G2 AF problem

S

schlops

Established
Local time
6:41 PM
Joined
Dec 20, 2009
Messages
89
Hey folks,

the AF on my Contax G2 isn't working 90% of the time. If it doesn't I try to focus on straight lines and stuff which is impossible to not focus.

it's a black g2 with a 35mm f2 lens. I cleaned the contacts, but that shouldn't be the problem since it won't focus without the lens too. I cleaned the sensor windows, except for the small one on the right, since I couldn't get out the glass.

So.. has anyone tipps for me what I could do or hopefully a repair manual for it? I wanna take of the top to really clean it, before I give up. There some minor dust in it, but I don't think thats the problem.


I love the camera apart from that big problem and don't want to part with it, since it's the best camera i had for years, except for a Leica.

all help is appreciated!
 
The auto focus doesn't work 9 out of 10 times, mostly when the subject is closer. Of course I try to pre-focus on (for the focus tpically) easy things.

The lens is clean, the contacts are clean but that shouldn't be the problem as the AF doesn't work without the lens too.

The focus windows are a little dusty, but I couldn't figure out how to take of the top.
I tried it without the lens and there was also always a miss-focus on the display "-------"

The pictures where the AF works are spot on!


I hope this helps you and me!
 
schlops said:
I tried it without the lens and there was also always a miss-focus on the display "-------"
Click to expand...

This is supposed to be like that. Do you get the same display and (lack of) action with lens attached, or are the symptoms there different?
 
Can you give more detail? When you say 'doesn't work' what exactly is it doing? Is the lens moving in and out? Does the display indicator show a distance?
 
10-12 years ago when Kyocera (Contax) still had a factory service center in the US, one of their techs told me that their most common cure for ContaxG autofocus problems was to clean the viewfinder windows to be spotless. This appears to be critical so if yours are grungy on the inside, removing the top cover and cleaning them inside may be your only option.
 
I'm interested to hear the answer to the mode questions above. I think there might be some Driver Error here.
 
sevo said:
This is supposed to be like that. Do you get the same display and (lack of) action with lens attached, or are the symptoms there different?
Click to expand...

The symptoms are exactly the same. (with or without the lens) Most of the time there is an error "-----" which sets the focus to infinity. less often it focuses and then shows the distance.

digitalintrigue said:
Can you give more detail? When you say 'doesn't work' what exactly is it doing? Is the lens moving in and out? Does the display indicator show a distance?
Click to expand...

with the lens on, it pops out and either sets to infinity "-----" or the focused distance.

kdemas said:
Focus set to S, C or M?
Click to expand...

I've tried all the modes, but I'm using AF and CL most of the time. In this S


kdemas said:
I'm interested to hear the answer to the mode questions above. I think there might be some Driver Error here.
Click to expand...

I hope your question is answered? :)



Bob Michaels said:
10-12 years ago when Kyocera (Contax) still had a factory service center in the US, one of their techs told me that their most common cure for ContaxG autofocus problems was to clean the viewfinder windows to be spotless. This appears to be critical so if yours are grungy on the inside, removing the top cover and cleaning them inside may be your only option.
Click to expand...


I tried to once, but failed :/ Can you maybe offer some help? I just couldn't get it off..
 
It might be interesting to try some MF shots to see if it is a lens issue. Also try working the rotating S-C-M ring between settings a bit and always try testing on the S if you're not doing manual focus.

Very strange. Are you using the rear focus button or the shutter to focus? Try the rear button (press-hold when taking a picture) and see if that has an effect.

Kent
 
I always use the rear focus button, but it behaves the same when I use the front one.

with lens on and off.

I shot quite a few films now using zone focus, but that only works when its sunny.

again, the ones where it focused are sharp as hell.
 
anyone ever taken the top off by himself?

I'm wondering if there any hidden screws under the buttons or somewhere else. maybe one of you has experience with camera repair?

I want to make sure that it's not just the dust before I send it in.
 
Hi there, schlops. You have pm. I have looked at the repair manual: it can be done, and yes there are more screws than meet the eye.

Cheers,
Jan
 
Thanks I got the manual! If anyone needs it hit me up!

I gave up because I couldn't figure out how to take the top off and sent it to a repair guy. He made an offer to clean the AF system and everything for 240€. Didn't go for it...
 
Do you guys think there is no way I could open the camera and at least clean it? The G2 is such a good camera (if it works) I would hate not to use or sell it
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom