Contax G2 Review

[@NegativeFeedback]

FIRST!!!! Surprise extra fact about the G2, the viewfinder is really cool and magnifies in or out depending on what lens you use, so if you're using a 90mm you aren't dealing with tiny frame lines like a leica. Did I forget to say this in the video, or did I intend to comment it as an extra fun fact, who knows...

[@julkesjanssen]

Good video as always! Would love to see a review of the hasselblad 500C/M. Louis owns one i think? Thanks!

[@CedrickDejesus]

NegativeFeedback GUYS PLEASE HELP ME TO REACH 200 SUBSCRIBERS ALSO WATCH AND LIKE MY PREVIOUS VIDEOS 😊

[@artby2wenty]

One of the nice things about the G2 compared to the Leica is the faster shutter speed (6000th in auto), so you can shoot shallow DOF in brighter light.

[@VolaticusPrimus]

Extra surprise extra fact: The viewfinder has parallax compensation.

[@AndrewBates]

I have an X-Pro2, and despite the Contax G2 being essentially a film version of the X-Pro2, I still have a deep-seated desire to have one of these.

[@Louis_B]

That camera guy has got some moves

[@TimPalman]

reminded me of Jack Black doing the loosey goosey in school of rock

[@emmfueable]

Should I get a Nicon F3 or Contax S2?

[@mattdayphoto]

Oh and is that a popular skate spot behind you at 3:47? Because daaaaaaaaamn that looks good!

[@ebyanrezgui88]

The whole time i was imagining tricks on that haha

[@MrMrWattz]

Matt Day the stairs or the quarter planter ?

[@mattdayphoto]

Ryan Watts That quarter!

[@elpancreas8925]

Quarter to the small rail!

[@BigBoss-kk4sr]

The cinematography of these videos never ceases to amaze me

[@sabrinaachamberlain]

I love the cinematography in your videos! Your content is always amazing!

[@javiermendoza7438]

Thanks for making these videos. I've been enjoying your tube since I found it. This is my favorite camera. I bought it for travel but I find myself using more than my DSLR. Thanks for the vids.

[@EDHBlvd]

Omg LUSTWORTHY!! That black set is incredible.

[@mattdayphoto]

That photo of the cross was super good. Also, that all black body. Hot damn.

[@CreativeCrayonJMR]

good choice in headphones ! I've had those same ones for years. cant go wrong

[@JuLesEsports]

The G1 and the 28mm f2.8 are such a cheap combination for what they actually are, best system I've invested into and it's 100% worth it.

[@Andrew-wb7wn]

i just got my G1 with a 28mm, waiting to get my first roll back right now, i was shooting buildings and stuff on that roll, havent yet tried shooting street with it, i am afraid the autofocus will be too slow

[@JuLesEsports]

Evardo Gomes my g1s af has subsequently been pretty dogshit, wouldn’t recommend it unless it’s a really good model.

[@JuLesEsports]

Evardo Gomes I’m not sure, the g series are renowned for being easy to break and hard to fix.

[@FanDutch]

Solid video as always :)

[@NegativeFeedback]

Thank you!

[@efk6956]

Awesome video , love ur photos!

[@mvhddd4689]

Loving all your videos man! You inspired me alot

[@merandtheboys4893]

yay! new negative feedback video!

[@bowl0noodles]

I loved my G1 the only issue I was the missed AF. This might be better on the G2. Excellent camera overall for what it is.

[@matthewvonblerk9675]

need to get this camera.

[@matrixmvm911]

Just picked up one of these bad boys, so expensive and it’s one of the best cameras I’ve ever used

[@LonesomeElk]

Well created!

[@ByteReview]

Awesome video as per usual! Guys, can I ask - Where do you get your film developed? I live in the UK and boots seems to be my only option nowadays - Is there a good online service or anything? I find the boots CD you get of the photos is always so low on quality.....Thanks for any tips!

[@batchmotors]

filmdev

[@watermelonpenguin]

Max spielman and jessops develop photos but Idk if they'll be where u are in the UK.

[@ryanlheureu_x4459]

I recently go into shooting film on an old Minolta SLR and I love it, but It seems like rangefinder cameras are what most people prefer to use. Can anyone explain some of the main drawbacks of using an SLR?

[@rabijayz9542]

none. Steve McCurry used an SLR. It's more on the lens and whether you can compose a shot.

