im so glad someone finally explained those black bars in the rangefinder and why they move when you focus in on a close object, still waiting on my lens for my system and i cant wait to test it out
Excellent video. I especially appreciated the explanation and demonstration of what makes a rangefinder. I wanted a G1 or G2 for the longest time, but shied away from some unknown reason(s). They were dirt cheap a few years ago in Taiwan when I was living there, especially the G1 green label. Now I don't even want to check to see how much they are going for.
YO, I'm really close buying a contax g1 with a f2 35mm lens for 450$ - Only thing I'm scared about is the mechanics dying on me, is this actually a big deal? The guy I'm buying from has only shot two rolls on it, since then it has only stayed on a shelf. Anyone got any thoughts?
@siguuurddahlstrom I think it’s of course best to take it on a case by case- but that seems like a killer deal. The only concern would be the lubricant on the internal gears hardening, but it takes a long time to do that. If they already shot two rolls through ide say your pretty clear. Sitting shouldn’t harm a camera like that- especially with how over built it is. That said if you want to be cautious, check the light seals on the door, the LCD on top can sometimes go, and the battery compartment can be corroded. All can be fixed easily and don’t really impede the function of the camera
@@guccimain89 I would hold on to your G1s if I were you, they will last a lot longer. As a person who has repaired both G1s and G2 previously, the G1 is a much superior built camera. For example, the film transport gearing in the G1 is mostly metal, whereas the ones on the G2 are almost completely plastic and will probably not be worth replacing if you have a stripped gear as stripping down the whole mechanism is very labour intensive. I've also shot with both and whilst the AF is better, it's not quite great. The viewfinder, however, is a huge improvement. As long as it's the Green Label G1, I'd say stick with it.
I would say it depends- the autofocus can be slow, but if your a master of zone focus, you shouldn't have too much issue. The 45mm F2 is a killer lens for day to day. Ive heard of a few people who use the 28mm for street photography. There is also a skill element of the G1 where you can listen to the focus motor to know if it got focus or missed. its a camera you kind of have to work with to get shots- but you get rewarded for your efforts!
I think you'd be fine zone focusing (especially with the 28mm lens) as long as you're careful not to bump the little manual focus dial. I've found the autofocus to always work great once you're aware of its limitations and how it works. That said, the patience needed for that doesn't match super well with the speed of active street photography. Size and weight are perfect for street (arguably even better than a Leica M).
I use two 35mm film rangefinder systems. One Leica M6 body with the following lenses: Leitz 90mm f/2 Summicron Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon Leitz 21mm f/1.4 Summilux Two Contax G1 bodies with the following lenses: Zeiss 90mm f/2.8 Sonnar Zeiss 45mm f/2 Planar Zeiss 28mm f/2.8 Biogon Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Biogon Each camera, with its own set of lenses, is enough for photographing most situations. However, when I do not have time to quickly change lenses, I prefer to carry three bodies with a lens mounted on each body. My favorite combination is: 21mm f/2.8 Zeiss on Contax G1 green label plus accessory viewfinder 35mm f/1.4 Zeiss on Leica M6 90mm f/2.8 Zeiss on Contax G1 white label
@@CalvinDraht Ok thanks for the info. I only got a 15 year old DSLR and by watching a lot of camera videos I always asked myself, how modern (range)finders work, especially on mirrorless cameras, because that is very rarely explained.
I've owned the Contax G2 with both the 45 and 90 lens and among all cameras I've ever purchased I regret THE MOST to have sold this equipment. But it is what it is, to buy other gear I had to 😩
Great, great video and review. I feel that the ambience and design you use on the videos arrangement is gorgeous. Congratulations
@@rickyzagalo thank you very much for enjoying it! I appreciate it!!
im so glad someone finally explained those black bars in the rangefinder and why they move when you focus in on a close object, still waiting on my lens for my system and i cant wait to test it out
Awesome! I’m glad the vid helped- enjoy the system- it’s a killer one!
Excellent video. I especially appreciated the explanation and demonstration of what makes a rangefinder. I wanted a G1 or G2 for the longest time, but shied away from some unknown reason(s). They were dirt cheap a few years ago in Taiwan when I was living there, especially the G1 green label. Now I don't even want to check to see how much they are going for.
