Contax G2 Review - The World's Most Advanced Rangefinder

[@TonyWodarck]

What’s your all-time favorite rangefinder?

[@quasarkitten]

Haven’t used many, but just got the Fuji GW690iii. It’s really fun to shoot and has easy and bright focusing.

[@TonyWodarck]

Zeke Franco rad! I’ve always wanted to try that camera.

[@MarcS4R]

a tie between the MP and Xpan

[@tigerareyouthere]

Fuji GS645

[@MIZRAIM1906]

Leica M6 duh!

[@benjhaisch]

Yessss. I’ve been waiting for a good Contax G2 review.

[@TonyWodarck]

We’ll keep looking cause this is just a decent Contax G2 review hahahahaha.

[@etienneportail5122]

I think that the camera just meters in the middle, where there is a sign is. Therefore, to compare the camera to a point & shoot is probably better than to a range finder. Or even better: point&recompose&shot. However, I own the black edition and even if it was yellow with blue stripes, I would never sell it. It is a beast of a camera and ultra stylish. The Zeiss 45/2 is really one of the best lenses in this range. It is a little bit hard to adapt on digital, but it works. The G2 changed my view on photo gear: I stopped buying „cheap“ equipment or at least cheap lenses. I must say that I have never been disappointed by any Zeiss lens (apparently, there are some Zeiss zoom lenses that are not that good, but the Internet will tell your right away which models to avoid), I also use a Contax 167Mt and the legendary Contax AX. Indeed, the flash is also very special - it is the only flash often I use on an analogue camera (since the one on my Contax T2 is not working anymore...).

[@TonyWodarck]

Etienne Portail yeppp. Love that 45/2 so much. And I agree all my experiences with zeiss lenses has been incredible. The Contax 645 80mm zeiss planar is my favorite lens of all time. And yes I agree comparing this camera to a point and shoot makes more sense than comparing to a rangefinder.

[@johnjon1823]

I have the G2 and a set of lenses. Some have reported the 90mm lens may have focus inaccuracy from time to time. I have experienced it. Super damn frustrating. Also, if you look at the indicated distance in the viewfinder and maybe focus twice and see if you get the same distance, then you are probably properly focused. You have to be very careful to keep the focus point in mind, and I would say to go as far as to shoot a test roll . Normally the focus point is right where the brackets in the finder are located, but if things are critical, I would shoot some practice roles at different distances and lighting with each lens and not the outcome. SO double check the distance in the finder, especially with the 90mm. You might want want to look at the Zeiss Ikon ZM instead of the Leica M6. The Zeiss Ikon ZM is the last rangefinder made with the Zeiss name on it, it was made by Cosina for Zeiss. It is M mount so any M lens will work on it as it would on a Leica. It has a built-in meter and is a nice film rangefinder camera. IF you like the rangefinder format you should look into the Fuji series of cameras, the X-pro line. Any of those will be cheaper than a Leica. With manual focus rangefinders you may want to consider zone focusing when possible, that can be useful, depending on the light, movement and ISO. The Contax G2 is a rather specialized camera with some really great glass, but one must remember that the technology of the time with regard to automatic focusing was pretty cutting edge then. Also, you may want to make sure all the contacts and the back of the lenses are cleaned when using the Contax G series. There is a tendency for a metal to metal reaction that causes a kind of build up of a green film where the lens and camera come together this can make things look broken when all that is needed is to clean things. Best wishes.

[@TonyWodarck]

Thanks for all the great info! I ended up getting an M6 and I absolutely love it. My percentage of shots in focus went up to 90-95%. The only time I really miss focus is trying to catch my lightning fast kids shooting pretty wide open hahah. Never an easy task.

[@gurugamer8632]

Do you recommend G2 or M6?

[@abigaillewisphoto]

With the TLA200, you put the G2 in Auto Exposure (Aperture Priority) mode, then put the TLA200 on TTL and then just shoot, right?

[@TonyWodarck]

Yep!

[@lentefrente]

Great review, thank you!!

[@thewhiteapparation]

Nice review! So...in terms of its focus mechanism - where in the field of view does it "decide" to choose as the focus point? Or is it just completely random???

[@TonyWodarck]

I believe it’s only center focus and then you recompose if needed.

[@kristih911]

thanks tony! what lens do you like for the leica m6?

[@TonyWodarck]

I LOVE the 50 summilux 1.4 ASPH. Probably favorite lens ever.

[@baharam98]

Hi, great review; Please can someone show me where I can find user manual/user guide.

[@Stesalti]

Thank you for the video. Is the same quality then Leica m6?

