full auto everything

full auto everything

Being an "old geezer", I have been using Olympus OM system stuff for 30 years and it has been top notch. The images produced from the G1, however, are ever bit as finely detailed and distortion-free as those of the oly. I must say, however, that unless I am photographing a subject that is rapidly changing relative range or composition, I would prefer the control that a fully manual system gives. For making images quickly, however, this G1 is IT!

Customer Service

not needed.

Similar Products Used:

Olympus Trip 35 (the original ones - you know - with the GLASS lenses.

Size, weight and portability. Lens range.

Limited lenses to select from. Cannot use the 35-70 zoom.

This is a great camera. When I first started using this camera, it felt quite natural, which is important in a camera. It allowed me the freedom to see my subjects without the mirror black-out. The weight and size also allowed me to take this with ease to many locations. I once carried a 4x5 with full gear for about 30 minute hike down to a water fall... The quality of this camera is something that should be taken into consideration. Having a titanium finish allows this to be relatively stractch free and can be cleaned quite easily. The dials are made well, and to me, have a good feel (but the focusing dial is a little loose). However, it is in its lenses that this camera truly excels. Using the 21mm, 35mm and 90mm, I found the images are excellent. Good contrast, good colour and sharp. This is a great camera, that is light even when fully outfitted. Although not as fast (shutter speeds, film advance, etc) as the G2, it is still a good body. If you don''t use the 90mm at all (or much), then this is a good alternative to the G2. It is cheaper, smaller and lighter. In reality, I barely used the 4 fps and 1/4000 on the G2. When using wide angles, the focus ability is not as crucial.

Similar Products Used:

Contax G2, Mamiya 7.

Light. Great lenses.

Zero for me!

Fantastic camera, especially at the price paid. You can find great deals on both the cameras and the lenses. Only giving 4 stars because the manual focus dial is severely under-damped (which is fixed on the G2).

Similar Products Used:

Contax G2

Terrific build quality; size; value; those lenses!

None, yet.

I recently purcahsed this camera used. After dragging my SLR through Europe last Fall, I decided that a smaller and lighter outfit was needed. After shooting a couple of rolls with the G1, I can't be happier. The concern about focusing is only valid if you are not careful. A rangefinder is NOT an SLR. You must take time to verify focus. I wear glasses and I find the eye relief to be fine. It's not like the view through and SLR - not a s bright or expansive, but easy to get accustomed to after a little practice. The camera works very intuitively, and it is a pleasure to use. However, this is not a camera for the uninitiated. I would never recommend this for a beginner. One final bit of advice - macro photography is not a strong point of any rangefinder. Do not buy this camera if your interest lies in macro photography. By the way, I compared this to the G2 and found that I didn't need the additional capability of the G2. Givien the fact that it is significantly cheaper than the G2 at this point in time, it was a no brainer to go with the G1.

Customer Service

No need for any, yet.

Similar Products Used:

Many point and shoots; Minolta XTSI

Smaller than any AF SLR. I have taken this camera all over the world without a care. The negatives are sharper than anything I have ever used. The lenses could be matched with any available. Bokeh WHATEVER

It is difficult to focus on small objects. This is the same problem one runs into with any Rangefinder. With the G1 you may be very far from the proper focus in low light situations, or with a small object at a medium distance. I find I shoot a couple of backup.

I think that the Leica is status symbol and collector's camera. Even in a good economy it seems silly to spend twice the money for a camera with no decernable advantage. Don't be swayed by the all manual argument for the Leica. Yes I need batteries to work my camera, but I can buy a 45 a 90 a flash ,two bodies and a gross of batteries for the price of a Leica M6 body.

Customer Service

I have recently had the camera upgraded to accept a 35mm lens. They checked the camera and returned it in about a week. For FREE

Similar Products Used:

Konica Hexar
Various SLRs
Mamiya 645

Small size, awesome lenses, inexpensive (especially with the great deal they have going on right now - 35mm lense, g1 body, and tla140 flash for $799 at the NY Mail Order Companies)

Sooo very loud for a rangefinder, its upsetting. Having owned a hexar for a while makes it sound like a shotgun blast every time this camera focuses

Good camera, especially for the price - the optics are AMAZING and the lenses (with some exceptions) are very reasonably priced. AMAZING value right now - possible that contax is going to discontinue the g1 and is trying to get rid of them now? Who knows.

