Great videos, nice and detailed description of the cameras and how they work. I'm really surprised that they got so few views! In a future video, if possible, I'd like you to review the focusing/shutter sound of the system, as well as the focusing speed (I think these are critical for street photography, where rangefinders shine!). Anyway, great videos and keep up with the great work!
Very good vids Mike!! I got a G1 with the 28mm two weeks ago, shot 2 rolls and i'm already in love with the G system!! I just can't put the damn camera down!! Too fun to shoot!!
@giannisg2004 Hi there. Thanks for your comment. Actually, I had these vids up for a couple of weeks and they had a few hundred views, but then I had to take them down to deal with a couple of issues. UA-cam doesn't let you "replace" a video, so I had to upload them afresh, thus I lost my views and comments :-(. I can do a video on focus speed and shutter sounds, no problem. There is a very little bit of that demonstrated in Part II of this series, though, in case you missed it.
It's a Seiko SKX009. Pretty much the greatest bargain in automatic-wind dive watches, IMO. It has day/date and a unidirectional bezel. There's also an SKX007, which has a black bezel and face. Crazy good lume on these guys, too! I generally wear my SKX on a NATO strap, rather than the standard rubber one. I keep meaning to do a review on these watches. Good, tough, classic dive watch you don't have to worry too much about.
It seems to be ok from the rear of the camera, only slightly faint from the front, but I guess i don't use the camera backwards much anyway :D ty again for the info!
I don't think it's normal, but I also think it's not unusual for an old LCD display to lose some contrast. Some of them develop "bleeding", too, which mine have (a little).
I don't have any opinion on the Pentax, having never shot one. I own a Sony A55 and will likely upgrade to the A77/99 at some point. The great thing about Sony is they have Zeiss lenses if you need perfection, and the older Minolta ones if you want to save money (I mostly do the latter). They finally put a normal hotshoe on the A99, so that's good. Of course that means I'd have to buy a new flash if I go A99 :-(.
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?
Glad you enjoyed the video. And congrats on your new camera. I’m sure you could find something nice in just about any bag lineup, but I lean toward Think Tank Photo, and Billingham. For the Contax, Billingham is probably the most elegant and of the same “class“ (and with expense to match). On the other hand, a Think Tank bag will probably have more numerous and practical features, and more padding. I have reviews of both brands here on the channel.
@@mike.thomas Hey Mike, I've been combing youtube for complete tutorials for the G2, and I have not had much luck finding many videos with a comprehensive look at the different focusing options as well as the exposure compensation, different ISO hints and tips, etc. Do you have any videos that would help or know of any that might be helpful?
@@ds.am930 Hi there. I don’t have any “user guide” video on the G2, and I’m not aware of any on YT - but that doesn’t mean they aren’t out there! Good luck...
Hey Mike, I'm having a much harder time in low light focusing with my G2 than my G1. Is there anyway to tell if the infrared is broken or not? I have much better success in dark to almost no light with the G1 af assist beam than the G2 without it
Good question. I have both of the available flashes, but have never used them. Not really a flash guy. Hopefully someone will weigh in! Glad you liked the video.
Completely different camera, but a good choice depending on your needs. I saw a used Voigtlander Bessa (can't remember which model) at my local camera store, and considered getting it as a much cheaper replacement for my M2, which I sold some time ago.
@Mike Thomas Hi, I just bought a G1 with a 45mm. I've been told it's one of the sharpest lenses but I've run through 2 rolls and every shot is extremely blurry, even in autofocus. Is there anyway to repair this or have I bought a dud camera?
John Smith Hi John. Sorry to hear of your trouble. The 45mm is truly a great lens. My guess is optics of the lens are fine, but it’s possible the AF system is out of whack. Unfortunately I’m not really qualified to say, esp without the camera in front of me. Can you see the lens racking in and out as the AF works? If not, that’s definitely an issue. If that seems to be happening, then I suppose it’s possible the AF mechanism is out of whack. Also, according to internet wisdom anyway, it’s not uncommon for folks to have focusing issues with this camera, just from not approaching it properly. It’s very much a “focus and recompose” setup with not much sophistication at all. You have to be sure focus has locked in to that little central area in the VF, then keep the shutter half-depressed and then compose to the actual shot you want. This may be what you’re used to with digital cameras in certain focus modes (it’s how I shoot most of the time) and if that’s the case, then the problem is probably not with your technique. I don’t know if anyone repairs these cameras, though I’m not hopeful. They’ve been out of production for a long time now, and Kyocera may or may not support them. I suppose it’s worth a shot, or asking around on photo forums to see if folks have had luck. If you bought it from an eBay auction or the like, you might consider a return. Sucks, but might be the best bet. Good luck!
