G2 Problems?

[DCourter]

I've had my G2 for a few days now and I think I've identified some problems.

1) The focusing scale consistently reads 3-6 inches (I still think in inches, not meters) more than the actual distance (film plane to subject). Testing confirms the discrepancy. I used a tripod and shot a target @ f2.8 aprox. 2 meters away at an angle (see attached image).

2) The 90mm makes an extra grinding noise when shooting vertically @ close focus.

Are these things I should be worried about? KEH can only offer to repair (2-5 weeks) because they don't have a comparable body in stock. I can send it back for repair, return the whole kit, or try to live with it for a couple of months (warranty period) and see if the issues really are a problem.

What do you think?

Dan

 

[John]

I am not an expert. I will just suggest a few things as they come to mind. The autofocus scale does not appear to be graduated finely enough to discriminate 3 to 6 inches. The manual focus scale might do it but I have not used that feature enough to comment.
Regarding your test sheet. I presume you were focusing on the centre line. I believe this would be harder for the camera to do because it is sloping away at quite an angle. If you press the focus button only one time, there is always a chance of a slight misreading. If you press two, three, or four times and find a consistent reading of 2 metres, and hold on it, you can be more sure you even focused it properly.
What I am trying to say is, focus on an easy subject at a couple or a few test distances. Something plumb with your lens. A newspaper at 2 meters, 3 meters, 4 meters. Press the button 3 times each. Did it read the same the three times? Answer yes and shoot.
You have to find your correct focus point and hold. If you are moving around a bit and not holding or trying to focus at indistinct points it will search and can easily be out the 3 to 6 inches you mention. Then you have not tested the distance calibration at all - which is what you are trying to do.
Press and holding a few times to me is like watching the rangefinder patch on the M3. You see the image coincide. You overshoot a bit - then re coincide - your subject moves then re coincide - its a bit dark - you re coincide to be sure you are right on. If your set with small aperture, wide angle, great depth of field, you can do much less coinciding and be more confident your focus will be within bounds.

Focus on easy things - if it does not work, it is the equipment and KEH will repair.

 

[DCourter]

Hi John,
Thanks for your suggestions. I set up a quick test using a simple target (strip of gaffers on a white wall) locked the camera down on tripod and checked the camera distance scale an all 3 lenses @ 1,2 & 3 meters. The film plane to target distances were all spot on. I'll do the same test w/ film tomorrow. My guess is that everything' fine. Thanks again for your help. I'm felling much better my purchase.
Dan

 

[John]

I will be interested to hear about your findings. Keep trying it to be sure because the warranty might be short.

 

[DCourter]

I will be interested to hear about your findings. Keep trying it to be sure because the warranty might be short.

After shooting two test rolls yesterday, I've determined that it is back-focusing - about an 1 1/2 inches at 1 meter. KEH is sending me a replacement body to try. So far they have been very helpful. I'll keep you posted. Dan

 

[Socke]

Hi Dan, this is interesting.
I haven't realy tested my G2 but the pictures are ok as far as I can see.
The display shows the correct distance up to 2 meters, which is the lenght of my tape measure.

My G1 is up to 10cm off but the pictures turn out good.

 

[DCourter]

Hi Socke,
I was hoping to hear from you. Before getting the G2 , I spent time reviewing old posts and found your insights and support of the system important in my decision. Aside from the focusing problem, I really like the whole package. I'm confidant I'll get this focusing issue resolved shortly. KEH has sent a replacement body to try. I'll let you know how this one fares.
Dan