Contax G2 focus dial not working!

[serial_lain]

Just got a traded G2 in but the focus dial doesnt seem to be operating either in MF mode or ISO adjustment mode or custom function selection mode or any other mode where it is required. Everything else in the camera works though.

While there are workarounds to the ISO issue using exposure comp I dont see how I can change my custom functions anymore and manual focus without this dial. Anybody with the service manual have any clues as to why this is happening?

Or is this even repairable? KEH doesnt accept international orders for repairs otherwise I wouldnt mind shipping it to them. Thankfully the guy whom I traded with is receptive to a return should no repair methods work. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[joachim]

I am a G1 user, so can't help with the dial on the G2 🙁

If you are in Europe and the camera needs repair, try Alpha Digital Services Limited in the UK. They did good work on my lenses last year. Their details are in:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=463949&postcount=2

 

[serial_lain]

thanks for the suggestion but i sent it in to a local repairman here in Singapore.. the best leica/contax/hasselblad one in my opinion.. anyway he opened it up and found excessive dust all over the place.. the contacts on the focus dial were caked in dirt hence they were dysfunctional. he recommended a total cleaning of the innards of the contax.. guess the dust sealing on this camera is not up to par with leica in that respect. total cost. 140USD.. not bad considering I got a quote for 200-300USD minus shipping from a 'reputed' repairshop I found online.

 

[Monte920]

Was it because this particular G2 being abused in a very dusty area? Or if every G2 in the long run, will collect as much dust inside as possible?

 

[jaap]

probably it has never seen a camera bag

 

[serial_lain]

ironically.. i think it has seen a camera bag! the original contax leather g1 bag.. or at least the trade included the bag.. which was pretty rad considering these are rare and expensive.. about 200USD.. the strap was cut though so i replaced with a domke gripper bag strap. i have no idea whether its due to the excessive dust exposure or through normal use but i reckon if buttons start failing here and there you might wanna just clean the whole camera.

btw button failure happens without warning.. the trader sent a working camera to me.. but after 5 days in the plane a dial/button just died for no reason.. a good way to know if you need a cleaning.. look at the gap in between the focus dial and the body.. mine had substantial dirt in between.