Strange Contax G2 shutter release problem

[akptc]

My spare G2 has developed a shutter release problem. It looses acquired focus just before firing and about 10% of the time pressing the shutter will not cause it to fire. About 95% of the time I can focus with the thumb button on the back of the camera and press the shutter release and it works but sometimes it does not fire either. I tested it with my "good" lenses that work OK on my other G2 but it seems it's not the lens problem. Has anyone ever encounter such a behavior of the G2 shutter? Thanks a bunch for any feedback.

 

[sepiareverb]

Not had this happen on mine. You know TOCAD repair?
http://www.tocad.com/contact.html

They do very good work.

 

[Bob Michaels]

I've used G2 and a G1 body for about six years and never seen this when the viewfinder glass is clean. Now a thumbprint on the finder glass will mess up the autofocus in ways some cannot imagine.

I have not had need for Tocad service (knock on wood) but I hear that they are as good as Contax service ever was.

 

[akptc]

Thanks guys, I emailed TOCAD to get an estimate. Just hate being without my gear...

 

[jaap]

If I may say, try a fresh pair of batteries. A G camera can act strange when the batteries are getting low. (even if the battery low indication is not on) Try before you ship your gear !

 

[akptc]

Well, I tried it with fresh batteries (same advice I got from TOCAD on the phone) but it seems the shutter release mechanism needs some attention. The G2 is on its way to TOCAD, crossing my fingers... 🙂

 

[sepiareverb]

Sounds like our G2's are reaching middle age?

 

[jaap]

I've never had trouble with mine (vingers crossed) Otherwise I have to buy a other one. My second G2 (as new) I bought for 270 euro.

 

[akptc]

THis is the 1st time I've encountered a problem with a G2 or a G1. After some detective work, I think I know why the shutter release is sometimes non-responsive. The previous owner used this G2 in CH mode pretty much all the time, with his heavy finger continuosly pushing on the trigger. I bet this has resulted in some contact wear, causing the current fault. But, the good news, this sounds like a simple fix.

 

[modulor]

i have the exacr same problem with my g2! do you ever solved this problem?

 

[akptc]

My G2 was fixed by TOCAD over 10 years ago.. they replaced an assembly for I think just under $200. Not sure who fixes these cameras today...

 

[frank-grumman]

FWIW, my G2 showed similar behavior when there was insufficient vertical lines in the scene which I was attempting to film. When I found some "verticality," I focused and recomposed and shutter operated as expected. Selling G2 and a virtually complete set of G2 lenses was one of the more stupid moves I've carried out in my life. 😀 😀 Anyways, I hope this is helpful information.