Help! I am having irrational thoughs about Contax G2's!

menthel

menthel

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I really bloody want one. It looks exactly what I want, especially the camera, 3 lenses and flash kit but I am not sure I can justify £1000 for one! Help me!

Looking at it, it seems the perfect film set up for me. A range finder that will AF if I require with superb lenses and small to boot. It would allow me to clear out all of the other film cameras I have here (OM2-sp and 3 lenses, Voigtlander VF101 and Eos 650 and a couple of lenses) and give me 2 setups, 1 film and 1 digital that are perfect for my needs. How on earth do I stop myself? Is there a cheaper alternative or do I just have to bite the bullet and have my perfect setup?
 
menthel said:
I really bloody want one. It looks exactly what I want, especially the camera, 3 lenses and flash kit but I am not sure I can justify £1000 for one! Help me!

Looking at it, it seems the perfect film set up for me. A range finder that will AF if I require with superb lenses and small to boot. It would allow me to clear out all of the other film cameras I have here (OM2-sp and 3 lenses, Voigtlander VF101 and Eos 650 and a couple of lenses) and give me 2 setups, 1 film and 1 digital that are perfect for my needs. How on earth do I stop myself? Is there a cheaper alternative or do I just have to bite the bullet and have my perfect setup?
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I'm glad I've gone past expensive addiction for anything...if you have the money get it, as I always say "I never want to end up in my last days and reminiscing and thinking to myself that I always wished I had got.............."
 
I wouldn't call it an addiction. Just getting the best I can then stopping! It may even work out cheaper in the long run! ;)
 
menthel said:
I really bloody want one. It looks exactly what I want, especially the camera, 3 lenses and flash kit but I am not sure I can justify £1000 for one! Help me!

Looking at it, it seems the perfect film set up for me. A range finder that will AF if I require with superb lenses and small to boot. It would allow me to clear out all of the other film cameras I have here (OM2-sp and 3 lenses, Voigtlander VF101 and Eos 650 and a couple of lenses) and give me 2 setups, 1 film and 1 digital that are perfect for my needs. How on earth do I stop myself? Is there a cheaper alternative or do I just have to bite the bullet and have my perfect setup?
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They don't put pockets in shrouds mate... if you can afford it without borrowing anything, or living on packet soups for 3 months, then I say go for it. Don't see all the other kit straight away though - not everyone gets on with the way the G2 works...
 
TheBigYin said:
They don't put pockets in shrouds mate... if you can afford it without borrowing anything, or living on packet soups for 3 months, then I say go for it. Don't see all the other kit straight away though - not everyone gets on with the way the G2 works...
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The story had a happy ending though!

What would I benefit from getting a G1 over the G2. Thinking about my habits, the film stuff is usually at 50mm or wider, so perhaps I could get away with just a 45mm and a 28mm on a G1 which would be cheaper...
 
I'm not gonna help much, but the G2 is a joy to use, all the convenience of an SLR but very quiet, and doesn't draw any attention like a big camera. Prices are getting a bit silly now -I paid 500 quid for a G2 body with 28mm, 45mm, 90mm lenses and flash from a member on TP. I've since added the 21mm lens.

You don't have to pay through the nose - keep your eyes peeled - prices vary a lot.

Lots of info on the G1 and G2 HERE
 
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CT said:
I'm not gonna help much, but the G2 is a joy to use, all the convenience of an SLR but very quiet, and doesn't draw any attention like a big camera. Prices are getting a bit silly now -I paid 500 quid for a G2 body with 28mm, 45mm, 90mm lenses and flash from a member on TP. I've since added the 21mm lens.

You don't have to pay through the nose - keep your eyes peeled - prices vary a lot.

Lots of info on the G1 and G2 HERE
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Blimey! You can only really get a g2 and 45mm for that now!
 
menthel said:
Blimey! You can only really get a g2 and 45mm for that now!
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Prices have gone up a lot, but the 45mm is the sharpest of the lot and they're all outstanding. If you have to start with one lens, that's the one. Avoid the zoom they're silly money and not that impressive optically.
 