I on the other hand AM having problems with my G1's focusing, and thinking about throwing in the extra cash for the G2. I've only shot my friend's G2 many many years ago, and don't quite recall whether it's focusing was fast or not. My G1 though seems to focus in, focus out, focus in, focus out... then might finally pull focus. It's getting really annoying, and it's not exactly a quiet motor... it's like the sound of the motor is laughing at me as it goes back and forth.
+Charles J Gartner The AF is much better and quieter on the G2 than the G1. The G2 is all-around MUCH more refined than the G1. But it's a lot bigger, if that matters. Of course, it's still a compact and sexy camera.
+Mike Thomas yes, definitely matters (size I mean). I love the looks of the G1, but deinitely think the G2 looks more "pro". When I owned the G1 in the late 90's and my friend owned the G2 i remember being a bit envious of the looks. But ya... it's a biger camera. Don't envy that.
Sorry, I can't give you specific price advice, since the market varies so much. However, my recommendation is for you to check out completed auctions on eBay to get a sense of the going rate for the gear you're considering. Also research the seller as much as possible. You might also consider KEH [dot] com, which sells lots of used gear. Not as "exciting" as eBay, but if you just want a kit, it's a good place to go. Their condition ratings are pretty accurate.
Yep, used to be, and for a couple of decades. In the final couple of years of my career it was more JavaScript than Java. I’m basically retired now, though.
I have a G1 and a 28mm coming this weekend, I am extremely excited and cannot wait to get using it, thanks for posting these videos.
I really like this overview.
Thanks for the video! ;-)
...keep on watching yours!
Great video! Just bought a G2 and this really helped me figure it out.
Good to hear. Enjoy the camera!
The first photos I shot with the Gg system were with that combo. The 28mm is great. I'm sure you'll love it.
Very helpful all this time later. I will get the G1 eventually to accompany my Sony A7II
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate hearing from you.
I am going for the G1!
Great videos, nice and detailed description of the cameras and how they work. I'm really surprised that they got so few views!
In a future video, if possible, I'd like you to review the focusing/shutter sound of the system, as well as the focusing speed (I think these are critical for street photography, where rangefinders shine!).
Anyway, great videos and keep up with the great work!
great video! Clear my confusion!
Very good vids Mike!! I got a G1 with the 28mm two weeks ago, shot 2 rolls and i'm already in love with the G system!! I just can't put the damn camera down!! Too fun to shoot!!
wanna sell the lens?
@@sursaaaaa wow! You are bringing me back!! This post it’s 6 yeas old and sold everything 5 years ago! But thanks 😉
@giannisg2004 Hi there. Thanks for your comment. Actually, I had these vids up for a couple of weeks and they had a few hundred views, but then I had to take them down to deal with a couple of issues. UA-cam doesn't let you "replace" a video, so I had to upload them afresh, thus I lost my views and comments :-(.
I can do a video on focus speed and shutter sounds, no problem. There is a very little bit of that demonstrated in Part II of this series, though, in case you missed it.
It's a Seiko SKX009. Pretty much the greatest bargain in automatic-wind dive watches, IMO. It has day/date and a unidirectional bezel. There's also an SKX007, which has a black bezel and face. Crazy good lume on these guys, too!
I generally wear my SKX on a NATO strap, rather than the standard rubber one. I keep meaning to do a review on these watches. Good, tough, classic dive watch you don't have to worry too much about.
super helpful video
Thanks for taking the time to let me know you liked it! :-D
Thanks Mike. Got a great deal on both and they are on their way. I’ll keep the G1 and sell the G2 per this review.
I think I prefer the Voigtlander Bessa R3M or R4M
It seems to be ok from the rear of the camera, only slightly faint from the front, but I guess i don't use the camera backwards much anyway :D ty again for the info!
I don't think it's normal, but I also think it's not unusual for an old LCD display to lose some contrast. Some of them develop "bleeding", too, which mine have (a little).
I don't have any opinion on the Pentax, having never shot one. I own a Sony A55 and will likely upgrade to the A77/99 at some point. The great thing about Sony is they have Zeiss lenses if you need perfection, and the older Minolta ones if you want to save money (I mostly do the latter). They finally put a normal hotshoe on the A99, so that's good. Of course that means I'd have to buy a new flash if I go A99 :-(.
do you know if the bodies are weather sealed
on ebay is a g1 with a flash and the 28mm how much would you spend??
Contax did make an SLR to G camera ADAPTER !
10 years past, their price also rised to 10 times.
I recently got a g1 and the display that shows the film count seems faint from most angles. Is that normal? Cheers again.
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?
Glad you enjoyed the video. And congrats on your new camera. I’m sure you could find something nice in just about any bag lineup, but I lean toward Think Tank Photo, and Billingham. For the Contax, Billingham is probably the most elegant and of the same “class“ (and with expense to match).