[@MrDjofrey]

Ryan LHeureu_x Cameras are just (beautiful) tools to create photographs. Just choose the one that suits you, whether it's an SLR or a rangefinder. Both has pros and cons. (like you can focus closer with an SLR than a rangefinder. Or everything is in focus in the viewfinder of a rangefinder but is not on an SLR).

[@Noeman2009]

A Rangefinder camera for me is like a toy camera or PS, It's fun if you want a casual shot and are into street photography, but an SLR is more capable and suitable for creative photography: Easier to focus even with manual focus, advance metering, advance TTL flash photography (first and second curtain flash), macro photo, sport photography (high speed winder), architecture photography with TS lenses etc.

[@borderlands6606]

A small maximum aperture wide SLR lens like an f3.5 28mm, replaces the all in focus effect of a rangefinder. Just hyperfocus and shoot, very little will look out of focus in the viewfinder.

[@canturgan]

A rangefinder has limited lens choices but has the advantage of being small with the same film type (35mm) as an SLR. Perfect for travel and street. Some are more expensive than SLR's (Konica Hexar, Leica, Contax). You can buy SLR's for no money with great lenses (Konica, Pentax, Ricoh, Minolta) because the hipsters have decided they are all street photographers and need a rangefinder which has bumped up the prices.

[@PatrickKiel]

Those shots at around 3:51 in color are really nice with the 2 studio shots. could you do a video on a shoot entirety of that? would be cool to see you direct models and use lighting like you did in a previous video with Harry. but this video would be of a slightly different style

[@CallumWarrenArt]

I'm heading to Japan next month hoping to pick one up!

[@crysistec]

seeing this in 2022 makes me wanna giggle

[@OneYearWithFilmOnly]

Do you miss your M6? I have one too and thinking about selling it mainly because of the film loading system that I don't find very reliable and easy to use. I'm now used to the Xpan loading which is similar to the G2 and I LOVE it! It's so fast and easy to load film when you are on the move.

[@Lemon00FTW]

I love the video's that you guys make so much, I have a question, are all of your photo's straight from the scanner or are they edited in any way?

[@lofihifi792]

What did you pay for your kit? I’m about to purchase same kit but don’t want to spend more than i have to.

[@RICHARDROLLINSONDESIGNPHOTOGRA]

I so wish I had the money for one of these and the Contax 645. Beautiful kit and as you say that case is so James Bond lol

[@charliereynolds]

Dang where can I get that jacket

[@charliereynolds]

matches the camera too!

[@10Outta10Baby]

The composition at 2:39 is Cartier-Bresson like

[@ellisd5429]

Juergen Teller's weapon of choice

[@austinkral]

what film were the last three color images shot on @ 3:53?

[@mavcek]

"price is quite reasonable"...!!! perhaps georgie one day you will try out a camera that doesn't cost £1000+ . might be reasonable to you, i think thats not to most people!

[@thissmithymanga7119]

mavcek you could get one for 350 mint with a lens

[@tomzonoly5302]

no you cant hahaha@@thissmithymanga7119

[@nobutoneme1325]

body only is around 350

[@Andrew-wb7wn]

@@thissmithymanga7119 you can get a g1 with a lens for about 350 but i doubt you will be able to get the g2 for that much, not even talking bout the black one

[@robertocaccini]

@@Andrew-wb7wn If you're a little patient and lucky you might. I got my black G2 with the 28mm for 300€, but I was looking for a cheap one for quite some time.

[@randallstewart175]

Very cool and useful camera system acquired there. I would discount the on-line remarks about random failure of the auto-focus system. I got the same nonsense when I bought a Fuji GA645Zi. Auto-focus is a system of mechanicals and electronics.. It works, or it does not work. With such a large percentage of the population which shoots film coming from a digital experience, and having never had to manually focus a camera before, such complaints nearly always trace back to failure of the person, not the camera. You still have to pick a proper focus subject and get the focus target on it. Even those skills are rapidly being bred out of camera users today, it seems. Wait for it: someone is going to suggest you do a separate video on how to load film in the camera.

[@dayvz1771]

Enjoy the camera dude, really is a beautiful set. Would purchase one, but it wouldn't be my primary camera and it's too pretty to leave on the side!

[@fashiongrunge]

Great review as always. I've been using my G2 for the past few years and it's literally put all my other cameras to shame. Def recommend for any enthusiast to get one!

[@cheatopher]

It's a great camera but prices on the body is skyrocketing quickly.

