GAS Attack! Contax G1? Something else?

[cptrios]

Hi all,

I know these "what should I get" threads are annoying, but I can't help it!

So, when I first got into photography (digital), I went through a five-year period in which I must have bought and sold at least 10 bodies and countless lenses. After the first year or so, I made myself a rule - I could only buy something new if I could make up at least 80% of the cost (preferably more) by selling something else. It worked out pretty well, especially since I moved back and forth between the US and Europe twice in that span and was able to nearly double my money on a few lenses. Then, in 2013, I got a Sony RX1 as a ridiculous 30th birthday gift and converted some of my other gear into a Ricoh GR. I was so happy with those two that I didn't buy a single piece of photo gear for the next 7 years...until I finally got into film a few months ago.

Now, as a not-quite-recovered pixel-peeper, I really want to maximize my ability to produce good images. I've been doing that on the cheap so far, but I'd like to actually invest in something serious. I have my mother's old Pentax K2, which I rather like, but it's nearly 900g with the 50/1.7 on it and a bit too bulky to fit in a coat/cargo pocket. I've also got a Minox EL which has been shockingly good in terms of image quality, but metering is slightly inconsistent thanks to the modern batteries, and while I've gotten more comfortable with zone focusing it still leaves me lacking confidence in the final result. I also bought a Minolta Autocord for practically nothing, then spent nearly $200 getting it fixed up. I'm really digging the results (it gives me a slight "is 35mm pointless?" feeling), but again it's bulky and I'm not great at focusing with it yet.

So, I've got these three items that have sat in a box in my closet unused for 7 years, along with their mildly conservative sale price estimates:

- Olympus 85mm f/2 Auto-T - $200 (prices for this are all over the shop, so it could theoretically be more)
- Contax G 45mm f/2 - $300 (I've also got a Metabones E-mount adapter that might fetch $40-50)
- Original Fuji X100 - $200

That's $700 sitting there doing nothing and providing me no happiness whatsoever. So I'd like to sell at least some of it and trade up. I'm hoping to get to the same point that I'm at with my GR and RX1 - the comfort of knowing that I've got the best IQ possible without spending a ton more money. My chief conern other than that, unfortunately, is size. I switched to mirrorless for a reason, and while picking up, say, a film Rebel and the 40/2.8 pancake is very appealing on a number of levels (not the least of which is price), the idea of going back to an SLR, especially of the post-AF plastic variety, doesn't sit well. I also currently have a Konica TC-X with the 40/1.8, but the camera itself is only barely functional mechanically (like the other two copies I've tried), and it's just not enjoyable to use. Or hold. Or look at. (I'll note that someday, when I have more space and money, I'd like to get a C/Y body and the 35-70 zoom. I had the lens for a while on my 5Dii and I absolutely loved it.)

Anyway, after that extremely long and pointless introduction, I come to my point! To me, the most obvious choice here is to sell the Oly 85/2 and buy a Contax G1 (green label) to use with the 45/2. If the eBay stars align well, it could be a straight swap monetarily. I know it wouldn't exactly be small, but at least smallish! The G1 seems to have its flaws but none of them feel like dealbreakers to me, and I feel like I could probably recoup my money for the body and lens if I wound up not liking it. One small question for anyone who has one: are they fairly reliable? Would one potentially last me 5-6 years?

Really, though, I'd love to know if anyone has a better idea. Another option is to sell everything and pick up a nice P&S, with my main choices being a Nikon 35Ti or a Ricoh GR1s. But spending $500-600 on something that could die at any moment doesn't fill me with confidence. Yet another is to sell everything including the Autocord and get one of the Fuji 645 cameras, possibly the GA645zi (not smaller than the Autocord but a bit lighter and fits in a bag better...I do get the feeling that my film future lies in medium format), plus something like a Konica S3 or Oly 35SP. But all other suggestions are most welcome.

Well, if you made it this far, thanks for reading! Don't hate me please!

 

[MattKing]

That 85mm f/2 lens competes with the 35mm f/2 Zuiko for the designation of "my favourite lens", so you aren't going to see me suggesting you sell it.

 

[Ariston]

Gregg has some good points, but I will mention that even point and shoots give you negatives, whereas digital does not. If you want the best archival ability or you want to print in a darkroom, you will need negatives.

