Contax G1 vs G2 for 21mm

[Peter_S]

Hi!

I used the Contax G2 for quite a while, before switching to the M system. Well, besides the 45mm I truly miss the 21mm...nothing quite like it, and with the external VF I actually liked the AF.

Never having used the G1, I wonder...how does the 21mm work (mainly AF) on the (modified, green-label) G1 compared to the G2?
I am not so keen on the 45mm and 90mm (do not to keep gear down, and I will use medium format for 50mm equiv), despite those being stand-out lenses on their own.

The G2 I had was reliable (I thought that was kinda normal until I got my Ms and understood why people have back-up cameras).
How about the G1? Any reason to think it is less reliable than the G2?

And yes, I am looking for a used 21mm Biogon, and MAY trade it for my M6.

Cheers,
Peter

 

[DominikDUK]

Peter the Leicashop in Vienna has a used 21mm Biogon for the G (incl. Finder) for sale 650 Euros. I believe the G2 has a better AF system otherwise they should be equally reliable.

 

[Peter_S]

damn, and I need to go there next week anyways....

 

[j.scooter]

The 21 (or the 35 and I believe the zoom) will not work with the G1, unless it was factory modified to work with the newer lenses. The modified cameras have a green sticker in the film chamber

 

[Bob Michaels]

I owned and used both a G1 and a G2 for about 7-8 years. Loved the 21mm Biogon. It was always used on the G1 and always zone focused. You certainly do not need AF on a 21mm lens because of the huge DOF. I do not think I ever used auto focus on the 21mm even when shooting it wide open.

Actually, the G1 became my primary camera as it did everything the G2 did but was a tad bit lighter. I came to use the G2 only when I needed the 1/4000th shutter.

 

[eric4]

I owned both the G1 and G2 and preferred the G1 for it's size/weight. Mine wasn't the 'green label' version, so I couldn't use my 21mm on it but I wish i could have. Never really liked the G2. I hung onto the 21, 45, and 90 to convert to M-mount thru an ebay seller.

If i were you, I'd save the cash on the G2 and find a green label G1. You can also apparently add shims to the manual focus knob on the G1 to give it more resistance when zone focusing.

 

[arseniii]

I curious how did you manage that. G1 doesn't have focus lock and the position of the distance wheel is prone to accidental twist...

I don't find size difference between Gs noticible, price factor is another thing to consider!

Biogon 21mm ah ohh ahhhhoooooo

I owned and used both a G1 and a G2 for about 7-8 years. Loved the 21mm Biogon. It was always used on the G1 and always zone focused. You certainly do not need AF on a 21mm lens because of the huge DOF. I do not think I ever used auto focus on the 21mm even when shooting it wide open.

Actually, the G1 became my primary camera as it did everything the G2 did but was a tad bit lighter. I came to use the G2 only when I needed the 1/4000th shutter.

 

[froyd]

I curious how did you manage that. G1 doesn't have focus lock and the position of the distance wheel is prone to accidental twist...

I don't find size difference between Gs noticible, price factor is another thing to consider!

Biogon 21mm ah ohh ahhhhoooooo

I can confirm what eric4 wrote: I had my G1 shimmed and the focus wheel is now usable for zone focus or hyperfocal applications.

 

[Bob Michaels]

I curious how did you manage that. G1 doesn't have focus lock and the position of the distance wheel is prone to accidental twist...

The tension on the focus wheel of the G1 was a poor engineering design. Many have come loose and lost that tension. Fortunately it is a very simple fix for any camera repair person. My repair cost a can of cold beer since it was done late in the day.

 

[B-9]

Hmm, my focus dial seems to be well dampened.
Just for giggles, anyone have a link/DIY tutorial on shimmjng the dial?
Maybe mine could be stiffer! First time G user, no clue 🙂

Bob, love the signature.

 

[sevo]

Updating it to green label seems to be possible with no tool but the camera. I'll continue on the DIY section - there might be people over there that don't watch here and have valuable input...

 

[Dez]

Thanks, Sevo. I have a near-mint G1 which I never use, and I have been thinking about putting it up for sale. It does not have the famous green sticker, but I have never cared, since I have the 28mm lens, and see no need for the 35, which in any case seems to have a so-so reputation. The 21, I can't afford, so I don't have a lot of motivation for the upgrade, unless that is important for being able to sell the camera. So, my questions are: is it worth while getting the upgrade? If so, how can I get it done ?

Cheers,
Dez

 

[Monochrom]

G1

G1

Hi, i´d recommend the g1 over the second version, it´s way too small and light, the aF system is just the SAME as the other and so will be as efficietn/defficient as the larger sister.

Of course get yourself a green label body since on that you´ll be able to use all lenses excepting the zoom.

Also the g1 is very inexpensive...sometimes a good condtion body can fetch 130 usd!!!!

 

[Peter_S]

Hi all,
thanks for the feedback. I am a little surprised about the good vibes for the G1.
Monochrom....that was my line of thought....I could probably get a G1 21mm AND G1 for the price of a 4.5/21mm Biogon. I guess could give the G1 a try. I know the G2 well, so I would quickly know how it compares.

 

[sevo]

So, my questions are: is it worth while getting the upgrade? If so, how can I get it done ?

The "update" are just the missing table entries for the lenses, so it is entirely useless if you don't own the 21 or 35mm - or intend to sell the camera (but there, the right label colour will probably add more to the value than the table update).

Factory service presumably did flash the update from a serial terminal, but the entire EEPROM is also accessible right on the camera if you start it in service mode. If you don't mind tweaking a few dozen bytes of hex code with no better tool than the knobs on the camera, you can add the missing entries right in the field.

 

[kanzlr]

no, the G1 does NOT have the same AF system the G2 has.

 

[Peter_S]

Hi!
So - I have the lens. Now I need to decide on the body. I have the choice between a G2 body (with dealer warranty) and a G1 body with the update/label. I am leaning towards the G1, for reasons of size. Again, the camera will be used alongside a GF670 and Leica X2...so size matters a bit.

Now my questions that hopefully help to make a final decision:
- Weight: how big is the difference really? The G1 seems to be 460gr, the G2 is listed between 560 (OK) and 630 (too much). I had a G2, but cannot remember.
- AF with the 21mm and 45mm: In good light and normal conditions, is the G1 less accurate? Speed is not so much the thing. I got along with the G2 AF. Are the differences only down to the IR assist in low light, or is the G2 better in good light as well?
- Battery life and cold weather: differences?

Thanks again!
Peter

 

[zleica]

I used both and I will recommend the G2 over G1 for the following reasons:
1) G2 has more reliable AF
2) G2 dual AF system is more accurate
3) G2 has a more robust body

The size and weight difference is not that big but noticeable.

 

[Debusti Paolo]

I think that my g2 21mm is better than my leica 21 2,8 asph but I think that my zoerk heliar 15mm for contaz g2 is really a winner!!!

 

[Peter_S]

Hi all!
I settled for the G1 - for size and weight. Should I also decide to add the 45mm and 90mm again, I will get a G2 body.

Thanks for the helpful replies!
Paolo, I read about that Zoerk Heliar. An interesting option, particularly since the Hologon is expensive, slow and takes no filters.