The G1 I think is good value for money- not dirt cheap but good. And the G2 haunts my dreams
@@CalvinDrahtOK, I checked. The G1 prices aren't that egregious.
It doesnt have framelines and able to see outside the framelines to anticipate movement in street photography.
YO, I'm really close buying a contax g1 with a f2 35mm lens for 450$ - Only thing I'm scared about is the mechanics dying on me, is this actually a big deal? The guy I'm buying from has only shot two rolls on it, since then it has only stayed on a shelf. Anyone got any thoughts?
@siguuurddahlstrom I think it’s of course best to take it on a case by case- but that seems like a killer deal. The only concern would be the lubricant on the internal gears hardening, but it takes a long time to do that. If they already shot two rolls through ide say your pretty clear. Sitting shouldn’t harm a camera like that- especially with how over built it is.
That said if you want to be cautious, check the light seals on the door, the LCD on top can sometimes go, and the battery compartment can be corroded. All can be fixed easily and don’t really impede the function of the camera
This video makes me want to get one. How would this camera be for street photography?
The g2 would be better for street. And I say this as a guy that loves his multiple Contax G1s. The autofocus is tough at times for quick grabs.
@@guccimain89 I would hold on to your G1s if I were you, they will last a lot longer. As a person who has repaired both G1s and G2 previously, the G1 is a much superior built camera. For example, the film transport gearing in the G1 is mostly metal, whereas the ones on the G2 are almost completely plastic and will probably not be worth replacing if you have a stripped gear as stripping down the whole mechanism is very labour intensive. I've also shot with both and whilst the AF is better, it's not quite great. The viewfinder, however, is a huge improvement. As long as it's the Green Label G1, I'd say stick with it.
I would say it depends- the autofocus can be slow, but if your a master of zone focus, you shouldn't have too much issue. The 45mm F2 is a killer lens for day to day. Ive heard of a few people who use the 28mm for street photography. There is also a skill element of the G1 where you can listen to the focus motor to know if it got focus or missed. its a camera you kind of have to work with to get shots- but you get rewarded for your efforts!
I think you'd be fine zone focusing (especially with the 28mm lens) as long as you're careful not to bump the little manual focus dial. I've found the autofocus to always work great once you're aware of its limitations and how it works. That said, the patience needed for that doesn't match super well with the speed of active street photography. Size and weight are perfect for street (arguably even better than a Leica M).
My favorite camera Contax g1 with a 28mm lens
I really want to get the 28mm, as I love using the 45 already! This cameras feel is so amazing in its quality and feel!
@@CalvinDraht yes definitely agree you should drop more content surrounding it
I use two 35mm film rangefinder systems.
One Leica M6 body with the following lenses:
Leitz 90mm f/2 Summicron
Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon
Leitz 21mm f/1.4 Summilux
Two Contax G1 bodies with the following lenses:
Zeiss 90mm f/2.8 Sonnar
Zeiss 45mm f/2 Planar
Zeiss 28mm f/2.8 Biogon
Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Biogon
Each camera, with its own set of lenses, is enough for photographing most situations. However, when I do not have time to quickly change lenses, I prefer to carry three bodies with a lens mounted on each body.
My favorite combination is:
21mm f/2.8 Zeiss on Contax G1 green label plus accessory viewfinder
35mm f/1.4 Zeiss on Leica M6
90mm f/2.8 Zeiss on Contax G1 white label
That’s a nice kit!! You got some of the best rangefinders it seems!
Is that how modern Leica rangefinders work aswell? Do they do it digitally nowadays?
Modern Leicas do use this system- however only the “M” series (m11, m type 240 ect.) the sl2 and so on use modern autofocus as their system.
@@CalvinDraht Ok thanks for the info. I only got a 15 year old DSLR and by watching a lot of camera videos I always asked myself, how modern (range)finders work, especially on mirrorless cameras, because that is very rarely explained.
I've owned the Contax G2 with both the 45 and 90 lens and among all cameras I've ever purchased I regret THE MOST to have sold this equipment. But it is what it is, to buy other gear I had to 😩
Yeah I get that. And with how much more they go for it’s hard to even find them at a lower price again. Still best of luck keeping an eye out!
calvin; next do a video with your girlfriend. 2 for 1.
maybe one day!