You are right to keep in mind that those cameras really could die at any time. I would never pay current prices for them for that reason.

 

[cptrios]

I will say something that you probably do not want to hear. But that's OK because there are no absolute truths here, just personal preferences. I think that digital is better suited for point and shoot than film. Many film converts have repeatedly stated how liberating it is to slow down for once and be more deliberate with your photography. That's one of the reasons why manual focus all-mechanical gear is fetching more than advanced auto-everything SLRs.

But for run&gun photography digital is perfect: less weight, faster shutter speeds, autofocus, etc. That's why I think that film P&S is pointless, in fact even having a dedicated device for that is pointless, as the latest iPhones are crushing it.

P.S. I don't hate you!

No, that's a sentiment I totally agree with! My interest in point and shoots is entirely down to their compact size. I travel a lot, and while I'm not averse to bringing big gear with me, I a) want it to be worth it and b) know that its size/weight will make me less likely to use it. I have zero interest in auto-everything...really, the only thing I'm finding it annoying to live without is a built-in meter.

 

[wyofilm]

Really, though, I'd love to know if anyone has a better idea. Another option is to sell everything and pick up a nice P&S, with my main choices being a Nikon 35Ti or a Ricoh GR1s. But spending $500-600 on something that could die at any moment doesn't fill me with confidence. Yet another is to sell everything including the Autocord and get one of the Fuji 645 cameras, possibly the GA645zi (not smaller than the Autocord but a bit lighter and fits in a bag better...I do get the feeling that my film future lies in medium format), plus something like a Konica S3 or Oly 35SP. But all other suggestions are most welcome.

Since you have been using cameras for awhile you have a good idea of what you like to shoot and what focal length you like. I shoot MF 80% of the time. You mention that you think about MF. Long focal length lenses are a problem but not impossible. Unless using a MF slr, short focal distances are a problem. With a MF you likely won't be shooting sports or wildlife. If you are still on board with MF then your options are realistically.
1. SLR (Hassleblad, Bronicas, Pentax) - great versitility. Doable for $700 for Pentax 645 and some Bronicas
2. Range finders (Fuji, Bronica, Mamiya) - WAY outside your $700 budget except for Fuji fixed lens rangefinders.
3. Folders, including some rangefinder (too many to list) So many choices within your price range, the next best thing to p&s cameras. My Agfa Isolette II is one of most used cameras because of its size.
4. TLR (Rollie, Mamiya, Minolta, etc.) Generally single focal length, starting to climb outside of your $700 price range.

Most of the fixed lens cameras will have normal focal length lenses equivalent to either 50mm or 35 mm in 35mm film format cameras.

If you are thinking 35 mm. I manual camera from the 70s, 80s, 90s fill fit the bill. So many choices that fit your price range. Not sexy but practical.

Lens and film define image quality not the camera body. Good luck in you search!

 

[Pieter12]

Hang on to the Fuji X100. It is probably all you need for a point & shoot, more compact than anything else of similar quality. The viewfinder is better than the Contax and the lens is probably on a par, too, although it is the equivalent of a 35mm. And digital is really more ideal for what you seem to want to do with the camera. Forget the "archival" qualities of film vs digital. Film is more prone to damage, poor processing and printing. And with a decent size card in the camera, you have the equivalent of nearly every type and speed of film without the hassles of carrying said film through airport X-rays, being subjected to heat and cold while in a car or having to lug around an insulated bag full of film. Just pick up a spare battery and bring along a charger.

 

[Sirius Glass]

"Force of GAS resist one cannot." --- Yoda, Star Wars MMMCXLVIII

 

[Paul Howell]

Before you take the plunge on a Contax or other high end film camera buy a point and shoot, something with a midrange zoom, 38 to 70 or 80, runs off AA batteries, and see how you like shooting film. Many of the better brands, Pentax, Nikon, Canon, Minolta had pretty good lens, AF, film advance. For a more basic model look for first generation fixed lens, many had 35mm 2.8 or 3.5, those before made before DX coding of course had manual ASA/ISO allowing for some adjustment, and the light sensor was in the lens ring allowing for filters. For price buy a couple kick them around, use with and without flash.

