
Out of the seven interchangeable lenses that are compatible with the G series, only four could be used on the original G1:
CONTAX G2 28MM MANUAL
That being said, many users prefer to use it in its automatically setting, as its manual capability is considered subpar to other manual cameras like the Leica M series (specifically the Leica M6). Is Contax G1 Manual?Įssentially, the Contax G1 is an automatic 35mm film camera, but it has the capability to be used with manual settings. The price can range from around $200 for the body only and up to $1200 with a lens. How much you pay for a G1 is really going to depend on the condition it is in and the seller you’re buying it from. With a fully electronic autofocus system, it is an option for those looking for the familiar feel of a manual focus rangefinder with the convenience of the autofocus features that came in an SLR camera. The G-series lenses consist of seven interchangeable lenses:ĭeveloped in 1994, the Contax G1 is an autofocusing rangefinder that was unlike anything else on the market at the time. Also, the lens coating process used in Zeiss lenses helps to create exact color reproduction with excellent light transmission (so lenses can be used in low light) and little lens or color distortion. This is something that can happen even with low, middle, and high-end lenses from competing lens makers (for example, Canon, Nikon, Fuji, among others) with wide angle lenses and zoom lenses being especially prone. Users also note that there is no noticeable light fall-off while shooting, even when the lenses aperture is open all of the way (for example, f/2 or f/2.8). The lenses are made with high precision high-end glass, producing sharp images with exceptional contrast with little to no chromatic aberration, also known as color fringing, which is noticeable with the naked eye with older or cheaply made lenses. These lenses are touted by photographers for their all metal, sturdy construction with neutral but exact colors reproduction. Contax G Cameras Use Fast, Sharp LensesĬontax G series cameras use German-made Carl Zeiss lenses. Read this article for more information on the key differences between SLRs and rangefinder style cameras and why one might be a better fit for you. This also makes them less conspicuous than the larger bodies of the SLRs and medium format cameras. They are usually much smaller and lighter and feature a more quiet shutter noise, making them easier to carry around because of how they focus and how light enters the camera. These cameras tend to have higher image quality than SLRs (Single Lens Reflex cameras or what you think of when you think of a film camera) with little to no shutter lag. According to Ken Rockwell, rangefinder style cameras were the most popular cameras in the 1950s, with only a few still holding popularity today. The Contax G series of cameras are rangefinder style cameras. This Contax film camera provides a shutter speed of 16 seconds to 1/1200th of a second, and option to shoot in 16:9, 3:2 and 1:1 image ratios.SLR vs Rangefinder Style 35mm Film Cameras This Contax rangefinder film camera’s data back feature automatically imprints details such as date and time on clicked pictures. This Contax film camera also provides manual focus adjustment for greater control over framing the subjects. The Contax G1 35mm rangefinder film camera has a 3.2-inch LCD panel screen that displays the shutter speed flash ready status AF distance etc. This Contax rangefinder film camera has an AF assist beam, which illuminates the subject even in low lighting conditions, to give you good quality pictures. Click pictures with the Contax G1 35 mm rangefinder film camera, which shoots on a 35 mm film negative.
