whats the reliability like on a G2 body?

[TRIODEROB]

I was thinking about picking up a used G2 body.
I can spring for one in mint condition but was not sure about the reliability of the unit as it appears to be a complex design with alot of things that could go wrong.

is this a true ?

can I expect it to hold up to years of use like a M6 would ?

what about the lens drive - will the lens range hold up well to alot of use ?

 

[frank-grumman]

Well, I can't speak for Leica M6 because I've never owned one. I have two G2's, the first of which I got over 2 years ago. It worked perfectly when I got it, and I've put 20 rolls or so through it since then, and it is working just as well now. I've used it principally with the 45mm lens, though more so with my recently acquired 21mm. FYI, I got the second G2 so that I wouldn't have to change bodies between the 21 and the 45. HTH

 

[Nate Butler]

I've owned mine for 3 years, never a problem with it.

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

I've had three or four over 15 years, owned at different times. None of them really had a lot of film put through them, though.

All were bought used, in pretty much pristine condition. I had only one problem with one body — the AF was 'off' slightly, when i acquired it. I sent it to ToCAD for adjustment, and it was fine thereafter.

Get one, test it, and if it's good, you should be able to trust it. But, be aware that the AF can be out of spec. You'll know, once you get your film back, but you can't tell beforehand. Find that blog* on 'best focusing practices' with the G2, to be sure the fault is in the camera and not you, and you'll be fine. They're great cameras, if you can get used to the viewfinder.

*http://www.botzilla.com/blog/archives/000378.html

 

[kdemas]

I've had great luck with my two for over 10 years. Solid.

 

[Joe Vitessa]

My G2 has been fine for several years. I did have some problems with a G1, however. I suspect they're not quite as tough as an M6, but should hold up for most uses.

 

[sepiareverb]

I'd not worry. TOCAD does wonderful work on it should it ever need it. I've owned a bunch of G2 bodies over the years, and have two at the moment. I shoot lots with them, always have. One body had a light leak in the shutter when new (it seemed like the shutter, Tocad does awesome repairs but is not good at explaining what they did or what was wrong), it was repaired and worked flawlessly from then on. My first two G2 bodies were my main cameras for about two years plus, hundred rolls each at least per year. I now have one really beat-up looking black one and another pretty clean black one. They get probably 25 rolls per year each and have been perfect. Ergonomics are a dream on the G2.

 

[zsas]

Bought a G2 6 months ago. I've done 35 rolls thus far and the camera has worked flawless.

 

[Peter_S]

Had a G2 for a year and used it hard - no problems. In the same time two M6s had to go in for repair.
My M8.2 is in Solms for service at the moment, a mint M6 I bought recently gets currently a routine check cause I do not trust it.

I have a Contax T3 (which just goes and goes) to back up my Leicas, and have an M to back up the other M. Go figure.

The Contax G2 does not work in the cold, anywhere else I would thrust them more than an M.

Get one. They are awesome.

(I still regret selling my black G2 kit occassionally...reliability is one of them, given how well I know the Solms service staff now).

 

[froyd]

Never a problem with my G1. However, I occasionally read about units with LCD bleeding. Not a big issue as long as the frame number remains somewhat visible and if the battery indicator goes away it'seasy to just carry a spare battery in a pocket.

The titanium finish of this cameras is amazing. I sure don't baby mine but it hardly shows any wear.

 

[Bob Michaels]

................... but was not sure about the reliability of the unit as it appears to be a complex design with alot of things that could go wrong. .....................

OK, here is a list of things that basically cannot go wrong with a ContaxG:
* rangefinder alignment (doesn't have a rangefinder)
* focusing helicoid on lens (has simple piezo motor instead)
* film transport (no mechanical gears, just a simple piezo motor)
* film rewind mechanism (just a simple piezo motor)
That pretty much eliminates most of the things that can do wrong with a camera.

I used a G1 and a G2 quite hard for about 7-8 years and never had a problem with either of them. Now I am not saying they are as bulletproof as an anvil, but they were among the most reliable cameras I have ever owned.

Of course, there are some who believe adjustable points and a condenser are more reliable than electronic ignition on an automobile. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. But mine about the ContaxG is from many years of hard use.

 

[Roger Hicks]

OK, here is a list of things that basically cannot go wrong with a ContaxG:
* rangefinder alignment (doesn't have a rangefinder)
* focusing helicoid on lens (has simple piezo motor instead)
* film transport (no mechanical gears, just a simple piezo motor)
* film rewind mechanism (just a simple piezo motor)
That pretty much eliminates most of the things that can do wrong with a camera.

I used a G1 and a G2 quite hard for about 7-8 years and never had a problem with either of them. Now I am not saying they are as bulletproof as an anvil, but they were among the most reliable cameras I have ever owned.

Of course, there are some who believe adjustable points and a condenser are more reliable than electronic ignition on an automobile. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. But mine about the ContaxG is from many years of hard use.

Dear Bob,

Depends on your definition of 'reliable', either

(1) Unlikely to go wrong (Lumenition, etc.)

(2) Easily fixable with cheap parts and little labour if it does go wrong (points).

Cheers,

R.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I've had a G1 for over a decade, and a G2 for probably 7 years. They haven't gotten a whole lot of use in the last 2-3, but when they do get used, they get used hard (30-40 rolls a week). I have yet to have a need to have either one serviced. They are my go-to cameras for travel to exotic places, especially when I haven't been there before, because they're so light and compact that they're easy to carry around. I can take the whole kit (G1, G2, 21, 28, 35, 45, 90 lenses, TLA 30 or TLA 280 flash, ttl off-camera cord, batteries, a couple filters, 20+ rolls of film) all in a single compact Domke bag. They can pry the G2 (and my Rolleiflex 2.8E) out of my cold, dead hands.

 

[xyz3450]

Hello,

I have owned a G2 for about a year and it has been superb. No problems mechanically at all. I have run several rolls through it. I own the G1 too -- just as good. Slightly smaller and works as a nice travel camera. G2 seem to cost around $450 for a good one. The zeiss lenses are excellent -- but seem to be getting slightly expensive (maybe folks are adapting them for mirrorless?).

Martin

 

[j j]

Welcome to RFF Martin. When the NEX adapters came on the market a year or two ago the prices went up. It's likely to get worse with the new autofocus adapter (assuming it works OK). Which for me means that 21 is getting farther and farther away (sob!).