Contax G to M

[marduk]

In case someone is interested, I saw a converted Contax G 28mm lens on display in one of the shops at Westbahnstraße in Vienna , for 900 euro.

 

[Waus]

I really don't understand this cannibalising of Contax G lenses:
1)the hacked lenses look quite ugly to me
2)you can buy the same focal length of Contax/Cosina for the same amount of money or even cheaper!
But of course it's a matter of personal taste...(and I own a Contax G2 and the prices of the 35/2 and 21/2,8 which I still want to buy have gone throug the roof...)

 

[splitimageview]

OK - received the prototype.

Initial reaction: helical is super smooth, with more 'heft' than the original G lens. This feels very much like a 'factory' built lens. Very solid build quality. Dare I say it -- no wobble. And yes, there is a focusing scale. 🙂 So this bodes well for the 21s, 28s, and 35s which could would work well with zone/hyperfocal.

Bear in mind, this is a prototype. I'm sure improvements can and will be made. I'll be converting 28 and 35 now for sure.

 

[Apophat]

Looks great. How much does it cost?

Mike

 

[splitimageview]

Since this is a proto, there will be some improvements, not sure what final pricing will be yet...

 

[seakayaker1]

I have a 45/2 and 90/2.8 that I used with a GF1. The opportunity to possibly move them to a M mount would be fantastic if the quality of the lens is not hampered. I look forward to seeing you post some photographs taken with the 45/2 and report your first impressions.

 

[partitura]

DigitalIntrigue - This looks very interesting. Do you have any idea when this might be available? I'd be willing to be another beta tester if needed 😉

 

[raid]

I have a 45/2 and 90/2.8 that I used with a GF1. The opportunity to possibly move them to a M mount would be fantastic if the quality of the lens is not hampered. I look forward to seeing you post some photographs taken with the 45/2 and report your first impressions.

[error] It would be impractical to focus a 90mm lens with guess focusing.

 

[raid]

Since this is a proto, there will be some improvements, not sure what final pricing will be yet...

My 28mm lens may become victim to such a modification one day.
Of course, I love testing lenses ..... 😀

 

[Highway 61]

It would be impractical to focus a 90mm lens with guess focusing.

Raid, those prototypes are fully rangefinder coupled once mounted on the Leica. They now seem to have a focusing scale engraved on their focusing barrels, which is very nice for quick hyperfocal snapshots, especially with the 21 and the 28, but this doesn't mean that they aren't rangefinder coupled.

If they weren't rangefinder coupled, even the 45 would be very tricky to use.

 

[raid]

Now that is different then. Thanks for the correction. It would create a new RF lens overall with M mount.

 

[bwcolor]

I love my G lenses, but the problem is that the G2 body is also something special and is my only compact autofocus camera. What is so special about the 45mm? I find mine to be sharp and contrasty on film. How does it hold up against alternative 40-50mm lenses in a digital environment? I can't see cannibalizing the lens unless there is a compelling reason.

 

[fbf]

what's the MFD on the lenses after the mod?
Looks very nice

 

[raid]

I would get a second 45mm lens and have it modified. I love my two G1 bodies.

 

[splitimageview]

I don't consider it cannibalized--that implies it expires in the process. 🙂 Rather, just converting to a different religion.

MFD is 0.7m

 

[fbf]

Rangfinder coupled to 0.7m or the MFD is only to 0.7m? It seems like the G21 biogon he modified can focus down to 0.3m (rangefinder coupled to 0.7m).
Anyway, he does great work.

 

[splitimageview]

RF coupled to 0.7m. It will focus a bit closer, maybe 0.6m or so.

 

[shermanmagazine]

Well, I'm dying to know more. The Contax G Zeiss glass is something special. I hope you really will tell us more about the manufacturer / converter soon, even if cost is yet to be determined.

 

[splitimageview]

I lent the prototype to my friend Chad who shot it over the holidays. He's sent me pics (nothing artistic, just test shots) and focus is spot-on. Ergonomics are excellent. More to come!

 

[shermanmagazine]

I have been on the cusp of finally doing the MS Optical conversion (after too much time over-thinking the housing construction and the sharp focusing tab and so on), and so now I guess what I'm wondering is what a possible timeline might be for the availability of this alternative conversion. I have been missing my Contax G 45mm for years and years. I know a little more waiting shouldn't hurt, but this is so potentially exciting that of course now I'm having a difficult time containing myself.

Have you played with the MS Optical conversion as well? I'm wondering what the comparison is like...