Future of G lens?

[edmond228]

Hi everyone,

I'm a G2 user and I LOVE the G lens, for their sharpness and their color renderation.

However, I don't think the G2 body can out-live me.
I use my G2 almost every trip, but I'm not abusing my G2. It is kept in a non-humid environment while not being used, being cleaned if needed, but I ain't no collector. The camera is made to use and I know one day the camera will "pass away".

What if, say 10 years later, there is no more G2 floating around and I still want to keep my G lens?? Is it possible to find a pro to modify the mount permantly??

In the mean time, I will probably shop for a decent back up ^-^

EDM

 

[pvdhaar]

Aren't the G lenses focused by a body motor? I think that's the biggest hurdle to jump over..

 

[RObert Budding]

Buy a second body now.

 

[PaulDalex]

Hi all
I am another Contax orphan. In my case it's the C/Y mount.
As to the G cameras Contax rised a lot of expectation that they would come out with something like the current ZI . When the G1 came out I was deluded that it looked like a posh point and shoot and bought a Leica M5 instead. Now I use it with Leitz, Zeiss and Rokkor lenses..
Back to the point, for how long the will live us (C/Y, G and Contax AF) stranded? I guess that a serious company that quit the busoness should find a way out for its former customers.

 

[erichard44]

I recall an outfit in Japan that would, at tremendous cost, convert the G lenses to M mount. The lenses endud up looking quite different and, of course, all manual. They looked very good too. It is an intriguing thought, but I think only after the camera passes away?

 

[Issy]

I recall an outfit in Japan that would, at tremendous cost, convert the G lenses to M mount. The lenses endud up looking quite different and, of course, all manual. They looked very good too. It is an intriguing thought, but I think only after the camera passes away?

And the cost per lens will buy you a nice G2 body. 🙂

Your options are to shoot and use them until they come apart in your hands, or pack them and protect them as museum pieces on the shelf.

 

[JonasYip]

I recall an outfit in Japan that would, at tremendous cost, convert the G lenses to M mount. The lenses endud up looking quite different and, of course, all manual. They looked very good too. It is an intriguing thought, but I think only after the camera passes away?

Here is the company that converts G lenses to M mount:

http://www.hayatacamera.co.jp/services/miyazaki.html

I considered having my 21mm biogon converted to M-mount by them, so that I could use it on my R-D1. But I didn't, the lens sits in my cabinet looking pretty (I rarely use the G2). I think the cost at the time was around $500.

j

 

[Socke]

It's just that, orphaned. I will enjoy my G lenses and bodies as long as they, or film, last.

Then I'll switch to another system without any regrets.

 

[Issy]

Despite the cost, that is one advantage that Leica has... multiple 3rd party repair possibilites (anyone know if Sherry and DAG are training their successors?)

I am in the same bind with my Hexar RFs; I can either:

a) keep them on the shelf (assuming lack of use won't break them)
b) sell them
c) use them until they break, then sell the parts (as Socke said), and buy one from someone who chose a) and then b)

If repairability and sustainability is your primary concern (note, I did not say "reliability" 🙂 ), for RF you should be shooting Leica.

One reason I like shooting my FE2 (besides what it has for features)... I know someday I may not be able to get parts for one, or someone to fix one, but I know, at least as far as my lifetime is concerned, there are so many of them out there, I can always buy another one. 🙂

 

[erichard44]

The idea is, I think, that certain of the G lenses are quite good, and different from the other available offerings. (I don't have the 21, but the 28 and 45 are superb.) Thus it would make no sense to buy a G lens inorder to convert it but, if you already have the lens, then, perhaps, it would be reasonable (?) to consider conversion. Or it may be that the new Zeiss RF lenses have ended the need for conversion?

 

[Robert]

For my black G2 kit I was quoted £350 in a trade-in, needless to say I kept my G2 and am starting to use it again.

My camera was just out of warranty when I had to send it away for repair, it needed a new main circuit board and cost £160. I just ran one film through it and left it away for two years. I started using it today.

I would think G bodies will be around for many years to come and at reasonable prices although now would be a good time to buy a back-up as the prices are low.