“I loved owning one for two weeks until every photo came back out of focus.” This was a comment from a popular YouTuber under another popular YouTuber’s review of the Contax G1 35mm Rangefinder Camera. I won’t name names, but if you think about the first few film photography YouTubers that come to mind, he’s probably on that list.
For those unfamiliar with Contax G series, the G1 is a premium interchangeable lens camera made of aluminum and titanium. It was once described by TIME as “a thoroughly modern version of the classic Leica, proof that retro is the wave of the future.” Designed to be used with Carl Zeiss G-mount lenses, it cost over $2,000 when it was originally released in 1994. These days, a G1 camera body runs anywhere between $350-$500 on average, depending on the condition.
Before purchasing this camera, I looked at lots of reviews. I read countless articles about the specs and features. I watched video after video analyzing the different lenses natively available, pairing it with different film stocks, and commenting on how the camera handles on-the-go. I also looked at images samples across Instagram, Flickr, Lomography, and Reddit.
It didn’t take long to realize the images this camera could produce were stellar. Of all the articles, videos, comments and social media chatter I observed, not one person complained about the image quality. Carl Zeiss lenses are highly regarded, and all the photographs I looked at were beautiful. Even if they weren’t well-composed or the subject matter wasn’t interesting, I couldn’t ignore the actual character of the images.
Still, despite the stunning photos and the impressive aesthetics, there was one dissenting opinion that popped up time and time again: the inaccuracy and unreliability of the autofocus. Lots of reviewers – and aforementioned video commenters – complained about it. Many articles claimed it was a reason to pay the premium for the G2 instead, since it supposedly has better, smoother, and more accurate autofocusing capabilities.
However, some photographers insisted the G1 autofocus was unfairly criticized. Drew at Casual Photophile says “maybe they’re the problem,” referring to users who’ve had issues, and “if you are conscientious about noting the focus as you compose and focus lock with the shutter release, you will not experience focus problems using the 45mm lens.”
A user on Reddit said “the only shots I have missed focus on were my fault, not the camera’s.” Kyle McDougall said the system “worked great” with “zero out-of-focus shots.” He noted the autofocus was noisy and slow but didn’t have any issues.
I could work with noisy and slow. I wanted the camera for some personal projects and to capture those simple, everyday moments that can feel like a blur when life gets (and stays) busy. The G2 camera body is larger than the G1, and I needed something as small and light as possible that didn’t sacrifice quality or completely break the bank.
And so, I bought my Contax G1 locally from a trusted camera shop around Christmas time.
It was – and still is – in excellent condition, and it came with an extended 1-year warranty as a holiday bonus. I purchased the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 45mm F2 lens the next day from a Japanese seller on e-bay. It arrived a few days later, and I loaded a roll of Portra 400 for an afternoon stroll. These were some of my first few shots with the camera.
Like most autofocus cameras, the system works by half pressing the shutter button. There’s an indicator in the viewfinder that lights up and marks the distance locked in by the lens. Since I’m familiar with zone focusing on the Olympus Trip 35, the meter mark is a great way for me to confirm if my subject is in focus.
If I’m trying to snap something super up close but the indicator mark is set to 5-meters, I know I need to release the shutter button and try again before giving it a full press. It’s true that the 45mm lens rarely gives me any issues, but I’ve also purchased the Biogon T* 28mm F2.8 and get similar, consistent results.
The more light, the less the camera hunts. For indoor shooting, an external flash makes capturing my kids and furchild extremely easy. At this point, I’ve shot over 10 rolls of film on the Contax G1, and I can count my out-of-focus shots one hand.
Today’s photographers are mostly used to the laser-sharp, lightning-fast autofocus features offered by modern digital cameras. The Contax G1 offers a reliable autofocus that still requires you to slow down and consider each shot before fully pressing the shutter button.
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Bob Janes on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
It is a lovely camera - the zooming viewfinder is great and it feels good in the hand - but I must confess I've had some issues.
One revolves around the shutter. I found I was getting a number of blank shots where the shutter did not seem to be firing - It would seem that there is an issue regarding the shutter sticking (due to the magnets?) - I've found that setting the camera onto continuous and exercising the shutter prior to loading a film seems to cut down wasted frames.
..and then I had a problem for a while with the camera not aquiring focus and refusing to release the shutter when set to autofocus - however, I think this was down to settings as after I fiddled with the various settings available, the camera started to do focusing properly again. Just wish I'd documented my fiddling a little better.
Back when I got my G1 they were a reasonable price, I can't remember exactly but I think I paid well under £100. The G2 had an active element to the autofocus and a manual focus wheel positioned as in the Contaxes of old, so are a bit more desirable. The G1 salves my desire for a modern analogue rangefinder very well (and the lenses are something else).
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
Zvonimit on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
tikkathree on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
I've owned G1 and G2 systems and rate them as delightful in the hand and completely useable especially if you take the time to understand how to get the best out of them: it certainly sounds like you did. The only reason I don't shoot them now is that I prefer the more active ergonomics of manual camera systems: I might regard you as a disrupter hahah
You didn't mention the "green label" issue or the bleeding lcd issue both of which have been preoccupiers for the internet.
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
bp_reid on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
And I'm happy that the internet's collective wisdom that the G1 is a steaming pile of poo made it possible to get the camera and couple of rather lovely Zeiss lenses for a surprisingly small price.