CT said:
Prices have gone up a lot, but the 45mm is the sharpest of the lot and they're all outstanding. If you have to start with one lens, that's the one. Avoid the zoom they're silly money and not that impressive optically.
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Thanks. I am really looking to end up with the 45mm and 28mm. I am basing this on the fact that I have a 135mm on my OM2-sp and never use it! The 50mm or 28mm are always on there.

Any advice on a good place to get one?
 
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menthel said:
Thanks. I am really looking to end up with the 45mm and 28mm. I am basing this on the fact that I have a 135mm on my OM2-sp and never use it! The 50mm or 28mm are always on there.

Any advice on a good place to get one?
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The 28mm is a cracking walk round lens.

Where to get one is a problem Ffordes and people like that sometimes have them in, but you're looking at dealer mark up although Ffordes do give 3 months warranty usually. Your best bet is ebay I reckon , but take your time and look for a nice one from a private seller rather than a dealer. I've seen some silly prices on really rough ones, yet nicer ones go for less. Don't be in a rush -they do come up regularly.

For some reason which defeats me, black bodies and lenses fetch more money, but it's not a nice black finish - quite dull and greasy and marks very easily - stick with titanium finish - far nicer and more durable.

If I see something suitable I'll wang you a link. :D

Good luck!
 
CT said:
The 28mm is a cracking walk round lens.

Where to get one is a problem Ffordes and people like that sometimes have them in, but you're looking at dealer mark up although Ffordes do give 3 months warranty usually. Your best bet is ebay I reckon , but take your time and look for a nice one from a private seller rather than a dealer. I've seen some silly prices on really rough ones, yet nicer ones go for less. Don't be in a rush -they do come up regularly.

For some reason which defeats me, black bodies and lenses fetch more money, but it's not a nice black finish - quite dull and greasy and marks very easily - stick with titanium finish - far nicer and more durable.

If I see something suitable I'll wang you a link. :D

Good luck!
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Thanks for that! I will keep my eyes peeled!
 
I just had a look on ebay - lordy they are getting pricey!

Shame you're not more local to me -you could have borrowed mine and see how you got on with it.
 
CT said:
I just had a look on ebay - lordy they are getting pricey!

Shame you're not more local to me -you could have borrowed mine and see how you got on with it.
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Thanks for the offer. The crazy price is exactly why I am thinking of a g1.
 
I don't think you'll miss much with a G1. They wont take the 16mm Hologon, but that's the price of a house and a fixed f/8 so a bit of a specialised lens. I'm not certain, but I don't think they take the 21mm either, although some G1s were modified to accept them and have a green sticker in the battery compartment I think, but do check on that.

Don't be rushed - take your time! ;)
 
Have found a G2 body for just shy of £300 but not sure what to do! It comes with a 1 month guarantee. It looks as about as cheap as they get! The only problem then is sourcing the 45mm. What do you guys think?
 
Can you post a link - or send me one?
 
That looks OK, but it isn't a very big image to judge the condition from. I'd give 'em a ring and ask them to describe the condition of the camera to you - any dents dings etc. - any sign of bleeding in the lcd displays and then make a decision based on that and how much any scratches bother you, but it's a good price and described as Mint- so it sounds OK if they're being fair with the description.

If it has a 1 month warranty you should be able to return it if you're not happy - but I'd query that with them. Bear in mind that the guy who bought up the only spares for these cameras is in Canada and he doesn't accept overseas repeirs at all. The cameras are pretty bullet proof, but it's something to bear in mind.

Getting a lens shouldn't be difficult, they all seem to come up on ebay regularly enough.

Good luck!
 
menthel said:
Spoken to them and told there is not a mark on it, that its boxed complete with batteries, straps etc. So its ordered! Time to find a 45mm and 28mm and then get ready to sell all of the other film gubbins.

Thanks for the help CT! :)
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Bloody hell that' s cheap then - you really did well! :D

Being boxed is a good sign, so I'd guess it will come with the user manual, and the body cap fitted is original. There's a flimsy surround around the viewfinder in black plastic and it's probably the only naff thing on the camera- held in place with a couple of flimsy clips prone to breaking. You can see from the pic of yours that it's still in place, but finding a replacement is nearly impossible and when they do come up they ask seriously stupid money - I've seen them for £75 to £100 quid!

As soon as it comes, I'd remove it and stick a thin strip of double- sided carpet tape underneath it . Press it back in place and it wont be going anywhere.

