Contax G1 won't focus the CZ Sonnar 90mm

[Sanjay Sen]

Hi all,

I recently acquired a Contax G1 (with the green sticker) and three lenses: the Biogon 28/2.8, the Planar 45/2 and the Sonnar 90/2.8 (all purchased separately). While the 28m and 45mm work fine, the 90mm will not focus at all! I've tried focusing at all apertures, near and far, but with no luck. I cannot even focus it manually. However, when I attach the lens to the body, the viewfinder does show the correct field-of-view for the 90mm lens.

I am wondering if I am missing something, or doing something wrong. I've not come across any relevant information online that mentions this being a problem, although I've read about out-of-focus photographs with the 90mm on the G1 - but in my case the lens won't focus at all.

Any ideas or insights you may have on this would be much appreciated.


TIA.



Best wishes,
Sanjay


EDIT: I should add that the shutter won't trip with the 90mm lens attached, even in manual focus mode.

 

[Xmas]

Hi

I think the green sticker cameras will only work with the initial set of lenses e.g. the 45mm & the 28mm, they wont work with the second set, which may include the 9cm, and 35mm (from memory).

If this is the case you need the software upgrade from a Zeiss service centre. It used to be free but they probably charge for it now.

Noel

P.S. sorry the green sticker is the later version should be ok with all lenses! You could try wiping the electrical contacts on the lens with a soft cloth damp with alcohol.

 

[Sanjay Sen]

Well, as far as I am aware, the green sticker Contax G1 cameras should work with all the G series CZ lenses: the green sticker indicates that the camera has been modified (ROM upgraded) to be compatible with the 21mm and 35mm lenses - these two lenses were introduced after the G1 was, and as such are not compatible with the original production G1 cameras that have the silver sticker. Later production G1 cameras already have the ROM update as indicated by the green sticker. The 90mm lens should not have a problem with any version of the G1.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

There is a known focusing issue with the G1 and the 90, but it is not usually THAT extreme - I've had shots with my 90 be hit-or-miss as to sharpness/focus accuracy. You may want to have your setup checked out - either the body or the lens is having an issue. If possible, upgrade to a G2 and solve that problem altogether.

 

[Sanjay Sen]

There is a known focusing issue with the G1 and the 90, but it is not usually THAT extreme - I've had shots with my 90 be hit-or-miss as to sharpness/focus accuracy. You may want to have your setup checked out - either the body or the lens is having an issue. If possible, upgrade to a G2 and solve that problem altogether.

Yes, I've read of focusing issues with the 90mm on the G1. But in my case the camera won't focus at all. And it won't let me trip the shutter either, not even in manual focus mode.

BTW, do you have any idea where/who I can get in touch with to have the camera/lens looked at? Will Contax USA service be an option, since these cameras are no longer in production?


Thanks all for your inputs.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I'd try contacting Contax USA, since they should still have a supply of parts - the cameras may be no longer in production, but they were made recently enough. If they don't service them anymore (since Contax/Yashica is essentially out of the 35mm camera game), they may be able to send you a list of authorized repair folks. I'm sure there is more than one repair shop in the NYC area who can handle these. Also try talking to Eli Kurland and Tamarkin - both retailers were very big Contax outlets, and would have suggestions.

 

[Sanjay Sen]

Thanks a lot for the info, it is much appreciated!

 

[plummerl]

ToCAD America (http://www.tocad.com/service.html) is now the official Contax service provider. KEH (Dead Link Removed) also has a very good reputation for Contax G repair.

larry

 

[Sanjay Sen]

ToCAD America (http://www.tocad.com/service.html) is now the official Contax service provider. KEH (Dead Link Removed) also has a very good reputation for Contax G repair.

larry

I found out about ToCAD America yesterday, but I was not aware of KEH's repair center. Thanks for the info, Larry.

I will probably try ToCAD America first since they are located in NJ.