 

[Huss]

Best fancy P&S is the Rollei QZ 35. Porsche design, titanium build, shutter from 16 sec -1/8000 in auto and manual. Three dials does everything. Killer lens.
Downsides - large, loud, small vf.
Conclusion - totally awesome.

The Leica AF-C1 is nice too.

And I'm not posting this because I am selling them. Well, yeah actually I am.

 

[Paul Howell]

Your right, best quality, but why spend that much money until OP gets a chance to test drive the concept? If he digs it, them put the cash into getting a really good quality example.

 

[wjlapier]

I wouldn't part with the X100 for $200. I also wouldn't pay today's prices for a G1 body unless someone has figured out how to service them.

IMO, the Nikon 35Ti's lens isn't as sharp as the Konica Big Mini or Olympus Stylus ( both 35mm f/3.5 lenses ). I own the Konica and Olympus and used to own the Nikon. Used to own the 28Ti as well. And the Fujifilm Klasse cameras--all of them. I'd have to give the edge to the Konica camera.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

The little original Oly Stylus Epic/Mju is a perfect camera for a pocket. Less expensive than the II version and just as good. I have a couple of those i'd be willing to part with if you are interested. In fact I have a whole bunch of point and shoots I need to sell. I htink I am going to just keep my Yashica T4 and Contax TVS. I'd even sell my broken Ricoh GR1 which is why I would recommend you don't buy one of those....

For what you already have, getting a Contax makes a lot of sense. The Zeiss G lenses are some of the best ever made. Can't really go wrong with them as long as the bodies keep working... I think about getting one every now and then but i already have like a million cameras. The madness has to end at some point.

The small old 70s rangefinders like you mention are a hoot to use. I've had the Canon GIII 17, the Minolta HiMatic E, Yashica Electro, Minolta 7sII, etc. They all were fun to use and gave good results.

 

[Bill Burk]

Get an OM-3 for that 85mm f/2

 

[Larry Cloetta]

That Contax G 45/2 lens is one of the best lenses in the “normal” focal length that was ever made, and better than many, most, if not all the alternatives mentioned here already. First question is: as you have apparently used it on an E-mount body, did you like the results? If not, there is no point in getting a G1, I wouldn’t think. If you did like it then get a G1 and give it a go. If you are reasonably careful in purchasing, there is no reason you’d lose a dime if you decide to sell it later on. Just go to ebay, research the actual selling prices, see what has recently been a low price in the “sold for” range, for a nice body, and wait till you find another one similarly priced and buy it. If you don’t like it after a while just sell it for a price at the higher end of what the most recent “actually sold for” prices are. It’s doubtful you’d lose even the 10% ebay fee, easy to break even if you are even slightly patient.
And Nippon Photo Clinic does service these if it ever needs service.
I’ve got G1s, G2s, a nice M3, an M5, etc, etc. Anyone who has used these long enough to give them a fair shot will likely tell you that you’ll get more keepers out of a Contax G, than out of any other film rangefinder, if they’re honest, which they likely won’t be. And a G1 is pretty small. But, “it’s not a Leica” so doesn’t provide the emotional lift that we might need, holding it in my hands, feeling it, letting others see me with it; it’s just a great picture taking tool.
Hope that helps, probably didn’t. So much chatter out there it’s hard to know unless you actually do it, as with most things.

 

[MattKing]

Get an OM-3 for that 85mm f/2

+1
Or an OM-2n, if your desire is to save money.
Or an OM-20/OM-G if you want light weight.

 

[cptrios]

Thanks for the responses everyone! For the record, I'm not ditching digital, though I am ditching the X100 since I haven't turned it on in nearly 8 years. I'm definitely feeling a long-term shift toward film, however. On my last trip overseas (back in the before times), I took 1300 pictures in the space of a week, and while I'm happy to have most of them as a record of the trip, there are maybe 10 I'd ever consider putting on a wall. With film, on the other hand, I've got to put real thought into every shot, and I'm finding a much higher rate of "wallworthy" photos.

I did think of getting an OM body for the 85mm...but I've lived without anything longer than 35mm for ages now, and it doesn't make much sense to leave that much money invested in a portrait lens. Plus, even with one of the smaller lenses mounted (I think I'd go for the 28/3.5), it'd still be slightly bigger than I'd like. Maybe someday!

