If you have two (or maybe more) G2 cameras ...

[jimbo76]

I'd like you to compare the brightness of their displays - those in the viewfinder that illuminate to show the distance scale and shutter speed.
Using the serial numbers to describe the two I own, a few months ago I bought 055XX (+ 45 and 21mm lenses), and liked it so much that not long afterwards decided that as a back-up - or so that I wouldn't have to keep changing lenses all the time 🙂 bought 069XXX. Both are in excellent condition and have already proved their worth in providing excellent results from the first couple of films run through them.
However I am somewhat concerned that the display in 069 is very noticeably less bright (though perfectly useable)than the one in 055. Somewhat puzzling to me, as I would assume that if either display were dim, it would be the older camera affected. As both have new Panasonic CR2 Lithium Photo-power batteries fitted, that can't be the cause; so I'm wondering whether Kyocera changed the display at some stage of production, or maybe one of them is just an isolated example.
On a lighter note, I hadn't planned to "cannibalise" the younger camera (for its distance scale/shutter-speed read-out) whenever that might become unavoidable.

 

[frank-grumman]

I'll have my second G2 in a week or so and I'll let you know what I find

Frank

 

[Rangefinder 35]

I'll try to see on my G2s if there's any difference. Are the batteries in both bodies equally fresh?

 

[kzphoto]

Have you checked the eye-piece on the darker unit? Maybe there's a diopter in the way?

 

[jimbo76]

Rangefinder 35 : As I originally wrote : "both have new Panasonic CR2 Lithium Photo-power batteries fitted" In this case by new, I meant to imply that each cameras batteries were fresh, all bought and fitted the day after the second camera arrived in order to make sure their respective LCD backlighting power supplies were equal.
kzphoto : no diopter lens present in either of them; and in case anyone should ask, the viewfinder eypieces are very clean !

 

[Rangefinder 35]

OK: I have 2 G2s My main one s/n 0695xx I inserted 2x3.06 V cells into it. The LCD display is pretty bright. The same batteries in s/n 0640xx. The display is visibly darker, what I would judge to be 1 f.stop. This is first time I do notice the difference. The darker display is still perfectly visible, and I'd guess it draws less current, so the batteries should in theory last longer. How dark is your darker G2?

 

[sepiareverb]

Two G2 bodies here, #0504XX and #0503XX, so pretty close together. They appear to be the same. Note that there is a tiny window that effects illumination at the very top of the faceplate, the little round spot inside the square window closer to the shutter release. One can cover it with a finger and dim the display by about a stop.

 

[jimbo76]

(For Rangefinder 35) I guess there is around 1 f-stop difference between my cameras' displays as well.. but I'm certainly not worried by it. I have already asked the UK Kyocera-appointed agent for Contax queries about this , (ie whether the G2 display was ever modified in such a way) and they have passed the question back to Kyocera's remaining Contax technicians in Tokyo. I expect the answer to come back soon, and will post it here accordingly.
NB As far as I am concerned, this difference in backlight brightness is a matter of curiosity, not concern.

 

[jimbo76]

Two G2 bodies here, #0504XX and #0503XX, so pretty close together. They appear to be the same. Note that there is a tiny window that effects illumination at the very top of the faceplate, the little round spot inside the square window closer to the shutter release. One can cover it with a finger and dim the display by about a stop.

Didn't know about this window/function...not mentioned AFIK in the Instruction Book. Nevertheless the relative difference in brightness between the vf displays remains, even with the window covered as described.

 

[frank-grumman]

jimbo76,

KEH just sent out my second G2 that FedEx is supposed to deliver on Monday the 3rd. I'll check it out when I get it. Just wanted to let you know I hadn't forgotten.

 

[frank-grumman]

jimbo76,

second copy showed up today. no discernible difference in VF clarity that I can detect. Full disclosure requires that I tell you that I have pretty crummy vision bilaterally and have the diopter max'd out on each. HTH

edit: new batteries in the one that just arrived; almost new (perhaps two rolls worth) in the other

 

[jimbo76]

jimbo76,

second copy showed up today. no discernible difference in VF clarity that I can detect.

Thanks Frank, but I would be interested to see their serial numbers (first 4 digits will do) which may even tenuously support my theory that the VF display brightness was intentionally toned down by Kyocera at some point during the years of production....

(No "official" answer as yet from the UK based Contax support agents)

 

[frank-grumman]

Jimbo76

Original G2 is 0144xx; one I just got is 0071xx

hth