[@ballalos]

I just subscribed to your channel and really appreciate you sharing you work and experience with the YT community. Thank you. I'd also like to ask what is the best online developer for film?

[@aboud510]

best channel evvvveeeeer!!!!

[@wampapa6998]

pls don't stop making videos

[@StephenAttongPhoto]

And what website would you recommend buying one from? Love your videos by the way George haha

[@LinBenzo]

“Fast moving moving things “😂

[@djbuckle91]

Where were you shooting for this?

[@NegativeFeedback]

Clapham!

[@DizzyWombat]

Hey! I recently got the G1 and am seriously considering the TLA 200, which I see you have on your G2. How does it perform as a flash and does its low position lend towards casting shadows? Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@itsjacksongrant]

Cuddle McMuffin It works well on the 28mm and 90mm setting as these are the lenses I own. It's pretty cool that the flash offers a switch for all the G-mount lenses. Shadows are a little harsh indoors from practice, but outside though the flash provides a lot of backlight for daytime shots whilst still giving your subject in front an even glow. Desirable look for me personally, and hey this could just be the film I use. I say get it!

[@Redk00laid]

that Contax case is so sick. Can we get a hexar RF review in here?

[@st.events]

Selling my Hexar RF/Zeiss 21mm biogon on Ebay this week after deciding to go with the contax system - A tough choice (3 years worth of using the cameras side by side) but the 45mm f2 on the g2 just won it for me.. Pictures with both cameras up here - www.cargocollective.com/tomstinger

[@ds.am930]

Very informative video, thank you! I recently bought a Contax G2 kit with the body, 45mm lens and the TLA 200 flash. I'm looking for a sturdy camera bag on the smaller side with nice padding that I could fit the camera in with the mounted lens, the flash, as well as some rolls of film. Do you have any suggestions?

[@evelynmaya3516]

George where do you buy these cameras from? I am in want of purchasing one myself, but as of yet cannot find the cameras you own on sale anywhere!

[@Myzydow]

What lenses do you use to film these episodes with? Looks amazing

[@nickolas1339]

Its probably a 45mm looks too big to be a 28mm

[@Rebassed]

So where is the review part?

[@jonasbanta7017]

Did you post the second photo to /r/analog? I swear I recognize it

[@noeggi]

You still have it? :)(:

[@Magneira]

This millenium edition is just beautiful...

[@ruyaworthy2428]

Could you please do a video on a review of a toy camera e.g.: Holga, Diana etc?

[@dylancole8191]

Are those Beyerdynamic DT770s? Killer headphones man, great taste

[@pdiseris]

They sure are. Had a pair, a `mate' stole them from me.

[@BeardMusic]

what are the headphones?

[@AJSpence33]

Beard Music Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure they're the beyerdynamic dt 770 pro

[@RyanBianco]

beyerdynamic dt 770 pro I think

[@BeardMusic]

looks like them, thank you both.

[@hilmanazman8734]

Can you make a video on how to develop and scan your films by yourself at home? :) anyway , nice video !!!!

[@itsjacksongrant]

I've had the G2 for around a year now and it's the cutest most user-friendly gear, but still gives you the option to get all technical. I always leave the 200 flash on as it's so weightless and definitely adds to the look of it. Somehow reminds me of a miniature microwave? Hahah. I'm still a bit new to film, but from what I see this Contax series are rangefinders. Don't you simply ensure your physical metering from your subject is the same as what's mentioned on the lens? Holding the shutter half way used to get me thinking it was focusing, but I don't think it actually does anything? Could be wrong! Would be nice to know your favourite lens and film for this. Mine has to be the 90mm with Portra 400.

[@harigunawan8889]

squarespace everywhere 😂😂😂😂

[@ranevane12]

You should do a camera vocabulary grammar for all new photographers

[@mtterzoli]

The lenses are some of the sharpest iv'e ever used. Probably as good as or better then some of the Leica glass as far as i can tell.

[@withfilm]

Have you considered the Fuji GA645zi for a similar medium format experience?

[@MrDjofrey]

John Cranford Fuji ga645zi is basically a medium format point and shoot. not the same approach as the contact g2.

[@withfilm]

What's different? I assumed a similar experience. Rangefinder, AF, some manual controls.

[@MrDjofrey]

John Cranford It's a camera made for everything automatic. once you put it in manual mode it's a pain in the ass. it's neither a rangefinder nor a DSLR. it's kind of only a zone focusing system (Manuel focus is only displayed by distances on the LCD screen). and you don't have interchangeable lenses (even if the Fuji lenses is excellent).