Customer Service

n/a - never used it.

Similar Products Used:

konica hexar

small size, quality of contruction, ergonomics, Carl Zeiss len system, accurate autofocus, nice information display in viewfinder, price

limited lens selection, macro photography (but then don't buy a RF), small viewfinder (not a problem for me), manual focus system (again, not a problem for me)

A wonderful camera for the price as there are many great deals on the net. The Carl Zeiss lenses are great for use with slide film. The contruction is extremely solid with almost no plastic used anywhere. The small size of the camera and the lenses make it perfect for traveling (leave that big SLR bag behind). Although I have run across numerous complaints about the autofocus accuracy, the viewfinders and the layout of the controls I have never had a problem with any of the above. Compared to a more traditional SLR the controls may take a little getting used to but I found them to be quite intuitive. The viewfinder is plenty big for me and I have no issued with its brightness (not as nice as the Leica viewfinder, but perfectly adequate). And as for the autofocus I haven't had one frame out of focus except at long shutter speed where I was trying to hand hold (which is not hard even at speeds of 1/60 of a second and can be done with a little practice a much longer speeds due to the lack of mirror movement). Overall it is a wonderful camera and when you compare its cost to a similar SLR with professional quality primes you'll find that the Contax system is only slightly more expensive. If you are considering this camera try to use it first because that it the only way you can decide if its pros and cons are workable with your prefered type of photography.

Customer Service

I haven't needed it yet.

Similar Products Used:

I think it is in a class of its own but I have used:
Canon EOS IIe, Nikon N60

Compact size
excellent build quality
Fantastic lenses

autofocus a bit slow and doesnt focus well in low light

I have had my G1 for over 2 years now and have been extremely happy with it. I have the 28, 45,and 90 mm lenses and all three are the best in the class, in my opinion. I looked at SLR's when shopping for my camera but chose a viewfinder instead when I saw the build quality and the high quality Zeiss lenses that matched with it. I have been extremely happy with the picture quality. All my pictures have had excellent color saturation and contrast. I have blown up many pictures up to 8x10 and all have been excellent.
My only complaint is the sometimes slow and inaccurate autofocus system. This camera lacks an SLR's autofocus speed and low light capabilities.

Customer Service

never used

Similar Products Used:

none

Compact, yet sturdy

Learning curve on the focussing system.

As with everyone, once in a while I lose a shot to haste in not verifying the focus. Yet, I find myself carrying it and the G2 more frequently and use my EOS and FD Canons for extreme wide or telephoto work. I have an injured nerve that keeps the feeling out of the tip of my fingers and I twitch when I'm trying to focus and either shoot too soon, or out of focus, but it's not often enough that it matters too much. I usually shoot a set of shots and one is all I need. Sharpness and color are superb. The G1 gives me two extra frames on every roll. Since it is now body two, it becomes backup to G2 and it will carry the 28mm lens most often (less worry about focus because of depth of field. I got it for the lightness--three lens and body weigh far less than similar slr kit. It does hold up to pro use, so far, and is fast enough in focussing to suit me. Review of G2 in next section. Since kits are available at reasonable price, 5 stars on value and 4 stars overall because of a lack of pre-focussing ability.

Customer Service

So far not needed

Similar Products Used:

Leica M3, Canon, Petri, fixed rangefinders

Superb build quality
Light weight
Small size
Excellent control layout
Unsurpassed optics

I find the bayonet mount a little clumsy at times.
Exposure lock is a little awkward.

I have owned dozens of 35mm cameras and lenses and find this my favorite. I own the 28, 45 and 90mm lenses and find them outstanding. I don't feel the autofocus is noisy nor have I had any problems focusing. This body and the lenses ARE better in every way, except possibly snob appeal, than Leica rangefinders. I have owned Leica bodies and lenses and they are old, dated designs. This is one heck of a deal. I love it. I even sold my Nikon cameras and lenses after using this for awhile. Don't buy this camera, though, if you are a fan of long lenses and rapid-action photography. This is clearly suited for old guys like me who photograph landscapes and people. My biggest complaint (and perhaps it's just envy!) is that it can't handle the Contax zoom.

Customer Service

Only for info, but first rate.

Similar Products Used:

Leica M6
Leica IIIG