Why are Contax G2's so alluring?

[RattyMouse]

RattyMouse, I too am retired.

I'm not there yet. I turn 50 in a few weeks.

Pick out which version you want and which lenses you want. Since you are in the US you are better off buying at KEH unless there is a camera store near you that has exactly what you want. If all of it is too much at once, buy the camera and add the remaining lenses as you can afford them. You have worked your career to buy things that others needed and wanted. Now is the time to buy and enjoy the rewards you so richly deserve. If you want it, will use it and enjoy it, then step up and buy it as soon as you can find and afford it. You deserve it.

As much as I want a Contax camera, I don't think this is the one for me. I've always been a manual focus guy and so should stick with a system that has that. Those Contax cameras are just so beautiful to look at.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Oh, come on you really really want it. Just buy it.

 

[RattyMouse]

Oh, come on you really really want it. Just buy it.

I don't buy things that way. I carry no debt at all aside my my house. Every purchase I make has to pass a series of tests before I commit to it. As much as I want the Contax G camera, I dont need it. Aside from this holiday time, I shoot usually 1 roll of film per month, if even that. It's hard to make the case for a new camera with output like that.

 

[btaylor]

I had a G1 and a set of lenses. I really wanted to love it. Great feel in the hand, perfect size, great controls. Excellent lenses. But I could never get used to the auto focus. I really wanted a true manual focus rangefinder. After an affair with FSU rangefinders (wonderful optics!) I ended up with a Leica M2.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I had a G1 and a set of lenses. I really wanted to love it. Great feel in the hand, perfect size, great controls. Excellent lenses. But I could never get used to the auto focus. I really wanted a true manual focus rangefinder. After an affair with FSU rangefinders (wonderful optics!) I ended up with a Leica M2.

Well do not see a downside for you. Enjoy.

 

[Sirius Glass]

RattyMouse, I too am retired. Pick out which version you want and which lenses you want. Since you are in the US you are better off buying at KEH unless there is a camera store near you that has exactly what you want. If all of it is too much at once, buy the camera and add the remaining lenses as you can afford them. You have worked your career to buy things that others needed and wanted. Now is the time to buy and enjoy the rewards you so richly deserve. If you want it, will use it and enjoy it, then step up and buy it as soon as you can find and afford it. You deserve it.

Oh, come on you really really want it. Just buy it.

I don't buy things that way. I carry no debt at all aside my my house. Every purchase I make has to pass a series of tests before I commit to it. As much as I want the Contax G camera, I dont need it. Aside from this holiday time, I shoot usually 1 roll of film per month, if even that. It's hard to make the case for a new camera with output like that.

Oh well, I gave it my best shot to enable you.

 

[halfaman]

I also owned a G2 with 28, 45 and 90 mm. It is the smallest autofocus camera with interchangeble lenses I have ever seen, it is even smaller than a Nikon FM2.

I didn't have any problem the time I got it but the focus with the 90 mm that is not very precise. Image quality is beyond any doubts. 45 mm is fantastic, a true gem that shine specially with color, 28 mm is an excellent wide angle. I didn't find myself with the 90 mm.

I use very little 35 mm, and when I do it I prefer to use either my Nikon FM2 or my Canon 1V. So I sell it at the end due to lack of use.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

...
As much as I want a Contax camera, I don't think this is the one for me. I've always been a manual focus guy and so should stick with a system that has that. ...

Maybe a Contax IIa (no meter) or IIIa?

https://www.cameraquest.com/conrf.htm

This is a IIIa (meter cover closed):

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Nothing in me wants it. It looks like Bessa R.
I'm finding IIa alluring and it is serviceable. And it is real Contax...