New G2!

[Bruce A]

Just got my new G2, and if it will help anyone, thought I would post a few impressions.
This is the first electronic auto anything camera I have ever owned, never having really felt the need for anything more automatic than a diaphram. So this is a HUGE difference for me.
First, it is not loud. From some of the descriptions I read I expected it to be much noisier than it is. It is louder than my tlr rollei, but much quiter than my manual pentax slr. The focusing sound is much more noticable to the user than anyone else.
The focus is fast, at least as fast as I can do with my aging eyes and a rangefinder, probably faster.
The fit and finish is outstanding. The ergonomics are great, the controls intuitive and well laid out. It has great "feel".
I was very concerned about a lot of the postings I have read about focusing difficulty with this rig. I read and re read the manual, and unless I am missing something, ( probably), the camera is going to have trouble focusing in the same situations that any rangefinder does, and will require the same work arounds. When I get some film run we shall see.
Nothing wrong about the viewfinder, and I can see the whole thing with my glasses on. It is different than a Leica, but I have no problems with it. The info display is not intrusive or distracting.
Gripes-
Having no depth of field scales is just plain weird.
The sunshades are obscenley expensive for what they are, and should be included with the lenses, along with caps that fit the shades.
The manual is an about 100 different langauges, making it awkward to use. I don't need a Rosetta Stone, and for the price of the camera I should be able to get the manual in whatever language I wish.

 

[jdos2]

Harumph.

Mine is supposed to be sent back to me "this week" by Kyocera. I WANT MY G2!

Which lenses did you get? The standard 28mm/45mm/90mm kit? Did you get the Titanium Grey one or the black one?

As a suggestion, go out and find a stump or post. You can then rotate the camera about 10 meters away and see EXACTLY where the camera is focusing. Mine was a line between the brackets in the very top of the "focusing brackets." From that I learned exactly where to put the focusing brackets for what I wanted to be in focus... Well, it's in N.J. getting adjusted now, anyway.

I've had two. I like 'em.

There's a super-secret stealthy mode on the camera, too. You set custom option 5 to NOT have to reset the shutter motor dial to do multiple exposures. You then set the camera to take a picture at the multiple exposure setting, and when you want to wind on, change the motor to "single frame."

If you hold your finger down 1/2 way on the shutter in MF, the camera won't reset thereby shortening "shutter lag" (really focusing delay) to something minimal.

I love the grip on the camera- so easy to use with one hand.

e-Bay?

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I didn't know anything about that customized function #5... My G1 has only three!

How's focusing with the front knob for you, Bruce?

BTW, I own a G1 with the 35/2 and 45/2 Planars. It's a joy to use (incredibly easy and responsive!). Only... I didn't really like the shutter lag in mine, neither did I find enjoyable the return to initial position of the lens, but then, the glass is first class and the camera size (easily pocketable) make life so much easier... 😀

Congratulations on your purchase!!!

 

[charlesfoto]

Congrats on your G2! I've had one by my side since its inception and have used it for street work, portraits, glamour, you name it. There is a learning curve with the camera...the viewfinder takes some getting used to. The supposed focus issues ... again, once you learn where to place the focus brackets, you'll be fine. Using the 45 & 90 lenses, I've rarely had an out of focus shot caused by the camera, rather by my bone head. 🙂 Keep us posted with your findings.

 

[Bruce A]

Thanks for all the tips. I definately will try the stump thing to figue out exactly where the brain is focusing.
The manual focus wheel works, but I whish it didn't have the little vernier clicks when you are moving it around. Easy to use though.
I bought mine from a dealer on ebay who was closing inventory. He had a real good price for new gear, so I got the silver body with 28,45,90mm lenses. They have the usa warranty, and all are eligible for the rebates. Botom line, after rebates the outfit is $1157. Not a cheap rig, but for the quality range it seems like a real good deal. Go price a Leica, and you will see.
Like I said before, this is a huge leap of faith for me. Up until the last couple of years about the only time I shot 35 was when I needed really long lenses- like for wildlife. Otherwise I only shot my rollei. I rediscovered rangefinders and 35mm a few years ago, and the change did me good. My pictures changed, I found myself doing different things that I didn't do with the Rollei. I think it does creativity good to clean the cobwebs so to speak.
As I have gotten older and my eyes worse, the auto focus thing looked more and more apealing. The entire camera is different, and I am hoping for a long good relationship. Just playing around with it I think I will not be disapointed. It all seems well thought out, well laid out, and well built.