[@MrDjofrey]

John Cranford Same for manual exposure, it's kinda lame everything is on the LCD screen

[@Ufphotography]

Hey George - what are your thoughts on a Rolleiflex? Have you ever used one? Could you do a video about it if you have one? :-) Would be interesting to hear your opinion/see your results! xxx Umberto

[@0yys_0]

How does it compare to the contax tvsii?

[@dwanelbarman734]

where have u bought the millennium edition?

[@eugeneexorcist999]

What's the back pack do you have?

[@wildbitt]

love it, the james bond case is sick ahah

[@davenpvrt4242]

Would you say the G2 is worth forking out extra over the G1?

[@ShamiraMaryam]

I was just wondering, where can I find these cameras? Like contax g2, t2, mamiya and the rest?

[@oslal]

Ebaaaaay and your local camera shop

[@ShamiraMaryam]

I'll try then, Thank You!

[@OwenTaylor03]

Do a zenit 11 review

[@iamnichthomas]

What headphones are those? They look comfy

[@davidshoukry4065]

Nich Thomas BeyerDynamic DT770.

[@bilalhouri]

What films did you use in this video?

[@NegativeFeedback]

HP5 and Fuji Industiral

[@AliZaidi]

Best pic @2:40 !!

[@rarefeelings5981]

Do you still use G2? and which lens can you recommend for the camera? for outside or portrait. is there a huge difference: 28mm, 35mm, 45mm? Thank you :)

[@JANKOLLPLAYZFX]

I played with it yesterday in a Camera Store. And I think that these Zeiss lenses are the best lenses I've ever tried. I normally Shooting with the Minolta X-700, and im getting good results. But I really want a rangefinder so im currently searching for the best option.

[@m9shamalan]

its a brilliant camera. the autofocus is a problem sometimes however. just buy one and live with it for a while and youll know. they hold their value so you can always sell it.

[@andiendy]

hello! first of all, let me just say that i love your reviews, there's a mix of technical info and personal thoughts that is highly appreciated here. i would like to ask you something. I want to buy a contax camera, but i'm undecided between the t2, the t3 and the g2. what would you recommend? is it better to go for the g2 given the fact that it has interchangeable lenses and better image quality and it costs less than the t3? haha i think i just answered to myself. anyway, the two compacts are so hot!!! and i saw your review of the gold coloured t2, just AH

[@m9shamalan]

the G2 is a far better camera system, and is cheaper than the Ts (?!) but of course the Ts do things the G cant..

[@rubercoober]

The Ts can do things the G can't? How so? The T series cameras are beautiful, and compact (and ridiculously overhyped to where prices have inflated 300% over the course of 3-4 years) but there is nothing I can think of functionality wise that the T is capable of that the G2 cannot do. Aside from fitting in your pocket, the T2/T3 has no leg up on the G2.

[@yoyohoe125]

where can i find one?!

[@SettingMind]

I'm so broke. wish I had some sweet camera gear to work with!

[@MikeJanik]

As lush as nice camera gear may be, you gotta remember that you can make magic with any camera!!

[@OldCameras]

Amen

[@thereisnostory9508]

YES

[@corgikun2579]

Tim I'm just waiting for my new desk to arrive.......then I can start working

[@MrGORILLAWRENCH]

Don't need to spend well over a grand to take good photos.

[@stuartbaines2843]

NFB - any tips on which films work well with the Zeiss lenses ? I have a G2 , if buying lenses make sure they are free from play in focus barrel.

[@MAVICDCASTRO]

i've personally had problems with the autofocusing as well and it has been bugging the crap out of me 😅

[@tristanmiller5215]

i watched a digitalrev video and now im gonna show it to youu

[@spacecats7832]

I wish I had the money to get one...Ima just stick with a cabinet pl17 as my main for now...for now

[@connorpicken5143]

Why do you always have headphones around your neck?

[@Rickycff]

aesthetics

[@Li0nsmane1]

Connor Picken it's a great way of gently tickling your lymph nodes as you walk

[@NegativeFeedback]

They didn't fit in my bag

[@buckleyrobinson7415]

Curious how much these things were 5 years ago. They don't seem reasonable anymore.

