Description: An interchangeable lens, AF rangefinder camera establishes a new product class and combines the flexibility of an SLR camera with the portability and ease of use of a compact camera. The lenses are from Carl Zeiss and their performance is naturally superb. A zooming viewfinder provides an appropriate view for the installed lens.
Summary: I recently acquired this camera second hand from a shop with a one year warranty for 333€ including the 45mm lens. Alternatively a G2 + lens could was 467€. I chose the former due to its smaller size (mostly) and the price as well as the way to focus manually although the G2 was tempting too (it is still in the shop window…). Being an old hand with AF (my first SLR was the Minolta 7000 back in 1987) I did not expect any problems using it but the first film contained two out of focus shots. The trick is of course to thoroughly check the distance scale in the viewfinder before tripping the shutter. The AF system is not bad, it is fairly fast and usually precise with the above mentioned caveat. The metering system is surprisingly good and it is very easy to dial in any correction to exposure. The film loading is easy and fast and it uses a standard threaded cable release which can be had for next to nothing. The shutter button is very nice in use as is the on/of button. The AE lock mechanism takes a little getting used to but is actually quite smart since it frees the fingers fully after being engaged. All in all the ergonomics are very nice.
As a bespectacled guy I was positively surprised by the eye relief in the viewfinder. It is as least on par with most DSLRs these days. What is above par is of course the lens. I never thought I would shoot with anything better than my Xpan lenses but this surpasses anything I have ever tried. Due to the rangefinderish design incredible long shutter times can be used handheld. The G1s and to some extent G2s are available at various auctions for even less than I paid so if you feel to indulge yourself a little go ahead!
Strengths: Ergonomics – in particular AE lock, AE compensation and general body construction
Eye relief for glass wearers
Lens
Price level (now)
Standard threaded cable release
Feeling good factor using it
Do not need user manual to use it
Weaknesses: AF system needs a probation officer around
Out of production – servicing locally may be difficult
Paint easily wears off (but nothing like on the Xpan)
Similar Products Used: Hasselblad Xpan
Customer Service: Not used - does not really exist any longer
Summary: After 11 years working as a pro photographer I decided to buy my first rangefinder camera. I have to say that I just have it for 1 day and I only shot 1 slide film roll to test it a bit in street photography, but I can see what I like best and what not that much.
I have to recognize that I wold have liked a Leica M, basically because it is more mechanical and as such, easier to repair and so.
The best thing I see from this camera is its titanium body, it feels strong in the hands, it is also has other better features compared to the Leica M series, like a higher shutter and syncro speed, something that wold be quite apriciated. The autofocus is not bad at all, I've heard many coments of slowliness of the focus or problems with focusing with the 90mm. lens, but I can't agree that much with neather both of these subjecs, at least not for the moment. But the focusing system of the G1 also has some conts. I don't like not having something that can indicate me in the viewfinder if the subject I am making photos of is realy in focus or not. On the other hand, though I understand that they decided to put the manual focusing ring in the comands of the camera for ease of use, I sincierly believe I wold prefere a focusing ring on the lenses (I hope the motor of the focus doesen't burn down some day, otherwise it is imposible to make a photo unless you can get to establish it at hiperfocal distance. )
With the viewfinder I also have some good and some bad things to say about it. I like that the viewfinder corrects the paralax problems and so, but it isn't near as clear as the Leica M ones, and as the same may happen with the focusing motor, what wold happen fi the motor of the viewfinder wold burn.
I see this camera as a highly modern car, it has many advantages while everything works fine thanks to electronics. But what happens when things start to work wrong? I wold have prefered a bit more manual camera, for automatic ones I already have enough with all my Nikon gear. (personal opinion)
Strengths: In genearal I like all. Great camera, while things work well
Summary: I bought this camera after much consultation with this site, based upon other readers comments over the years, and advice from Classic Camera Exchange, who were most helpful. I had considered buying a 35mm lens for my Nikon, but had read that the AFD version though optically good was frought with mechanical problems. As my Nikon F50 24-120 combination had been stolen, and not having the space to always carry my F5 and prime lenses, I elected to buy a second hand G1 to access Contax lenses. In the last two years, I have taken the camera with me in my webbing to many places including operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The camera has delivered very very good results with both B&W and colour reversal film relying solely on the cameras built in meter. The camera is unobtusive in most situations, the user being more conscious of the noise of operation than the subject. Though battery dependent, the camera does not appear to run through batteries quickly, nor does it seem vulnerable to extremes of temperature or dusty/sandy conditions.
To my mind the price makes this camera very attractive, were I to have been buying new, I would probably erred towards an X-pan (which is a superlative piece of engineering and handles butifully) or an M7 or New Zeiss Ikon If a reader has one of these please post a review), as my one bug-bear with the G1 is the lack of sensible manual focusing.
Strengths: Optical performance, size ruggedness and reliability.
Weaknesses: Poor manual focusing.
Similar Products Used: Whilst I have played with various rangefinders in shops, my only real experience with rangefinder ownership was in the 1970's with a Russian Fed 3, my first camera and a wonderful introduction to the joy os photogrphy.
Customer Service: Contax customer service is, thankfully, untested, however customer support from Classic Camera Exchange was very good with an enthusiastic and helful owner.
Summary: When brought out this camera revolutionised the rangefinder market again and introduced people photographers back to what is arguably the best way to shoot. I loved this camera but since moved on to Xpan (panoramics more marketable for picture library) then on to Mamiya 7 (bigger negs also picture library work) then realised I missed a lot what this camera offered. This camera with 45mm (a fantastic lens) used to be my favourite shooting zone. I thought there were weaknesses but SH this would be fantastic bridge for someone going from auto route back to rangefinders.
Strengths: Light compact, motor wind (if you need it) I thought autofocus - focus lock recompose was quick although other people criticize it. well made (for its price but not a scratch on my leica M ... but then price)
Weaknesses: viewfinder is awful - improved for G2 but not as good as xpan Mam 7 or Leica M
If it broke on assignment you would be stooffed ..
Similar Products Used: squillions of SLRs
rangefinders - XPAN, Mamiya 7 now Leica M6
Summary: I bought a Contax T2 in 1994 and absolutely fell in love with it--taking it with me on trips all over the world. I love its look, feel, and overall functionality. With the G series the experience is repeated once again. Here is a camera that is simply a pleasure to use and own. With the plethora of digital cameras available, there is less of a market for a high-end point and shoot 35mm cameras, even if in the G1's case they are highly versatile rangefinders. They are now available on the used market for a fraction of what they cost new.
Strengths: Versatility. The G1 can do just about anything. The Zeiss T* lens is great for the money.
Weaknesses: Limited lens options. It's also too nice to be taken out in the field and beat up.
Similar Products Used: Nikon F3, FM2, FE2, F801s, Contax T2, Sony DSCV1 digital
Customer Service: Contax has the best CS anywhere. Those guys are awesome.
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