Who has problems with G1 autofocus, and who doesn't? (Poll)

[Doug]

Had no focus trouble with a 21mm on a G1 I had briefly, before returning it to KEH (mechanical problems) and replacing it with a G2.

With no prior AF experience, I had to learn how to get the best from it. One thing discovered was that the actual focus point wasn't quite at the center of the viewfinder marks, but up and left slightly.

Also, there was some inconsistent focus trouble with the 28mm at close distances on the G2, and I now suspect it was just dirty electrical contacts on the lens (which I'd gotten used). No such problems with the 21, 35, 45, or 90.

 

[DNG]

Just finished my 1st 6 rolls on my new to me G1/45mm...
Focus is spot on in all but 3 negatives.. Slow SS blurred those 😉

It really isn't an issue... IF you understand that you NEED VERTICAL LINES to lock it in.. That is in the Manual also, and suggested that to hold your G1 in portrait mode if you have Hortz lines instead...

It focuses quite fast, and I found it worked well, even in low light...

f/2 at 1/30 with Fuji Acros

f/2 1/60 Fuji Acros

 

[froyd]

G1 and 90mm

G1 and 90mm

Never a problem focusing the G90 on a G1 body, even in dim, low-contrast situations. Not sure why other people have difficulty with this pair. I read somewhere that its' important to keep the focus window clear from smudges and dirt.

G1, G90

 

[raid]

The only times when the focusing shows hesitation is when I take vertical photos.

 

[raid]

IF you understand that you NEED VERTICAL LINES to lock it in.. That is in the Manual also, and suggested that to hold your G1 in portrait mode if you have Hortz lines instead...

Thanks for this useful tip.

 

[jawarden]

98% of the time I got fast and accurate focus

98% of the time I got fast and accurate focus

with G1 and G2, 21, 28, 35, 45, 90.

Now that I use a manual focus rangefinder I'm nowhere near 98%, that's for sure.

 

[DNG]

with G1 and G2, 21, 28, 35, 45, 90.

Now that I use a manual focus rangefinder I'm nowhere near 98%, that's for sure.

Showing your age are you 😀,
That's why I sold the M5 and bought a G1/45 😉

 

[Steve M.]

I used to have issues w/ the 90 lens when I owned a G1, but it was me, not the camera. I fixed it by spending 20 minutes of continual refocusing on something and noting at exactly what point in the 2 focus points [ ] it latched onto focus, and at what point it hunted. My problem was there were times when it didn't want to lock focus, not out of focus shots (unless you shot two people standing next t each other and pointed the camera in the middle to get focus, in which case you deserved that sharp, in focus VW a football field away) Still had issues w focus in real low light, but that was normal for the 90 lens. Got some great photos from that Sonnar! Loved everything about that camera except for its squinty viewfinder. Even enjoyed that unnnnn focus noise. It let you know the camera was working. Cameras w/ zero user feedback are quickly sold.