Re: Contax G1 and T2

[Richard Clompus <rclompus@voicenet.com>]

Dear Dick,

I use an M6 with a 21, 35/2.0, 50/2.0, and the 90/2.8.  I have the G1 with
28/2.8, 45/2.0 and the 90/2.8.  The T2 has a 38mm lens.  

My opinion is as follows:

For speed and getting that "decisive moment" image, nothing beats the M6.
It is quieter with a wider variety of lenses.  I have never used the 35/1.4
or the aspheric version.  I can only assume from my reading that the
aspherical lens is sharper wide open but the lens is much heavier than the
2.0 version.  

The G1 has a lot going for it.  It is small, very good ergodynamics(feels
good to hold) and takes good pictures.  The meter is center weighted and is
fine in most circumstances.  The issue will will most likely have initially
is the delay in waiting for the lens to focus.  It is no longer than if you
manually focussed the lens - but you wait for it to do its thing.  That was
inially disturbing.  After a few weeks, you will begin to "pre-focus" on
your subject by holding the shutter down half-way and holding it there.
The lens will focus and lock on the subject's distance.  Then when you are
ready, push the shutter release down further and the shutter will fire.
There is no delay in taking a picture if you "pre-focus" and then shoot.  I
like the autowinder and rewind.  The 45mm lens is very good as well as the
28mm lens.  Performance improves by stopping down just one f stop.  The
90mm lens is in a class by itself.  It is compact but gets much longer with
the metal lens shade attached.  Performance is good at all f stops but when
wide open you must be more careful of where you focus due to limited depth
of field.  I have not yet purchased the 21 and the 35mm Carl Zeiss lenses.
They are a bargain (good value for the money) compared to the same focal
lengths made by Leica.  My real goal is to buy the 16mm Hologon.  I really
enjoy wide angle lenses.  This is the grand daddy of them all.  I could not
afford the Zeiss version for the Leica.  Way back when, (1970's I think)
Zeiss made about 500 of them.  They went for about the same price as the
Hologon lens now for the Contax.  Now if you can find one, they go for a
cool $9,000 to $12,000 each!!  I'd have to work Sunday's to pay for that
lens.  At $2650, the Zeiss Hologon for the Contax is probably as good as
any clue chip stock for a long term investment.      

The Contax G2 is better in some ways than the G1. It has a faster shutter,
winder and an active/passive combination autofocus system.  It is bigger
and heavier than the G1.  The G1 is destined to be a classic.  I would buy
one at the discounted price of $995 and get a Zeiss lens or two.  You won't
be disappointed.  

I like the T2 with the built-in flash.  The TVS has a slower lens - but a
sharp one at that.  I am looking forward to using it with a planned trip to
Mexico.  Since I dive and take a full Nikonos outfit, there often isn't a
whole lot of room left in a Pelikan case for extra photo equipment.  The
TVS will do the job nicely.

I hope this has been helpful.

Sincerely,

Richard Clompus
Pennsylvania, USA




You can't tell in the viewfinder where it has less sensitivity


At 03:58 PM 12/27/96 -0600, you wrote:
>Richard,
>
>I interested in your latest posting to the LUG.  I have a couple of M6's,
>21, 35/1.4 ASPH, 75/1.4 and 135/4.0 - with which I am quite happy.  Have
>been thinking of getting a Contax T2  and perhaps a G1 and have the factory
>info on them.  I have looked at both of them and the G2 in Dallas.
>
>What is your opinion of the G1 - it looks like a good buy at the discounted
>price??? What are the minuses?  
>
>Have a good New Year
>
>Dick
>
>
>