G1 versus G2

[Teuthida]

I've owned a number of G2 outfits in the past and am thinking of buying another.

I'd also consider the g1 as its relatively cheap vis a vis the G2, but I don't really know what the differences between the two are. I remember the G1 went out of production quickly, replaced by the G2. Apparently there were "issues" with the G1.

Can someone give me the cliff notes on the diffferences?

 

[j j]

This site will help with the differences in specification. Hopefully some people who have used both will be along to help with personal opinions for you.

http://www.contaxcameras.co.uk/gseries/gseries.html

 

[whitecat]

Good link. I have had both and I will say the speed difference is not really that much of a difference. G2 is better focusing and a faster shutter speed.

 

[Moriturii]

And in other sad news, apparently http://contaxg.com/ has been taken down and will no longer be available 🙁

 

[splitimageview]

G1 is quite nice, smaller and lighter than the G2. If I already had a G2 and needed a 2nd body I'd get a G1. I've had both and have a G1 now.

 

[Bob Michaels]

I owned and shot with both a G1 and a G2 for some 7-8 years. I ended up using the G1 much more frequently as it was slightly smaller and lighter. I found they both focused just as well once you knew how to use them. I found the G1's 1/2000th max shutter (vs. 1/4000th on the G2) to not be a limiting factor.

Just make sure the G1 is the green sticker version (located inside the film chamber) that has the firmware updated to use the 21mm and 35mm lenses. The 21mm Biogon is spectacular.

My view is that the public perception of the G2 being better is solely based on it being a later model and more expensive. Actual use of both gave me the preference for the G1.

 

[elmer3.5]

Hi, i had quite a bit of both cameras, they´re excellent the only problem with my g2 was under heavy weather in the south of argentina, the battery or some wire did short circuit and the battery drained in a milisecond, the best is that the camera didn´t have any problem after that, i just loaded a fresh battery nd continued shooting.

The problem they have is a quality control one with the AF sensors.
In some cameras they don´t fit the af marks in the VF, it means you have to learn where the camera focuses.
I sold my g2 and all lenses because of it, and after doing that i read that info, i reviewed all the miscarried shots and discovered that they were always focused in the same spot.

Besides that both cameras are great shooters, and the lenses are some of the best around!

The g1 is lighter and smaller, G2 has up to 1/6000 speed and a few more extra quirks!

Try the AF to be sure, but you can only be sure after a roll of film.

Bye and luck!

 

[Field]

Mine focuses superb. Even at night the G2 does great.

 

[StefanJozef]

I have both the G1 and G2, and find I use the G1 more, perhaps because it's smaller and lighter. I haven't had any issues, including focussing, with either of them.