[@elenat6729]

Can someone pls tell me where to download music and put it on videos without getting copyright? :((

[@BryanRollinsTV]

The horror stories aren't limited to the G2. Any electronic camera is prone to it so idk if its much of a dealbreaker.

[@ignacioarayaramirez2726]

Hi there, I'm Ignacio from Chile and I love your channel! Was wondering if you could do a nikon F100 review, it'd be very nice to watch.. Thanks!!

[@JohnVander70]

Ignacio Araya Ramírez the F100 may be the best deal for analog street photography today, it has very modern AF, great lenses, and is heads and tails above most other film cameras in general performance. I have the Contax G2 as well, it's lenses are awesome and it's great fun to use but the F100 is a Street photo crushing machine. For the price of a Contax g lens you could get an F100 with a 35 f2 (and maybe a 50 f1.8 too) and have a no compromises setup for around $350 to 400 usd.

[@RoarCrusade]

AYYEEE I use the same headphones

[@bolonaise]

Hi NegativeFeedback

[@khronokraze]

Cool vid. Thanks for posting and sharing your experiences with it.. and, you scored a nice kit, too!.. pretty unique as I usually mostly only see the titanium version without the kit. I've thought about getting a Contax G2 as well, and they are supposedly built like a tank. But, they are electronic and regardless, could breakdown and stop working and the fact there is pretty much no way to get one repaired these days.. save that of an expert camera repair person and you can locate and scavenge the appropriate components to fix it, you're S.O.L... it would probably would be at most as much $$, probably less given the labor and parts involved, and less hassle to locate and buy another one if that ever becomes the case. But, if you really like such a camera and I have never heard of anyone disliking this camera, I'm sure it could be worth the gamble to own and shoot one, if not for a little while until it may break, god forbid.. I know this channel is about film, but for me, I am also interested in digital.. so, with a quick note to Fujifilm X-Pro2 (& really the X-Pro1, as well).. I think design and functionality wise, Fujifilm's X-Pro's seem to take way more inspiration from the Contax G2 than any Leica film body.. but, hardly anyone ever seems to recognize this and always make a comparison to Leica instead.. which I feel is less accurate. Leica never had any autofocusing rangefinders for one thing. Additionally, so many of the X-Pro's design cues are so much more familar to the Contax G2 including, but not necessarily limited to: - the thing about the viewfinder magnification being adjustable depending on the lens mounted - front grip & rear grip pieces - the way the viewfinder is housed and slightly protrudes from the back upper left - shutter & dial placements on the top plate - this millennium edition's included focal ranges: 28, 45, 90.. happens to be pretty damn similar to the X-Pro1's initial launch and set of available lenses 18mm (28mm equiv.), 35mm (50mm equiv.) & 60mm (90mm equiv.) - they even have a similar hot shoe flash design .. anyways, looking forward to your next video.

[@inigotaylor9401]

having used a G2 for about a month ten years or so ago (i finally then got an m6) i found the focus just let me down to much. It seems you like to take architectural photographs a lot so in that case this should be a perfect mini system for you focusing on still or slow moving subjects i.e portraits it will lock on really well. Funnily enough as great as the m6 itself is the lens i bought with it the summicron 35 V4 was utter garbage, had it fixed three times and last week replaced it with the zeiss biogon 35 f2 which seems awesome. enjoy the g2

[@fingerluck]

I call it The Heavy Machine aka The Cobra. Nice.

[@sitisaifulbahri4684]

Did you buy yours on ebay?

[@NegativeFeedback]

I got mine from ffordes

[@billpickle2875]

I check ffordes out most nights and never seen this... do they keep more stuff offline if you phone or something?

[@NegativeFeedback]

I bought it off the site, i've never phoned up

[@sms7048]

Are you an architecture student?

[@Ceejiye096]

2:59 background noise was somalis yellin 😂😂😂😂😜

[@TheMattyHorton]

anyone else notice the new tunes

[@lilblingking1491]

Yeah, they started using new music a few videos ago :p

[@Bellyoflion]

George! That first shot after the Carl Zeiss bit is so good.

[@niceup1177]

excellent camera, world class glass but the viewfinder is the smallest and dimmest i have ever used.

[@Li0nsmane1]

Peng House lol

[@therealsaintseiya]

you'll go back to the M6

[@kinohogan]

Big facts

[@evgeniiartemov541]

Full lineup of Contax G lenses: lens-db.com/lens-lineup/contax-g/

[@i60s]

fast forward 4 years later and the prices are up there with the leicas…