BobYIL
Well-known
To use for street photography and mostly with the Biogon 28/2.8, no need for AF, generally zone focusing due to short FL: Do you recommend the G1 or G2?
Thank you.
Bob
Thank you.
Bob
Contax G1 or G2 for street?
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Phantomas
Well-known
I don't think it matters much. There were some difference that I forgot about (been a while since I researched G series). I ended up going for G1.
The differences I remember: G1's smaller/lighter; G2 has more reliable focusing (probably an urban legend), Different max (and min) shutter speeds and sync; G2 has higher fps; G2 has a manual focus wheel (but, to be honest, forget about MF with G cameras, they're built for AF and MF is fiddly.
My personal opinion, go for either or, there's not enough difference to put one on top of the other, so judge based on the deals you can get or according to your finances.
BUT! I wouldn't got for G for wide hyperfocal MF shooting (there's no lens distance scale, just a lousylike LCD indication). There are other systems more suitable for that. G's are especially legendary for their 45mm lens, and AF is what makes them and cripples them, coz MF was not considered in making of these cameras.
The differences I remember: G1's smaller/lighter; G2 has more reliable focusing (probably an urban legend), Different max (and min) shutter speeds and sync; G2 has higher fps; G2 has a manual focus wheel (but, to be honest, forget about MF with G cameras, they're built for AF and MF is fiddly.
My personal opinion, go for either or, there's not enough difference to put one on top of the other, so judge based on the deals you can get or according to your finances.
BUT! I wouldn't got for G for wide hyperfocal MF shooting (there's no lens distance scale, just a lousylike LCD indication). There are other systems more suitable for that. G's are especially legendary for their 45mm lens, and AF is what makes them and cripples them, coz MF was not considered in making of these cameras.
Bob Michaels
nobody special
I would suggest the G1 for street shooting using hyperfocal distance shooting. The G1 is smaller, lighter and lower cost.
Yes, it is not a manual focus camera. But the AF works good on both the G1 and G2. And if you are just using hyperfocus the LED distance scale works great. I shot much with my G1 and G2 bodies using the 28mm Biogon that way or by focusing approximating distance. And with the 21mm Biogon, I never used the AF. Just guessed and let fly.
Note: some of the G1's have a loose manual focus dial. This is an easy fix for any competent camera repair person. I did not try it myself because I have a friendly repair guy who gives me "while you wait" service, frequently at no cost.
Yes, it is not a manual focus camera. But the AF works good on both the G1 and G2. And if you are just using hyperfocus the LED distance scale works great. I shot much with my G1 and G2 bodies using the 28mm Biogon that way or by focusing approximating distance. And with the 21mm Biogon, I never used the AF. Just guessed and let fly.
Note: some of the G1's have a loose manual focus dial. This is an easy fix for any competent camera repair person. I did not try it myself because I have a friendly repair guy who gives me "while you wait" service, frequently at no cost.
froyd
Veteran
I would say G1 also, but if you expect to change your "zone of focus" frequently from up close to further away, then I think you might find the G2 vertical focusing wheel easier to operate than the G1 wheel, which is top-mounted.
However, I like that the G1 has rough distance markings on the focus wheel (unlike the G2) as I'm not a big fan of LCDs and in situations where I have a deep focus zone, I just use that scale to set my distance.
Here is a useful link:
http://www.photowithmonkey.com/drupal/node/83
However, I like that the G1 has rough distance markings on the focus wheel (unlike the G2) as I'm not a big fan of LCDs and in situations where I have a deep focus zone, I just use that scale to set my distance.
Here is a useful link:
http://www.photowithmonkey.com/drupal/node/83
BobYIL
Well-known
Thanks to all posters for all these insightful inputs. As a Leica M user since 48 years, with the habit of zone-focusing any lens shorter than 35mm I have decided to go with the G1. I can use the manual focus wheel similar to what I do with a lens before raising the camera to my eye. I can estimate the distances with not much error so the placement of the numbers on the focusing wheel would work with no problem for me. After all the DOF of a 28mm is indeed much forgiving.
Kind regards,
Bob
Kind regards,
Bob
Phantomas
Well-known
Curious why you'd specifically go for G for such style of shooting. To me an M would be easier to use. If I wasn't interested in AF (and AE), the 45 planar would be the only other reason to go for it - that lens really is something else.
BobYIL
Well-known
I have some M's and plenty of lenses. The G-Biogon 28/2.8 together with a Sonnar 90/2.8 came as a gift, so I wanted to use them too.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1623457&postcount=5510
erichard44
Member
A vote for either one with the 28mm lens
A vote for either one with the 28mm lens
Honestly, it does not get any better than that 28mm lens, whether G1 or G2. Talk about a feeling of clarity and depth. It's a beautiful window to the world.
A vote for either one with the 28mm lens
Honestly, it does not get any better than that 28mm lens, whether G1 or G2. Talk about a feeling of clarity and depth. It's a beautiful window to the world.
ianstamatic
Well-known
+1 the 28 is a stellar lens
bobby_novatron
Photon Collector
G1 is a touch smaller and lighter. G2 is more hefty, definitely. I sold my G1, got a G2 instead. The AF on the G1 was just too fiddly for me.
Like ianstamatic says, the Zeiss 28 is fabulous. I think all the lenses for the G-series are stellar. You'll have fun with the G1 + 28mm lens for street.
I don't know if this helps or not, but this link goes to a website where a guy made his own custom distance scale / adhesive stickers for each G lens ... he wanted to use hyperfocal settings, so he devised a way to make a visual reminder for each lens. I thought it was pretty cool. Maybe it will be helpful for you and your G1 + 28.
Here's the link:
http://www.photowithmonkey.com/drupal/node/83
Happy shooting!
Like ianstamatic says, the Zeiss 28 is fabulous. I think all the lenses for the G-series are stellar. You'll have fun with the G1 + 28mm lens for street.
I don't know if this helps or not, but this link goes to a website where a guy made his own custom distance scale / adhesive stickers for each G lens ... he wanted to use hyperfocal settings, so he devised a way to make a visual reminder for each lens. I thought it was pretty cool. Maybe it will be helpful for you and your G1 + 28.
Here's the link:
http://www.photowithmonkey.com/drupal/node/83
Happy shooting!
BobYIL
Well-known
Once again I want to thank all posters for the valuable inputs and comments.
Bobby, I will try this distance scale for f8 as I mostly rate the HP5+ around 250-320 ISO.
ianstamatic, I am amazed of the quality you exhibit with film. Frankly it is not the G1 I admired there since any camera sings in your hands.
Bobby, I will try this distance scale for f8 as I mostly rate the HP5+ around 250-320 ISO.
ianstamatic, I am amazed of the quality you exhibit with film. Frankly it is not the G1 I admired there since any camera sings in your hands.
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