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
Stephan on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
Bill Brown on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
The back button focus on the G2 is great as well as the exposure lock. In response to a previous commenter I don't see this camera as a dumbing down of photography at all. I love back lighted type images and this camera excels with the exposure compensation dial and exposure lock. It does display the chosen focus distance in the top display and I have learned how to greatly improve my shots that require critical focus. The camera also allows me to set the film rewind to leave a leader and this allows me to switch film types if I need to. It has the ability for manual focus and a cable release which get put to use when I'm doing dusk to dark skyline shots. I'm an older shooter so the auto focus is helpful and I've used the continuos high speed frame advance in critical action shots (releasing of doves into the air at my dear Uncles funeral).
I still love my Canon F1-n for its overall flexibility and speed finder and interchangeable focusing screens but the G2 has been a joy to use and helped me shoot some fast moving life moments with my daughter. A hearty thumbs up from this user. I think it looks beautiful too!
I hope you get many happy years of use from this camera.
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
Charles E on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
James Evidon on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
Since then, I moved on to the Leica CL and Leica SL as well. I still keep the M mount Zeiss lenses which still outperform any Leica lens I have.
So I can continue to use my M mount lenses, I bought a nice condition used Ricoh GXR camera with an APSC sensor with M mount for my Zeiss Planer and Biogon and the images are remarkably sharp and contrasty for an old digital camera.
As for the G1, I also had one of those and found it more pleasurable to use due to its smaller size. If any one is contemplating buying one, be sure to get the G1 with the green label. The early cameras had some sort of mechanicasl problem and the green label means that it was either modified by Contax or is a later production model. The green label is pasted inside where the 35mm fim cartridge goes. BTW, I started shooing film again and for that purpose, I use a very nice CLA'd Leica M5. M5, you say? Yes, it is larger than the tradition Leica M body. It is not as pretty, but the price point is better and it has features that no other analog Leica M has and is really a very nice camera contrary to the negative hype.
Tim Bradshaw on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 08/03/2022
On 28th June, 2014, I took what I think will almost certainly be the best picture I will ever make using it.
Alan on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 09/03/2022
Comment posted: 09/03/2022
Bo Dacious on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 09/03/2022
Joe Curzon on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 10/03/2022
At least that's what you should tell people on the internet. This keeps this hidden gem of a camera more affordable. If word gets around how good and capable it is for the price point people start taking notice and the price slips up. If you actually start writing articles like this mentioning that if you learn to use the camera you'll get awesome results (like the photos you've taken in this article), then more people will want this little super star of a range finder. I think even at twice the price the G1 is an amazing camera and I've enjoyed every moment of using mine. :)
Comment posted: 10/03/2022
Comment posted: 10/03/2022
jeremy north on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 11/03/2022
I love the Contax G cameras, actually I love all Contax cameras. The 645 will blow your mind but that's a different subject.
My favourite is the G2 but oddly I find that the G1 is better to focus in low light/ low contrast situations. I've had difficulty at times getting a shot with the G2 which if it can't find focus will not shoot, which is frustrating as even the manual focus relies on the camera's ability to lock on.
The lenses are all top notch. The 45 and 28 are my favourites though the 21 is just as good with that 90 degree angle of view.
Comment posted: 11/03/2022
Stephen H on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 13/03/2022
As for the tiny "zoom" viewfinders, they are a mechanical and optical marvels but they negate what is arguably a major advantage of rangefinder photography--the inclusion in the view finder of things just outside of or about to enter the frame. And, perhaps like all Contax G owners, I fantasize of a true manual focusing option.
Contax G1 - Much more in-focus than out-of-focus - By Chantel Wakefield - Stylusy on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 14/03/2022
Jay Dann Walker in Melbourne on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 05/04/2022
Most current G1 buyers get the 90/2.8 Sonnar and then decide the camera is crap - when it's really the lens that is bad.
The 90 Sonnar is probably the worst lens in the Contax G arsenal - I'm lucky enough to own a good one, but I've had friends who unfortunately got bad ones, and thought the camera was to blame, and then poo-haa'd the G1 as being a lousy past-it camera when it was really a sub-standard lens that was at fault.
For my needs, the 45 is the third best lens with this camera - the 28/2.8 Biogon is the supper Stella performer, th e 35/3.5 Planar is the second best, and the 45 comes across as the third, even tho' it gets written up all over th 'net as being the bee's knees.
The 90/2.8 is last and way, way down on the lens list, even below the 21/2.8, a lens I own and worked with extensively but have Neve quite made friends with it, even tho' I reckon there isn't anything wrong with it- I've just not bonded with that lens, full stop. I use a Nikon 20/2,8 D (FX) and a Fuji 14/2.8 (DX) and they do what I want them to - but the G 21 somehow falls short. Maybe it's just me.
I bought my first G1 in 1998, and Over the years I've used both the G1 and the G2 (and I happen to own four G1 bodies as well as five G lenses), and for me the G1 rates slightly above the G2, largely due to its lower price secondhand, but also as it basically does all I want a camera to do. The G2 has more bells and whistles, but as I see it, if you can't do it with a G1, a G2 won't save your hide...
From Dann in Melbourne
Michael W Plant on Contax G1 – Much more in-focus than out-of-focus – By Chantel Wakefield
Comment posted: 09/06/2023