Contax G2 vs Hexar AF: AF

[msbarnes]

Is the Contax G2 in the same league as the Hexar AF, in AF alone?

I've had the Hexar AF and I had no complaints, but I'm thinking of getting a G2 because of the higher top shutter speed and the 45mm lens (I prefer 45mm-50mm over 35mm). I understand that I am compromising the viewfinder, which is maybe a bigger problem, but in terms of AF the G2 should be no worse, right? Or is it?

The main difference between the two seems to be the viewfinder, ergonomics, and the interchangeable lenses. Price too, I guess, but I don't consider the difference to be that substantial.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

I have both. IMHO the G2 is as good if not better. G2 also has a back button to better "target" AF as needed and desired.

 

[momus]

The Hexar AF camera I owned was pretty quick to obtain good focus, probably due to its wide lens. The Contax cameras (I have a G1) are quirky, and learning to get your subject exactly in the viewfinders little [ ] sights takes some practice, but once you understand how it works you will find it can auto focus just fine. I like the way the viewfinder automatically crops things on the Contax cameras too. Also, you can manually focus the G cameras. I don't remember if that was possible on my old Hexar AF.

 

[craigclu]

I have had both. The Contax has a better logic to its operation but when I would use the Hexar more frequently, I quickly forgot its quirks and worked quite seamlessly with it. I had 2 Hexars over the years and they both were trouble free and very, very capable cameras. I have a G1 and G2 now with 28/45/90 kit. I don't believe I gained anything optically and especially as these are typically used for hand-held duties where any perceived differences would be more operator induced than optics related. I miss the Hexar as I simply would grab it and run. The Contax has me grabbing the whole bundle-bag and schlepping more equipment than I should. The G-1 is fine but I would go directly to the G2 as its focusing is clearly better, especially with the 90.

I'll just whisper this in here but the 90 is great on my XE-1 body (more so than the 45 & the 28 is too deep for mounting). I've tried many film-based optics and for some reason, this lens seems especially good at this duty.