot with a Leica CL, which I also enjoy using.


With the Fuji GA645zi, even though I love this camera to bits, I usually end up with one or two shots per roll that miss focus, which can be a bit frustrating. I guess that is the trade off with this kind of autofocus system, and there are not many alternatives in medium format anyway.


For those of you who have used both the GA645 series and the Contax G1 or G2, how would you compare the autofocus systems? Does the G1/G2 miss focus as often as the Fuji, or is it more reliable?


Thanks!

 

[splitimageview]

I have had both but it was a while ago that I had the Fuji so I don't have much to offer in that regard.

The G1/G2 is pretty reliable if you know what the camera is looking for, and what clues show in the viewfinder.

Here is the guide I used: Fastest Thumb in the West: The Story of the Contax Kid

There are many other sites with good recommendations about G focus.

Make sure to look at the indicators in the viewfinder...if the system hasn't found enough contrast to focus on, it will tell you...

 

[Darthfeeble]

I actually traded my ZI for a G1, the trick with both is to put the focus point on something that will offer sharp contrast for the camera to pick up on. I had less trouble with the Zi than I do with the G1, I have two and either has the same quirk. Once you get the feel of the way the focus works you will miss very few shots.

 

[p.giannakis]

Just to add something, there are two G1 versions - the one with the green sticker in the film compartment is the newer one and has improved AF. The G1 used only contrast detection module. The G2 has the newest AF module that uses both infrared beam and contrast detection for fine tuning. The G2 is faster and more reliable.

 

[valdas]

I think my G2 (when I had it) was somewhat faster than GA645.

 

[jbielikowski]

Just to add something, there are two G1 versions - the one with the green sticker in the film compartment is the newer one and has improved AF. The G1 used only contrast detection module. The G2 has the newest AF module that uses both infrared beam and contrast detection for fine tuning. The G2 is faster and more reliable.

This.

 

[NLSparks]

I would go for the G2. Later and more modern AF. (2nd hand prices go through the roof I am afraid)
You can't compare AF with today's ILC'S, but is does the job.
The 90mm is nothing special, but the 35 and 45 are very good, and the 21mm Biogon is a stellar lens and a reason alone to buy into this system
Good luck

 

[splitimageview]

I disagree, the 90 Sonnar is just as fabulous as all the rest.

20 years ago the 35 Planar was not as respected as the others but that seems to have changed, and rightly so.

 

[splitimageview]

As far as market value, it wasn’t all that long ago that perfect G1 bodies could be obtained for $100ish or so. And I once acquired a perfect full black G2 kit with the Contax metal case (28, 45, 90 all black) for $1450. 😳

 

[jaredangle]

I disagree, the 90 Sonnar is just as fabulous as all the rest.

20 years ago the 35 Planar was not as respected as the others but that seems to have changed, and rightly so.

It’s a beautiful lens.

 

[p.giannakis]

I would go for the G2. Later and more modern AF. (2nd hand prices go through the roof I am afraid)
You can't compare AF with today's ILC'S, but is does the job.
The 90mm is nothing special, but the 35 and 45 are very good, and the 21mm Biogon is a stellar lens and a reason alone to buy into this system
Good luck

There are some people who own the G1 and are very happy with it.

I think it is @Dogman who owns one - I hope I am not mistaken.

 

[Dogman]

@p.giannakis, I'm sorry, Pan, but I do not own the Contax G1.

 

[santino]

…and the G2 has that old school Contax focus wheel (manual, but in reality still AF and faster than the G1). As like with all Contax stuff, it is the lenses that are remarkable!

 

[Darthfeeble]

I prefer the smaller size of the G1, it will never be a quick camera to use like new stuff but it is such a beautiful thing and going slow is not a bad thing either.

 

[Bolo Kukus]

There are some people who own the G1 and are very happy with it.

Agree. I have two G1s. They are the only film cameras I nowadays keep loaded with film and ready to hit the streets - and I'm happy with both.

Focusing a G is hit or miss. The trick is to point it directly at your subject and stay with it. The manual (it's online) explains this in detail, and is well worth reading. The Sonnar 90/2.8 is essentially a portrait lens and a good one, but it's a trick pony to work with, it easily changes focus and fixes on the distant background.

One of my G1s doesn't always rewind. I have to push the rewind button (on the camera base plate) a few times, which usually works. I use a 'pencil' from a century-old Kodak Autographic camera. One or two or three light presses and usually the camera will rewind. This G1 has malfunctioned for 20 years. Recently someone told me it's a program glitch and there's a workaround for this, but for now my autograph pencil suits me.

My favourite lenses the Biogon 28, the Planar 35 (mine is as good as the Planar 45/2.0, which I had but sold), the Sonnar 21 and the Sonnar 90 in that order. I could get by with only the '28, but it's good to have the other lenses.

With the high cost of film in Australia and Asia I no longer do much 'analogue', but for me the high point of my Gs is they are so light to carry and easy to use. My entire kit with a day's supply of film fits into a cosmetic bag and goes into my backpack. For an age 70+ photographer, slow is the way and the G1 is as good as it gets.

(Added later) I've owned twoFuji GA645s in my time. Now sold. Good cameras, even great cameras, but I disliked having to hold them vertically to get horizontal images. Otherwise, they were fine, even with the noisy focus.

 

[Kai.jpg]

Thanks everyone for your replies! This has been incredibly helpful. I think I'm going to get the camera, now I need to make a decision whether I'm ok with the Contax G1 or a G2. Hard decision but maybe I'll go with the G2 if i can find one for a good price.

I've also been getting into flash film photography and I appreciate that this is one of the few rangefinder style film cameras that support TTL metering.