Is it worth to repair G2?

[ark8012]

I have a black G2 which has shutter problem. When I click, I heard the motor sound, but it does not fire. (shutter curtain does not open)

I think this problem has been discussed here,

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134058


I sent my G2 to Nippon Photo Clinic and got $420 repair quote.

Is it worth to repair?

My G2 is not mint condition. Not abused, but good user. What do you think?

 

[lonemantis]

Would you replace it with another G2 if you refused the repair? If so, I'd just get it fixed instead. Last I'd heard, G2 repairs were supposed to stop last year, so the fact that you can still have it done is a minor miracle.

It's always better to have a recently fixed camera you know the service history for, rather than rolling the dice on another used one that could develop the same problem. If it's a reputable shop, they'll likely give you a warranty on it as well.

 

[ark8012]

Thank you for the suggestion. Yes, it is definitely good thing to know the service history for the camera. But I still have hard time to justify myself to spend $400+ for repair. Champaign G2 is going around $300 or less sometime. I believe there is no difference between champaign and black G2s other than the color, right?

Nippon photo clinic is the authorized Contax repair shop in north America. Contax cameras are still repairable. I think you heard Tocad stopped to repair Contax in last year. The Contax authorization has been moved to Nippon photo clinic.

 

[kbg32]

No difference, but the flavor. I have both.

 

[raid]

I would spend $100 on a G1 instead. If you have many lenses for your G2, then having at least one working G1/G2 body is necessary. I would not repair such a camera.

 

[Darthfeeble]

Should you decide not to repair it, I'm always looking for cheap shelf queens. Let me know.

 

[robur]

I agree with Raid. Get a G1 for the price of that non working black G2 and use those wonderful lenses.

 

[bobby_novatron]

One thing you didn't mention was what colour the G2 lenses are. Are your lenses black? That might influence your decision.

Practical approach: If you can get a champagne G2 for less than the repair cost of the black G2, then get a decent user G2 body.

Passionate approach: Spend the $$$ and get the thing fixed. A quick online search shows that the black bodies sell for considerably more than the champagne ones. There's more inherent value in the black bodies. So I'd just get the black one fixed and not worry about it. 🙂

 

[Huss]

fix it . the g2 is much better than the g1.

 

[bobby_novatron]

fix it . the g2 is much better than the g1.

Agreed. I have owned both. The G2 is a much better camera.

 

[xyz3450]

I, too, wonder about the repair cost. KEH have a couple of G2s available at the moment (for about, or a bargain version for slightly less than, the repair price you mentioned). KEH also back their product sales with a 180 returns warranty...... I've had good experience with KEH (buying and selling) & probably many here at RFF have similar experience.... Sorry to hear about G2...

 

[ark8012]

Thank you for all comments and potential directions.

Is G2 much better than G1? What are differences?

I read a lot of good reviews for contax g lenses, so liked to try. This G2 came with G lenses I wanted... I knew this G2 has the shutter issue before I bought. Now, I want to have a working G1/G2. This G2 is way more beautiful on my hand than I though. I did not expect this high repair cost though. Basically the repair shop is charging $200 for labor and other $200 for parts 🙁

BTW, my lenses are all black.

 

[raid]

I have two G1 bodies that I use without any problems at all. Lenses snap into focus easily and quickly. I have the 28mm, 45mm, and 90mm lenses. I am being practical about it all. A camera is used for photography and not for a shelf queen. I never pay attention to color (black or chrome). I maximize the purchase for a given budget, with the main goal to get the best equipment for a given amount.

In the end, it is your camera and it is your money, so do what makes you feel best about it. If color is important to you, stay with a black camera.

 

[splitimageview]

negotiate with them...tell them you'd really like them to repair but it's borderline at that price. If you don't try you'll never get a better price, there is no risk; they aren't going to increase the quote.

How much warranty do they include?

 

[emraphoto]

id repair a black g2 for $400. just sayin'

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

1 / call Keh's repair department to see if they can fix it. Maybe they recognize the problem and it's not a matter of parts they don't have. Maybe you buy a beater champagne version to cannibalize the parts. Is that why Nippon wanted so much? $400 is a lot for any repair unless they need a donor body. Maybe you can find an 'as is'/broken-in-a-different-way body on eBay to use for that purpose.

2 / offer Nippon $250. See what they say. Hope they're not reading this thread.

 

[jarski]

420usd for repairing discontinued electronic gadget? I'd sell it for parts and get G1 as recommended above.

 

[kbg32]

The G2 has a much better viewfinder then the G1. If the G1 is not modified, you cannot use the 21mm.

 

[aoresteen]

Tough call. I just spent $500 to overhaul a Pentax 6x7 MLU body. I plan on using it for the next 7 years with my other medium format cameras. That's $72 per year - cheap. I could have bought another 6x7 body for that but I prefer a known serviced one.

Calling KEH is a good idea. And any other shop that can fix it.

Only you can decide. Good luck.

 

[kuzano]

have had both....

have had both....

The G1 that is modified to use the additional lens is called a G1 "green label" and have had all three. Do not know of any other difference. Black is a taste thing and spendy. There is a green label for the mod in the film chamber.