Contax G1 and focus

I also used a G2 for more than six months. The most annoying problem,
besides the focusing which is totally non-traditional, is that like all
AF cameras it has unacceptable shutter lag. I tried it so many times.
Even using the so called manual focus of G2 dial, everytime your thumb
left the shutter release button after focusing or shooting, the lens
retract to "resting" stage, and another shot won't happen untill the
lens refocus to the pre-determined position after push the shutter
again. That's just plain stupid and unacceptable.

I don't object calling G2 a manual focus camera, but the way the lens
works just eliminate it from contention as a fast street shooting
camera, which is what a rangefinder camera is supposed to offer. Leica
M, Bressa R/2, or Konica RF have none of this problem.

Regards,

Tris




In article , joe
wrote:

Mike,

Yes and no. I've shot some with a Leica M (but do not have experience
with the new lenses). I actually prefer the accuracy on the G2
autofocus against a manual focus (using my old eyes), but thats a
personal preference. The Leica viewfinder is superior in terms of
use. But, with respect to quality of lens (and the resultant image) I
can detect no big differences between the two. They are BOTH superior
to any SLR I've ever used. I give the advantage to the Contax line
for the preformance vs price. (On Ebay you can find a used G lens
45mm for $150..not bad for one of the best lenses that you can buy.)
Again, just a user giving an opinion. I don't like comparing the two
cameras...ones an exotic point and shoot (and in my opinion better
than most SLRS on the planet), the M is a tank..classic manual
rangefinder (and again better than most SLRs on the planet). I still
love the G2.

Joe

Tris:

Good point but the problem that you described is easily solved. There
are two ways around the issue (probably more). First, you can put the
G2 into full manual mode, focus, and shoot away. (Although I never do
it but you can easily bracket when you are shooting....you can also
click off 4 frames a second.) The second way, and I use this feature
a lot, is to hold the focus button (MF/CF/SF) on the rear of the
camera and keep it depressed. This holds the focus for as long as you
wish as you are shooting.

There are a ton of very subtle features on this camera that are
available. Contax did a poor job of making it intuitive (but compared
to some of the new digitals, its a lot better) but they do exist.

Hope this helps. As I mentioned earlier, the quality of the lens
systems and the resultant images are well worth the learning curve in
my opinion.

Joe

Yes Joe, I also rely on the focus button on the back.

While I agree it's a solution to the lag, I still feel it's an extra
movement I have to take and an easily forgetable step. Imagine my
situation: operating two or three cameras in my daughter's Bronx Zoo
event. Whenever I pick up the Leica M4-P, being hypofocused and
metered earlier, it's a truly grab and shoot situation. When I change
to the G2, also focused and metered before, I have to remember: push 1,
then push 2. Guess it's a habit I never get used to.

But I agree with you that the lens a truly amazing.

Tris



In article , joe
wrote:

Tris:

Good point but the problem that you described is easily solved. There
are two ways around the issue (probably more). First, you can put the
G2 into full manual mode, focus, and shoot away. (Although I never do
it but you can easily bracket when you are shooting....you can also
click off 4 frames a second.) The second way, and I use this feature
a lot, is to hold the focus button (MF/CF/SF) on the rear of the
camera and keep it depressed. This holds the focus for as long as you
wish as you are shooting.

There are a ton of very subtle features on this camera that are
available. Contax did a poor job of making it intuitive (but compared
to some of the new digitals, its a lot better) but they do exist.

Hope this helps. As I mentioned earlier, the quality of the lens
systems and the resultant images are well worth the learning curve in
my opinion.

Joe