30 Minutes w/ the Contax G2

[@NSEW_Mag]

how dope was it that in the KEH ad, a G2 was selected!!! this video defines that it is the photographer, not the camera. You killed it with the photos, regardless of the functionality of the camera. another banger.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

haha thanks so much man!

[@charlessummers7381]

Once again, you keep it moving and positive! You still got some dope shots, kept your model positively engaged. That is a win, win.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much bro!

[@thedarkslide]

I had the G2 for almost 20 years now. I had to sent it in for repair once. When working properly as intended, the autofocus works flawlessly on all of my lenses, including the 45 and 90. I had one issue for repair where the shutter release button would only work sometimes and not fire or focus always, what I have seen in the video looked similar. There is a place in NYC that still services the G2, they can fix it. Nippon Camera Clinic if I remember correctly.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

So good to know. You’re a lucky man!

[@TheWutangclan1995]

Shout out to Nippon! They fixed mines too. It has been a joy to use and the fact it has a new lease on life makes me thrilled.

[@AllgoodthingsTv]

"I called it earlier, I sensed its presence!" 🐀😂 You guys are making me miss getting out there and shooting - good stuff Mike 📸 (On a side note, y'all need to forgo these bedeviled, old ass cameras. They'll let you down every time lol)

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Every time bro! Lmao

[@colefox2882]

Me crying internally because those "horrible" photos are better than all the photos I'm ever going to shoot in my life put together.

[@RobbyJHope]

You still got some nice shots! I understand how a bad expereince while shooting like a camera you think is malfunctioning can cloud your opinions about the final product. I find it difficult to seperate my opinion of the photos I take with the camera I take them on, if that makes sense. Time usually helps shift my opinion about the resulting images regardless of what camera they were taken on. You're killing it, as always! 🙌🏻

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much Robby. You’re very right about that!

[@StianBerntsen]

Your work is great Mike ! Vids are always so chill😄 Can´t wait for what you will do next 🤘🏼🔥

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate you a lot bro. Thank you!

[@RuiPina]

Use 800 to 3200 asa film at night also you can bypass autofocus and use manual mode

[@MikeGrayFilm]

gotcha!

[@chumleyk]

I would love for Mike to get more subs... maybe he needs to get some tutorials in here and play the influencer hustle with different approaches. Chill and modest is endearing, however, i think he needs to get naked, metaphorically, and share some of his sauce, metaphorically. He's got some great mentors, could now be the time for him step up to be a virtual mentor for some of you peeps? What do you say Mike? Can you bottle some of your intuition for some of those looking for more?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate that feedback. You have a point!

[@britt_taylor]

I have a Contax G1. My only complaint is the dim viewfinder. Autofocus is a little tricky at first but once you get used to the camera, you won’t miss focus.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I’m glad the G1 has treated you well 🙏🏾

[@Just__Blaze]

Mike, you might need the G3 😂 Your vibe and work are always shining through as always🙌🏾

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Naw no more G’s lmao I’m sticking to what I know 😂😂😂😂 PENTAX & HASSI LMAO

[@logbearphotography]

Great to see you back Mike! been a minute. Thank you for the great content and for always trying new things. Hope you develop a segment where you take viewers request for what cameras to create with.......(Nikon F5)

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Haha I love it!

[@duprebushnell2488]

as an avid user and supporter of the contax G series since July 2023, I can tell you that the auto focus issue wasnt the body it was the lack of light...go shoot that again in the day time and come back with another review im curious as to if youll have better results performance wise....either way, thanks for another banger vid my man

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Naw man it did that in the light as well!

[@duprebushnell2488]

@@MikeGrayFilm oh well damn thats a shame cause the G1 and G2 are 2 of the best cameras in the world right now 🥲

[@DecentGatsby]

For those, skeptical or worried about reliability of the g1/g2-keh offers an extended 4 year warranty that covers the electronics of the body or lens. I bought my second g2 through them-imagine shooting a G2 for 4 years with peace of mind. I recommend it 100% I had my first g2 since 2009, one repair for the autofocus mechanism. Maybe I’m lucky? Has anyone had it tank on them? *knock on wood*

[@kleanish]

damn..

[@richardsimms251]

Very nice video. Thank you.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks man!