On the other hand, a Think Tank bag will probably have more numerous and practical features, and more padding.
I have reviews of both brands here on the channel.
@@mike.thomas Hey Mike, I've been combing youtube for complete tutorials for the G2, and I have not had much luck finding many videos with a comprehensive look at the different focusing options as well as the exposure compensation, different ISO hints and tips, etc. Do you have any videos that would help or know of any that might be helpful?
@@ds.am930 Hi there. I don’t have any “user guide” video on the G2, and I’m not aware of any on YT - but that doesn’t mean they aren’t out there! Good luck...
what watch are you wearing
Hey Mike, I'm having a much harder time in low light focusing with my G2 than my G1. Is there anyway to tell if the infrared is broken or not? I have much better success in dark to almost no light with the G1 af assist beam than the G2 without it
The G2 should definitely beat the G1 for focusing. Unfortunately I'm not sure how you'd test your infrared system.
Today more then 1000$😂 7 years later
so sad ugh
Quick question: how’s the Contax TLA 280 on G1? thank you so much and nice video!!!
Good question. I have both of the available flashes, but have never used them. Not really a flash guy. Hopefully someone will weigh in! Glad you liked the video.
@@mike.thomas thanks for this video! would you ever consider selling yr tla 200?
Completely different camera, but a good choice depending on your needs. I saw a used Voigtlander Bessa (can't remember which model) at my local camera store, and considered getting it as a much cheaper replacement for my M2, which I sold some time ago.
I don't think so. As with most electronics, be reasonably careful and the camera will probably be fine.
@Mike Thomas Hi, I just bought a G1 with a 45mm. I've been told it's one of the sharpest lenses but I've run through 2 rolls and every shot is extremely blurry, even in autofocus. Is there anyway to repair this or have I bought a dud camera?
John Smith Hi John. Sorry to hear of your trouble. The 45mm is truly a great lens. My guess is optics of the lens are fine, but it’s possible the AF system is out of whack. Unfortunately I’m not really qualified to say, esp without the camera in front of me. Can you see the lens racking in and out as the AF works? If not, that’s definitely an issue. If that seems to be happening, then I suppose it’s possible the AF mechanism is out of whack.
Also, according to internet wisdom anyway, it’s not uncommon for folks to have focusing issues with this camera, just from not approaching it properly. It’s very much a “focus and recompose” setup with not much sophistication at all. You have to be sure focus has locked in to that little central area in the VF, then keep the shutter half-depressed and then compose to the actual shot you want. This may be what you’re used to with digital cameras in certain focus modes (it’s how I shoot most of the time) and if that’s the case, then the problem is probably not with your technique.
I don’t know if anyone repairs these cameras, though I’m not hopeful. They’ve been out of production for a long time now, and Kyocera may or may not support them. I suppose it’s worth a shot, or asking around on photo forums to see if folks have had luck.
If you bought it from an eBay auction or the like, you might consider a return. Sucks, but might be the best bet. Good luck!
The 45mm is the sharpest lens I've ever used and highest contrast. I can see why people like the leica lenses if they have this level of quality.
I on the other hand AM having problems with my G1's focusing, and thinking about throwing in the extra cash for the G2. I've only shot my friend's G2 many many years ago, and don't quite recall whether it's focusing was fast or not. My G1 though seems to focus in, focus out, focus in, focus out... then might finally pull focus. It's getting really annoying, and it's not exactly a quiet motor... it's like the sound of the motor is laughing at me as it goes back and forth.
+Charles J Gartner The AF is much better and quieter on the G2 than the G1. The G2 is all-around MUCH more refined than the G1. But it's a lot bigger, if that matters. Of course, it's still a compact and sexy camera.
+Mike Thomas yes, definitely matters (size I mean). I love the looks of the G1, but deinitely think the G2 looks more "pro". When I owned the G1 in the late 90's and my friend owned the G2 i remember being a bit envious of the looks. But ya... it's a biger camera. Don't envy that.
Yes, but they are some of the best lenses ever made.
my counter is faint also, thought it was my eyes.
Sorry, I can't give you specific price advice, since the market varies so much. However, my recommendation is for you to check out completed auctions on eBay to get a sense of the going rate for the gear you're considering. Also research the seller as much as possible.
You might also consider KEH [dot] com, which sells lots of used gear. Not as "exciting" as eBay, but if you just want a kit, it's a good place to go. Their condition ratings are pretty accurate.
;-)
The camera body I can afford but the lens is freakin expensive
omg contax stolr fuji x100's design ;p
Java programmer
Yep, used to be, and for a couple of decades. In the final couple of years of my career it was more JavaScript than Java. I’m basically retired now, though.