What is a fair price for a Contax G2 system?

[geezerdude]

A local camera shop has this ad on their site: Contax G2 Kit with 45mm/28mm/90mm With boxs Instructions Contax Flash. This package looks like NEW. (Condition is alleged to be LN+ and asking price is $999 USD.)

I'm going to look at it tomorrow, but wonder if this is a fair price or maybe too high if it is as he claims. Any opinions from you all?
Thanks,
Rob

 

[jasonhupe]

Thats a great deal I think. Used G2's go for 500-600, the 28 is around $300, the 45 is like $250 and the 90 is the cheapest. So the camera with the three lens for 1K in like new condition is a great deal. That is if you want a G2 kit, great lens.

 

[geezerdude]

Presuming that is correct, what should I be looking for when I go see this camera? In other words. what issues should I be aware of and watch out for?
Thanks,
Rob

 

[imokruok]

What you mentioned is the standard kit purchased as new. Hopefully it was a single owner, low mileage, everything works, and if that's the case it's a good deal especially if it has boxes and any other accessories.

Obviously, check and make sure the shutter is clean and that the camera takes a shot. But also look closely at all of the displays - inside the viewfinder and out - for any signs of bleeds or dimness. That's a typical problem. Also, wear around the strap lugs can indicate how much the camera has been used even if the body looks good. If it was kept in the Contax leather case, the body would show almost no markings, but there would be wear around the strap lugs.

The other problems you would likely only find after spending time with it. Some people have reported a lost frame here and there, e.g. you know you took a pic, but it's just a black frame. But you'd have to run a roll to see if that's an issue...

 

[kdemas]

Check the little LCD screen on top (frame count) to see if there is any bleed.

 

[akremer]

great price - also check that the manual focus wheel works!

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

Great price. But, still, even if everything looks new, the AF might need to be calibrated. You can only tell by shooting test film. If you need adjustment by ToCAD, the repair cost plus the $999 still makes it a nice deal.

 

[Cron]

listen to the AF of all lenses, make sure that all lenses are recogniced by the camera (once I had a problem with a 28 on a G2 which works without problems with another G2!)

 

[Jamie123]

Most camera stores give a short limited warranty on their used gear so that should give you enough time to run a test roll through the camera.