[@TonyWodarck]

The Contax G2 is a beautiful camera to hold and use. It’s much more electronic than the Leica though. They’re really not comparable other than the size in my opinion. The G2 functions more like an advanced point and shoot. The Leica is much more manual and solid in your hand.

[@Stesalti]

@@TonyWodarck thanks for answering me. I was referring only to the image quality. I know the characteristics of the two cameras

[@TonyWodarck]

The camera body does not determine the image quality. With film cameras the quality of the image is only based on the film chosen and the lens chosen. The camera body is ultimately just a dark box with a shutter that holds the lens. If you’re referring to a Contax G2 with a 45mm Zeiss vs the Summilux 50 for example then I’d say they are both amazing options. All the G2 zeiss lenses are super sharp and have nice bokeh. The Summilux has a bit nicer bokeh and look in my opinion but it’s also 1.4 so not a totally fair comparison.

[@Stesalti]

@@TonyWodarck ty Tony

[@jamilor]

I love this camera, but the focusing challenge would be a dealbreaker for me, especially with that many out of focus shots and the cost of film these days.

[@rdog77]

I am really interested in the G1or the G2. Where does this camera fall in your current lineup? I’ve been trying to find a good copy and I’ll keep coming back to Tony. Love the styling and want the rangefinder and this looks like the perfect set up for how I shoot.

[@TonyWodarck]

I sold the G2 for an M6. The M6 really helped me slow down and think about my shots. The G2 is super fun to use. It’s like a point and shoot on steroids. The 28 and 45 is great but the 90 is hit or miss with the AF system. If you need speed, autofocus and want a suped up point and shoot grab a G2.

[@jorsetti]

How does G2 perform in low light? Can you shoot at 800, 1600 ISO? …ability to push ISO? Thanks In Advance

[@TonyWodarck]

Yeah it performs pretty good in low light. I only shot with the flash at that low of light. The tla200 is such a perfect combo with it.

[@alyssajaneb.968]

Where can i buy one? Thanks

[@TonyWodarck]

I’d look on Facebook. I’ve seen quite a few there lately.

[@thechuggs8997]

Hey tony, for shutter speed do you usually leave it to auto or manually choose yourself?

[@TonyWodarck]

I started to shoot more auto towards the end. Auto is great and so much faster just shooting aperture priority.

[@tinalewisherbots]

Nice, thanks!

[@jamesvdm]

Nice video. I had a G1 but sold it because of the tiny viewfinder and bad autofocus.

[@TonyWodarck]

James van der Moezel yeah. I haven’t tried the G1 but I’ve heard the G2 AF is better. I just hate not knowing what it’s focusing on.

[@benschmidt1942]

@@TonyWodarck Is there a film camera similar to the G2 you'd recommend that does tell you what it's focusing on?

[@youngbaklava4450]

@@benschmidt1942 the Konica Hexar Af is what you searching for It is a g2 for the most part But it has leica M6 viewfinder and Manuel focus system

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

If you do not want to pay the exorbitant Leica prices you should take a look at the Konica Hexar RF or the Zeiss Ikon ZM. Both with better rangefinder than the Leica M6.

[@TonyWodarck]

Dan Nolle great recommendations. I definitely want to check those out.

[@tasost2161]

Can you mount the contax g 45 lens in these bodys? I want a body to work for ever , i would love g1 or g2 but they die by easily

[@TonyWodarck]

Tasos T that’s a good question. I don’t believe you can mount the Contax G series lenses on to any other camera.

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

@@TonyWodarck there are adapters for other cameras like fuji x but you have the focus ring on that adapter.

[@TonyWodarck]

Dan Nolle that’s rad. I’ll have to check it out.

[@MichaelPlaysGuitar]

Great review How much did you get yours for?

[@TonyWodarck]

Michael A thanks so much! I got a pelican case, 28, 45, 90 with caps, hoods and filters, the G2 body and the TLA200 for $1935.

[@MichaelPlaysGuitar]

Tony Wodarck thank you That’s not bad at all I want to get one I see one for sale now for $2000 with 3 lenses

[@TonyWodarck]

Michael A yep that’s what I sold it for. The TLA200 is such a sweet little flash if you like flashes. I’d highly recommend one of those too.

[@MichaelPlaysGuitar]

@@TonyWodarck cool thanks I subbed to the channel I'm going to check out your other videos just got into film

[@dysnetwork7382]

Tony if you could help me out with some info on this camera let me know :)

[@TonyWodarck]

I just hit you back

[@Chazmataz0117]

Very nice and very effective

[@MarcS4R]

even though i have an MP i have massive gas for a G2.

