Customer Reviews

G2 Camera Body

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Introduced nearly a decade ago, the Contax G2 autofocus 35mm rangefinder camera is still the most advanced, feature-laden camera in its class (In stark contrast, the Leica M7 comes a distant second, since it lacks the high flash synchronization speed of 1/200 of a second which is available on the Contax G2, along with the other camera's distinctive features, most notably autofocus.). Its Carl Zeiss G-series lenses are not only second to none, but are relatively cheap when compared to their more expensive Leica M equivalents. Unfortunately autofocus tends to be slow, even in continuous AF mode, but if you are willing to be patient, you will be rewarded with superb, sharp and contrasty pictures, especially in color. It is also much noiser than its Leica M brethern, so those interested in photographing as discreetly as possible may prefer instead, manual focusing Leica M cameras (I primarily use my Leica M equipment, and use my Contax G2 kit mainly for indoor flash photography.). Still, distinguished photographers such as Magnum's Luc Delahaye, have used this camera and its lenses to record some of the most important images of our time.

I've owned a Contax G2 since they were first produced, and I've loved the camera and its lenses. I spent months comparing Contax and Leica before I bought, and despite a life-long lust for a Leica, I decided any lens or functional superiority the Leica might have would be minimal, and chose the Contax with three lenses (I passed on the superwide and the zoom). I have never, ever regretted the decision.

Zeiss lenses for the G2 have a magical quality to them. They create prints with texture and light that are almost 3-D. I've shot hundreds of rolls, mostly of children at play, and once I became familiar with the way the camera focuses, and the manual and automatic options in focusing, exposure, and depth of field, I rarely ruined a picture - and any picture-ruining has always been my own doing.

Unfortunately, digital cameras offer so much now, and film seems so cumbersome. A little point-and-shoot digital is incredibly handy. However, I don't know how much I'd have to spend on a digital camera and lenses producing pics like my Contax does, and I'm spoiled by the quality. For now, I'm sticking with my Contax for quality shots, and with a point and shoot for convenience. The Contax will someday end up on my shelf, but it'll remain with me forever, like the antique cameras from 60 years ago that people collect for their beauty.