I find it difficult to describe the negatives (or slides) from a Contax G - to try to say it briefly, words like superb tonality, crisp sharpness, ease of printing or scanning. In short, everything in its place. For me, the Gs produce a sort of Rolleiflex-like effect in 35mm, but even then, this term isn't entirely accurate, as 35mm images from a Rolleikin on my 3.5E2 lack that "wow, whatever it is" of the Contax images.
Yes, the G focussing system is quirky. Google it, read the several very good articles posted about this AF system, put into practice what you read, and you will soon learn to deal with it. After all, what AF camera unfailingly focusses perfectly? The G is no worse than most AFs of that time.
Okay, so Theo Sulphate calls the G2 (quote) "An exquisite shiny future paperweight?" Yes and no. My G1s, two bought new and two secondhand from Ebay when film camera prices went thru the floor and they were worth fractions of dollars, just keep on going. One developed a film rewind problems in the mid 2000s and I had to use a toothpick to manually activate the rewind, annoying but not suicidal. I did the rounds of all the Melbourne (Australia) camera repair centers for a repair but none would guarantee the work and all wanted insane prices (= lose-lose for me, win-win for them), so I said no way! and put this G1 away until 2010 or so, when I took it out, vacuumed and dusted it (and removed two small bits of film from the pressure plate), and lo, behold, wow! it was working normally again. LED bleeding in old age with G1s is a (minor for me, one of mine have it) problem but doesn't affect functionality. Eventually they will all stop working, but so will we, so what? Nikon Fs, Leica Ms and Rollei TLRs do the same,everything in life has a use-by date and time.
For my purposes the G1 suits me well. I have the 21 (often used), 28 (my walkaround lens), 35 (little used), 45 (I rate it as the best lens of all, but not often used as not my fave viewpoint) and 90 (rarely used). The 16 Hologon would be wasted on me and if you find one it costs and eye, ten teeth and a kidney anyway. For me, my G kit is complete. The entire lot (four cameras) cost me about A$3,500 and if my G1s someday pass on, I can sell those wonderful Zeiss Contax G lenses and recoup almost all this money. A good investment.
Nowadays in my retirement, if I were to buy again I would get a G1 and two lenses, in my case 28 and 45. Your mileage may differ. If you can pick up a 21 for $550 or less, go for it, you won't lose out.
As I have often written about the G1, to me it's the perfect minimalist kit - the camera, two lenses (or as many as you want and can afford), UV filters and lens hoods and there you are. Off you go to shoot and shoot and marvel at the superb results you will get.
I tend to keep my cameras a long time - my main 35mm SLR shooters are Nikkormat FT2s and ELs - and other than the toothpick moment which in the end fixed itself, the Contax G1 has never let me down.
And Starb(f?)ucks, well, why bother? Do yourself a favor, give up those yuppy-girlie drinks, or best yet stop altogether. Drink real coffee - Kimbo dark espresso!!