I think I'm definitely leaning toward trying out a G1 and then just selling it on if I don't love it. What's there to lose, as long as it doesn't break? Larry Cloetta's post reinforced that idea! I do like the look of the Konica Big Mini, but they seem pretty fragile and I don't like giving up aperture control. My thought right now: Sell the 85 and get a G1, then ponder selling the X100 and Autocord and picking up a GS645S. Sound crazy?

 

[rayonline_nz]

Yes Greg has some good points to think about. I've seen the prices of the good film point and shoots with the wide aperture. I have the digital first version APS-C of the Ricoh GR but not the film version which goes for more money. For run and gun style the digital has more things in its favour. You don't get a small viewfinder. You get more shots. You can change the ISO as you see fit. You can shoot and then decide a color or BW. The digital allows one to shoot a sunset while having a dinner together and you can capture it. Whereas with color film you are limited to 800?

 

[cptrios]

Well, I bit the bullet and got a G1 from Japan. And for good measure, a 28mm to go with it. Shot my first test roll, and the results are pretty damned good. Not sure I'm going to love the camera, but I'll give it a few months. The main foible so far is that it's loud. Stealthy this is not!

 

[Sirius Glass]

Enjoy! G.A.S. will set you free!

 

[destroya]

its a great travel camera. took it to italy with the 45 and 28 and never missed a shot. perfect exposure, which surprised me cause I just used the in camera meter. just make sure to keep a spare set of batteries with you and take them out when not using the camera cause they will drain quickly even with it off. the lenses are some of the best 35mm lenses I have used

 

[cptrios]

its a great travel camera. took it to italy with the 45 and 28 and never missed a shot. perfect exposure, which surprised me cause I just used the in camera meter. just make sure to keep a spare set of batteries with you and take them out when not using the camera cause they will drain quickly even with it off. the lenses are some of the best 35mm lenses I have used

Out of curiosity, will the frame counter reset if I take out the batteries? I notice that the little LCD is always on even when the camera's not.

 

[destroya]

Out of curiosity, will the frame counter reset if I take out the batteries? I notice that the little LCD is always on even when the camera's not.

it has not for me. but i usually finish a roll. if its for a few days, no big deal, but over a month or so, I would take them out.

 

[cptrios]

Weirdly, I just ordered two rolls of FPP's new Fine Grain Six. Both of them failed to load properly in the G1...took one shot, then it rewound the roll and sucked in the leader. I notice that the felt in the canisters is really tight. I wonder if it might be too tight for the motor to pull properly? Annoying, either way, because none of the methods of getting the leader out are working!

 

[Huss]

Weirdly, I just ordered two rolls of FPP's new Fine Grain Six. Both of them failed to load properly in the G1...took one shot, then it rewound the roll and sucked in the leader. I notice that the felt in the canisters is really tight. I wonder if it might be too tight for the motor to pull properly? Annoying, either way, because none of the methods of getting the leader out are working!

This is not an uncommon problem with Contaxes. See if it happens with other films but I will say that I have stopped buying special hand rolled films (I had this problem with Ultrafine's 36 exp rolls which they handrolled) which sometimes are rolled so tight it seems that it may damage the camera's film advance mechanism. It's not going to be the felt trap, but the winding in the canister itself. I sent the remainder of my Ultrafine film back and they refunded me.
Anyway, try some regular film and see if it works again. It could be your film was so tight the camera thought it came to the end of the roll.

 

[cptrios]

This is not an uncommon problem with Contaxes. See if it happens with other films but I will say that I have stopped buying special hand rolled films (I had this problem with Ultrafine's 36 exp rolls which they handrolled) which sometimes are rolled so tight it seems that it may damage the camera's film advance mechanism. It's not going to be the felt trap, but the winding in the canister itself. I sent the remainder of my Ultrafine film back and they refunded me.
Anyway, try some regular film and see if it works again. It could be your film was so tight the camera thought it came to the end of the roll.

Yeah, I shot a roll of Kentmere and have a roll of TMAX in there now, and both loaded fine. That's a huge bummer! I don't have another camera with sharp enough glass to make this film worthwhile. Was hoping it could be a CMS 20 rival!