Contax G1 Rangefinder AF

The first of it's kind, the G1 turned the heads of the industry upon release. It was the first breakthrough in rangefinder technology with it's AF system.

Though in the opinion of this author, Contax did not surpass the Leica M6 System by any stretch of the imagination. For the cost of this model, I would opt for the Leica. Leica also has many accessories and a wide array of lenses as well. The M6 has it's issues no doubt, but for the money..

Back to the G1, An elegant design, none the less and quite a good second best in the rangefinder market.

The skin is titanium with a die- cast, copper- silumin alloy chassis.

The machine does not have the conventional optical range/ view-finder like the M6.There is no focusing patch, or frame-line. The G1 instead uses a compact, real image view-finder, with a 90% field of view with.59X magnification. It automatically corrects parallax and field frame/ effective focal- length. Opaque borders mask portions of the view in order to define the viewfinder's "corrected," or actual subject framing area, while you focus.

This is a elegant AF Rangefinder with optional complete manual control, which is a must for the hands on photographer. It is a durable design though still standing the test of time, though it has been replaced by the G2.

The squat 29mm lens mount allows for much leeway for rear element placement. This allowed for an extended optical array.

The G1 has a electronically controlled metal blade, vertical travel shutter, which reaches 1/200, with a 1/100 flash sync, bulb and 10 sec timer. The G1 also has all the compensation and bracketing and functions available as well in 1/ step increments, as well as AE lock. There are few controls placed for easy manipulation without looking at the LCD. Full viewfinder readout.

Two independent DC motors for shutter cock and rewind.

TTL Flashes accessories are available of course, this camera was a honey when it was released and has held up well usually. It is a elegant design and is super quiet. You will be stealthy as you snake your ways through you shooting-ground.

G1 Specifications at a glance>

35mm Cameras
Medium Format Cameras
Photography Feature Stories
Photographers' Techniques
Camera Equipment Reviews
Fine Art Photography
Commercial Photographic Services

*Note that Kyrocera discontinued the Contax camera system. In the event of camera, or lens failure, you will have to procure used parts.