To Buy or Sell... That is the Question...

ambaker · Aug 25, 2014

I purchased a Contax G2 at an estate sale. Came body only, no lenses. I bought it at a price that is under market, so I can sell it. But then articles on the Internet say it is a very nice camera.

So.. The question becomes... Buy lenses, or sell the body. It looks very well kept, and came from the estate of a professional. I put batteries in it, and it appears to function.

However, I already have other 35mm cameras. Canon EOS Elan 7e, Yashica GTN, are probably the two nicest of my 35 mm film cameras.

Am I going to see a difference in the results? Lenses for this puppy seem to go from not cheap to downright pricey... So before I leap I was just wanting to know if it is worth leaping over?

Thanks!

-alex

gone · Aug 25, 2014

The Contax lenses are top notch, but you won't see a dramatic improvement over the cameras that you already have. You WILL see a dramatic difference in usage. The G cameras are an acquired taste. I think the optics are worth putting up w/ the quirkiness of the cameras, but that squinty, dark little viewfinder put me off every time, and I always ended up selling them. Had to have a shutter repaired once on a G1, and that cost me several times over what I paid for the body, so that's something to keep in mind. These are oldish, complicated electronic cameras and not many people service them. The 45 and 90 lenses are superb, but not cheap. as you've noted.

RattyMouse · Aug 25, 2014

ambaker said:
I purchased a Contax G2 at an estate sale. Came body only, no lenses. I bought it at a price that is under market, so I can sell it. But then articles on the Internet say it is a very nice camera.

So.. The question becomes... Buy lenses, or sell the body. It looks very well kept, and came from the estate of a professional. I put batteries in it, and it appears to function.

However, I already have other 35mm cameras. Canon EOS Elan 7e, Yashica GTN, are probably the two nicest of my 35 mm film cameras.

Am I going to see a difference in the results? Lenses for this puppy seem to go from not cheap to downright pricey... So before I leap I was just wanting to know if it is worth leaping over?

Thanks!

-alex

The lenses are very popular over in the mirrorless digital camera world so if you buy some lenses, you'll be able to sell them easily if you decide not to keep it.

The 21mm Biogon is a pretty amazing lens too.

damonff · Aug 25, 2014

Definitely keep it. You can get the 28mm for a decent price and it is a really great lens.

Two23 · Aug 25, 2014

The Contax is a much more "fun" camera than what you have.

Kent in SD

jaz1943 · Aug 25, 2014

But first find out where you can get it CLA 'd or repaired when it needs it before you buy any glass. Parts are hard to find for that puppy.

Oldwino · Aug 28, 2014

ToCad USA still repairs the G2 (I just had one CLA'd).

fotch · Aug 28, 2014

If more expensive cameras and lens made people better photographers, that would be good investment. However, that has little to do with it. Of course, it is nice to handle something one believes to be top grade, you have to decide is it worth it. Don't expect any more from the equipment and you won't be disappointed. JMHO

ambaker · Aug 28, 2014

Thank you for all the replies...

I guess I should have made it clear that I am not looking for it to make me a better photographer. It is more of a question of whether it will have a difference that I would notice. Whether it be sharpness, contrast, color rendition, etc.

If I shoot with it and one of my other cameras, if I can't tell which came from which camera, is there a point to it?

Though I am leaning towards getting a lens, as opposed to selling. It is kinda cute. Then we will see from there...

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To Buy or Sell... That is the Question...

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