Congratulations! :cool:
 
CT said:
Bloody hell that' s cheap then - you really did well! :D

Being boxed is a good sign, so I'd guess it will come with the user manual, and the body cap fitted is original. There's a flimsy surround around the viewfinder in black plastic and it's probably the only naff thing on the camera- held in place with a couple of flimsy clips prone to breaking. You can see from the pic of yours that it's still in place, but finding a replacement is nearly impossible and when they do come up they ask seriously stupid money - I've seen them for £75 to £100 quid!

As soon as it comes, I'd remove it and stick a thin strip of double- sided carpet tape underneath it . Press it back in place and it wont be going anywhere.

Congratulations! :cool:
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Thanks for that. Looking at the prices elsewhere it seems very good indeed, especially as G1's are gettin on for £180 to £200 and if I keep it in decent condition I would imaging making my money back at the very least!
 
menthel said:
Thanks for that. Looking at the prices elsewhere it seems very good indeed, especially as G1's are gettin on for £180 to £200 and if I keep it in decent condition I would imaging making my money back at the very least!
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I'll be surprised if you ever want to sell it tbh, but you can't go wrong at that price. I've got some nice cameras acquired over a long time and I love 'em all, but if push came to shove the G2 might be the last to go of the lot - it's just so great to use -you can fire off a roll of film in no time and it nails the exposure time after time and it's freaky quiet compared to a DSLR.

When it's pressed up against your skull you're very aware of the snicky zippy little noises it makes, but from just the length of a room away they're virtually inaudible.

I look forward to seeing how you get on with it.:)
 
menthel said:
Its a bit too wide and a bit too expensive for me! ;)
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LOL I hear you! They are asking top dollar for that one. Fantastic lens though - there's less than 1% distortion measured in the corners.

3566953664_4636a0a2fc_o.jpg


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CT said:
LOL I hear you! They are asking top dollar for that one. Fantastic lens though - there's less than 1% distortion measured in the corners.

3566953664_4636a0a2fc_o.jpg


3572940808_c33612b520_o.jpg
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Blimey those are pretty pristine distortion wise! However, its a slippery slope and I will stick to my plan. Hopefully!
 
menthel said:
Blimey those are pretty pristine distortion wise! However, its a slippery slope and I will stick to my plan. Hopefully!
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LOL Don't blame you - ignore me -I'm a bad influence! :LOL:
 
CT said:
LOL Don't blame you - ignore me -I'm a bad influence! :LOL:
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No problem. What is great to see is that the results are so superb with it and that the lenses are of such great quality. I think I will save the roll of velvia I have for it as I don't really want to stick it in the Oly or EOS now!
 
menthel said:
No problem. What is great to see is that the results are so superb with it and that the lenses are of such great quality. I think I will save the roll of velvia I have for it as I don't really want to stick it in the Oly or EOS now!
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LOL.You'll want to use it all the time. Those shots were taken on Provia 160NC, well out of date by probably 2 or 3 years but kept in the fridge.
 
CT said:
LOL.You'll want to use it all the time. Those shots were taken on Provia 160NC, well out of date by probably 2 or 3 years but kept in the fridge.
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I mainly shoot B&W but always have a couple of rolls of colour around. Because of the awful weather at present I have lots of HP5 knocking around. However, I think this camera will deserve slower film with finer grain, especially once the weather improves!
 
Just went for a 28mm on ebay and it went for crazy money. I can get one cheaper from a dealer with warantee!
 
Received yesterday and it really is a minter! The box is the only slightly bashed about bit. The rest actually looks new! Now for those bloody lenses...
 
menthel said:
Received yesterday and it really is a minter! The box is the only slightly bashed about bit. The rest actually looks new! Now for those bloody lenses...
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It sounds like you've done exceptionally well - especially from a dealer! :cool: Good luck with the lens hunt. If it's in such nice condition, you might want to keep an eye open for an ER case - they do come on ebay, although they're not exactly in plentiful supply.

I normally hate ER cases but I use one with the G2 - that titanium finish is so susceptible to picking up bright marks (rub marks)from buttons, zips etc.
 