[@TonyWodarck]

They’re super fun. It just didn’t work for what I needed it to. If you’re shooting simple subjects or shooting stopped down it’s incredible. For complex scenes shooting wide open it was hard to know what it was focusing on.

[@MarcS4R]

@@TonyWodarck yeah for me it would be simple stuff like portraits product shots, no groups , no difficult lighting. but then again i have too many film cameras already :)

[@Zetaphotography]

Is this better than getting a Leica M2

[@TonyWodarck]

I’ve never shot an M2. I did sell this camera though and bought an M6TTL. I enjoy it a lot more. My new favorite camera.

[@jonneye]

It's not "digital sounding" ..it's the original sound digital tried to emulate

[@parkerst.germaine6366]

How much did you end up paying if I may ask

[@TonyWodarck]

This was a couple years ago. For the 28, 45, 90, with a case and a mint G2 body and TLA200 and all the lens hoods and cases and everything, I paid $1900

[@JP1050x]

Great video. It’s not (really) a rangefinder. .... Most Advanced Point & Shoot.

[@TonyWodarck]

Hahaha true. I agree with that.

[@wilhelmw3455]

‘28 45 & 90mm covers the entire board of what you might shoot for anything’ apart from sports ,wildlife .astrophotography etc.

[@TonyWodarck]

Totally!!!

[@albertmeyer8983]

The answer is a Leica M7

[@RobertFalconer1967]

Beautiful cameras. Just be extra careful with it. Once they die, they're bricked.

[@TonyWodarck]

Robert Falconer yep totally. They’re great until they’re not. Haha.

[@tasost2161]

Why to die ? I want one but i don't get one because people say it dies easily

[@TonyWodarck]

Tasos T I don’t think it dies easily. Just unexpectedly.

[@tasost2161]

@@TonyWodarck have you tried the g1 ? How away better is the g2 focusing ? I always like the g2 but to expensive

[@TonyWodarck]

@@tasost2161 I haven't tried the G1, but I've heard good things. To me I just need to nail focus as I'm using it for paid work. So it was worth every extra dollar to try and increase my accuracy.

[@aravindvinayakan]

Call me crazy, but I'd take a G2 over an M7

[@TonyWodarck]

To each their own. I think the G2 is an amazing camera. But for precision focus it’s hard to let the G2 decide that for you. I have a much higher hit rate with my M6 over the G2 but the G2 is super fun to shoot with. Depends on how you shoot and what you’re looking for but all are great cameras. Those zeiss lenses are 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@aravindvinayakan]

@@TonyWodarck that's more than fair! Whenever I'm shooting film, it's usually for my own personal work/just for fun. If I were shooting film professionally I'm sure I'd probably just stick with my F3 haha

[@TonyWodarck]

@@aravindvinayakan yep. Makes sense. My M6 is my go to for 35mm. Contax 645 for medium format. Can’t get enough of either camera. Both are incredible.

[@aravindvinayakan]

@@TonyWodarck I've heard nothing but great things about both! Maybe one day I'll get my hands on em 😋

[@Mityay_Menshoy]

Шляпы на стене. Шапка на голове. Холодно в Калифорнии? ;)

[@chumleyk]

its not a camera for serious photographers

[@TonyWodarck]

I’ve seen serious photographers make magic with it, but yet it’s a super powered point and shoot. Most purists end up on Leica from what I’ve seen.

[@kingchakho6074]

first like

[@TonyWodarck]

King Chak Ho first reply

[@jamesvdm]

@@TonyWodarck first reply reply

[@TonyWodarck]

James van der Moezel 😑😑😑hahahaha

[@wayofpain]

Tom hanks's son

[@TonyWodarck]

Kruin Kiuk are you saying I look like Tom Hanks? Hahaha I’ll take it!

[@user-om2fg7yh6s]

Wouldn't recommend this camera at all - the autofocus is super unreliable and will brick most of your shots.

[@TonyWodarck]

I wouldn’t agree with that. I’d say 90%+ of my 28 &45 shots hit. It’s really the 90 I found most unreliable.

[@user-om2fg7yh6s]

@@TonyWodarck Maybe I'm being harsh and just annoyed at my last few rolls - as I hadn't really had an issue with the autofocus when shooting still life. But with my last 3/4 rolls which were mainly portraits, the autofocus has completely let me down. It's extra frustrating as when this camera hits, the lenses makes some images look borderline medium format. Certainly agree with the 90mm as well.

[@PortaJoseph]

Why you wear a hat inside house?are you bald, it's raining or you try desperately to be impressive?😆

[@TonyWodarck]

Not bald. Not raining. Most be trying desperately to be impressive.