[@serr]

unlucky with the camera bro😂 The shots that you did get were fire though!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Lmao very unlucky. It defeated your boy haha

[@Rickeyeugenebrown]

The smoking pic from above is 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks brother!

[@21monking]

I’m a contax g2 user and haven’t had any auto focus issues at all. I tend to use the back button to establish focus rather than the half press with the shutter button. I’ve found the half press is too sensitive and more difficult to see if I’ve gained focus. I also only have the 28mm lens and have not tried the 45mm. So it’s difficult to say if it acts differently depending on the lens. Anyway, great video and hope to see more!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks for that!!

[@out_of_focus_foto]

I had this camera for about 10 years and autofocus is terrible. I can’t trust this camera!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

@@out_of_focus_foto yea it ain’t great lol

[@tylershieldsvideos]

Great video

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks T! 🙌🏾🙏🏾

[@honestpat7789]

I always shoot manual, but only because my cameras are so old. However, I’ve been mentored by a pro whose camera kit is bigger than my entire net financial worth, and he was always saying manual focus is the way to go 📸 I think that approach definitely applies to a range finder 🙏

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Great to know. Even though I probably won’t use that camera again haha 🙌🏾

[@honestpat7789]

@@MikeGrayFilm it’s not a great looking camera 😂

[@donwhite332]

That's a cool camera and the B&W looks so documentary!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks Don’

[@rycm]

I had my G2 repaired and the problem of mis-focusing reappeared after sometime. But by then Contax Japan had stopped taking in the unit for repairs. The 90mm seems to give the most issue.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Yea man. I hear more cons about this camera than pros for sure.

[@inkaststudio]

The boy is back! 🙌🏾🙌🏾👍🏾

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Yes indeed!

[@Jake-g9l7i]

Hi Mike, you may have had some problems but you still got some really good shots. The one at 6.10 is what I call a special shot. Something about it elevates it above the others. It reminds me of one of your American female photographers whose name I just disremember . She made her name with a set of shots of teenagers back around 1960 . The pictures of a girl of 13 were quite brilliant and beautiful. I think they became a book.Old equipment can go wrong, don't let it put you off using it I bet you wouldn't have got 6.10 with the Hassie , the style is too different. Your model is really great, very creative ,and a great look. Best wishes Jake E.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate it Jake!!

[@herobear]

Good Man! Happy New year and Merry Christmas 👌🏻

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Happy New Year 🙌🏾

[@filmbythomas]

What did you have you exposure compensation set to? 0 or -1? Usually people go for -1 with TLA200 on.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

It was at -1! :/

[@filmbythomas]

The only way to use TLA200@@MikeGrayFilm

[@davidknight6981]

Hey now, Happy New Year. I don't know; I kinda like those shots. I guess when your're good, you're good even when you screw up. Anyway Mike, good stuff.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

That’s kind of you David haha

[@NicoleSmallOneonOne]

Love your channel and vibe, very inspiring! I personally really like how the images came out even though the camera gave you a few hiccups. I too have been looking in to trying different cameras as I 99 percent of the time work with TLR cameras. Have you ever used one? It would be interesting to see you work your magic with one!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate it Nicole. I’ve played around with a friend’s TLR but never done a full shoot with one. May have to give it a go!

[@jasonhughes8013]

Some great shots !

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks Jason!

[@terryclarkphoto]

Good to see you back, missed you! First off, as someone who's been shooting professionally for 50 years, the Contax G was, and is, overhyped. It was supposed to be competition for the Leica, it wasn't. They had a good idea, but the camera was just too delicate, whereas the Leica M system has always been a tank. Next, the challenges you faced were frustrating but you remained super chill. Good for you! That's the face of a true, and seasoned, professional. And, in spite of everything you came away with some nice images. As always, keep up the good work!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate it Terry!

[@TheWutangclan1995]

I love mines so much. But decide to go back to my Leica m6. The g2 is an incredible camera with a lot of sex appeal. But the lack of control and the autofocus missing sometimes made me go back to the Leica since I can see how close I am and if my subject is in focus. Also if I miss my shots, then I know it’s just me.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I agree with you all the way!