CT said:
It sounds like you've done exceptionally well - especially from a dealer! :cool: Good luck with the lens hunt. If it's in such nice condition, you might want to keep an eye open for an ER case - they do come on ebay, although they're not exactly in plentiful supply.

I normally hate ER cases but I use one with the G2 - that titanium finish is so susceptible to picking up bright marks (rub marks)from buttons, zips etc.
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Thanks. I will keep an eye out for a case, although I really don't get on with ERs either, they just add so much bulk. I think a decent quality bag with good separators are in order.
 
menthel said:
Thanks. I will keep an eye out for a case, although I really don't get on with ERs either, they just add so much bulk. I think a decent quality bag with good separators are in order.
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Indeed - I have a little crumpler bag which takes the body, lenses and flash just perfectly - in fact it came with the kit when I bought it.

Other times I just choose one lens depending where I'm going and stick with it - which is when I tend to use the ER case , and the annoying front flap does clip off.
 
CT said:
Indeed - I have a little crumpler bag which takes the body, lenses and flash just perfectly - in fact it came with the kit when I bought it.

Other times I just choose one lens depending where I'm going and stick with it - which is when I tend to use the ER case , and the annoying front flap does clip off.
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I was thinking crumpler. I have a nice one for when I just carry my 7d (blasphemy!) and the 18-50 and then either the 50mm f1.8, 100m macro or my flash around. I can get a much smaller one for the G2 though!
 
erm now this is what I'd spend £1000 on....if I had the spending bug:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180630781225&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

A professional 35mm film Canon camera outfit and lenses comprising the following:
- Canon T90 with neck strap, body cap and eye cup. Very good condition. No instructions.
- Canon 60 T3 remote switch for Canon T90. Very good condition.
- Canon Speedlite 300 TL flash gun for Canon T90. With instructions. Excellent condition.
- Canon FD 17mm f/4 lens. No case or lens hood. Very good condition.
- Canon FD 20-35mm f/3.5L lens. With lens hood and case. Excellent condition.
- Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 lens. With lens hood, Hoya 81 B filter, B+W circular polariser. Excellent condition.
- Canon FD 28-85mm f/4 lens. With case and lens hood. Excellent condition.
- Tamron SP 90mm f/2.5 lens plus Tamron extension tube for 1:1 reproduction. With lens hood, case, Hoya 1B filter, B+W circular polariser. All Canon fit. Very good condition.
- Canon FD 135mm f/2 lens. With lens hood, no case. Excellent condition.
- Canon FD 200mm f/2.8 lens. With lens hood, case, Hoya 1B filter. Very good condition.
- Canon FD TS(tilt and shift) 35mm f/2.8 lens (with lens hood, case, instructions, Hoya 81B filter, B+W circular polariser. Very good condition.
- Manfrotto 3-way pan and tilt tripod head. Average condition.
 
excalibur2 said:
erm now this is what I'd spend £1000 on....if I had the spending bug:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180630781225&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

A professional 35mm film Canon camera outfit and lenses comprising the following:
- Canon T90 with neck strap, body cap and eye cup. Very good condition. No instructions.
- Canon 60 T3 remote switch for Canon T90. Very good condition.
- Canon Speedlite 300 TL flash gun for Canon T90. With instructions. Excellent condition.
- Canon FD 17mm f/4 lens. No case or lens hood. Very good condition.
- Canon FD 20-35mm f/3.5L lens. With lens hood and case. Excellent condition.
- Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 lens. With lens hood, Hoya 81 B filter, B+W circular polariser. Excellent condition.
- Canon FD 28-85mm f/4 lens. With case and lens hood. Excellent condition.
- Tamron SP 90mm f/2.5 lens plus Tamron extension tube for 1:1 reproduction. With lens hood, case, Hoya 1B filter, B+W circular polariser. All Canon fit. Very good condition.
- Canon FD 135mm f/2 lens. With lens hood, no case. Excellent condition.
- Canon FD 200mm f/2.8 lens. With lens hood, case, Hoya 1B filter. Very good condition.
- Canon FD TS(tilt and shift) 35mm f/2.8 lens (with lens hood, case, instructions, Hoya 81B filter, B+W circular polariser. Very good condition.
- Manfrotto 3-way pan and tilt tripod head. Average condition.
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Very nice but I didn't want another SLR, so went the contax route. ;)
 
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