[@roudyf]

hey Mike, i've had the Contax G2 for the past 5-6 years. I mainly shoot it for street photography, but i've had the occasional studio shoot with it. To be completely honest, i've never experienced any autofocus problem. it's a shame you got these problems!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I agree smh haha

[@lensman5762]

I have two G2s and full selections of lenses . The Problem is that both have broken down, and although I know whats wrong with them, there is no one who could fix them in the UK. Suffice to say that I stopped watching any video featuring G2, its just too painful. In some ways, I prefer the G2 to my Leica M cameras. They are easier to work with, in a modern way, and the lenses are superb. The autofocus could be quirky because it uses a beam to measure the distance, but you can set the distance manually for street style shooting and particularly at night with a 35 or 28mm lens set to F8, this is the way to go. Thanks for adding to my pain Mike Gray. Take care mate.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Pain added hahaha

[@SlickLicksWithAlex]

PPP Cameras in Birmingham, UK repair Contax cameras

[@lensman5762]

@@SlickLicksWithAlex Thank you for the info. I think It was PPP who gave me the address of this outfit in Holland who are the only ones who can repair the camera. Its the gearbox that is connected to the motor that cocks the shutter. Contax in their wisdom decided to make the gears out of plastic. I think once the grease hardens up the gears shear and break. Apparently these guys in Holland have the spares that are made of metal. They also check for anything else . This is all fine until you hear the asking price.

[@SlickLicksWithAlex]

@@lensman5762 Dare I ask how much you were quoted?

[@mrtimtom2631]

do you shoot both b&w and colour or do you just convert it to monochrome?

[@chriscard6544]

wow beautiful shots, I love the one at Barclay Hotel

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot Chris!

[@TravelWithAC]

Shout out to bro for remaining a brother and not putting the purse on his shoulder 🤣 💪🏽

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Lmao never 😂

[@arnoldbarr3002]

I owned the G1 with the 45mm and the 90mm lenses. The auto-focus was always hit or miss depending on lighting. It produced good images but was not my favorite camera .

[@MikeGrayFilm]

i hear you

[@shotbybliss]

Bro, the shots were still dope! Contax has some gorgeous glass but I had to let the G1 go. I'm not a fan of the shooting experience and the focus missed quite a bit. They say the G2 improved it. But Eh.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot man!

[@cloudedfilms]

my goat

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Haha I appreciate you

[@StephenMcFadden]

"That NYC rat caught a flight". haha.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

No lie! Lmao

[@lentefrente]

G2 user and no auto focus issue when light is fine

[@aindoorsman]

欢迎回归

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@alifeinheadphones]

Sadly the camera just needs a service. It’s probably the shutter gears are about to break. Same thing happened with mine.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Well that was the last time I’ll use it haha

[@troytravince]

hopefully it's just a camera body issue. either way: you capture some cold, cold photos brudda

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate it Troy!

[@_suhailra]

😍😍

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@TTatitalks]

The rats wanted to be in the picture.

[@Sedifet]

There is a good chance that you were blocking Autofocus Beam with your finger, a common problem

[@out_of_focus_foto]

I sold my Contax G2 to KEH maybe this is my camera

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Haha it wasn’t from KEH

[@gottanikoncamera]

Some killer shots here! My G1 rarely misses focus, and I make it a habit to check the distance readout in the VF. If it’s off, I refocus. And fyi, you can set it to manually focus by setting the distance. Unfortunately, they are in meters not feet. :-( ‘ “Meh.” ha ha ha

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Yea lol that wasn’t about to happen. If it wasn’t auto, I didn’t wanna use it haha. But thanks man!

[@gottanikoncamera]

@@MikeGrayFilm Yeah, I don’t use manual either. Great channel, man. One of the best.

[@LaFuenteOnFilm]

Man the lowlight quality 😢

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I know lol

[@Fuegoshotz]

That’s that Halo 3 rat.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

You've never lied lmao

[@500john]

Bring a light it just be acting up the focus to find the subject at night it ain’t us

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Unfortunately it did it when I used it in the light as well

[@AmbercoolPhotography]

This is terrible. Now I have to get one too.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Hahaha

[@davidventura1424]

Lighting conditions not right for camera even noon f4 couldn’t auto focus in those situations

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Used in broad daylight as well man

[@actuallyarman]

Amaizing shots and great video! but Contax g2 is the most overrated camera for no reason.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@alexandcoffee]

G2 Low light AF is so bad

[@MikeGrayFilm]

It was bad in daylight too lol