Contax G1 VS G2: Best Comparison Table 2026

Q: What’s the real difference between the G1 and the G2?

The G2 is essentially an improved version of the G1 with faster autofocus, a better viewfinder, higher top shutter speed, and quicker continuous shooting — but both use the same Contax G-mount lenses and share the same titanium build quality.

Q: Is autofocus really that different?

Yes — autofocus is the main practical upgrade. The G2’s system is generally faster and more reliable , especially in lower light and with longer lenses. The G1’s AF is slower and can hunt more, though many users still find it serviceable for normal shooting

Q: Can both cameras use all Contax G lenses?

G2: supports all G-mount lenses, including the zoom lenses like the 35-70 mm. G1: early bodies only support a subset of lenses; later “green label” G1s or with a firmware update can use some additional lenses — but no G1 can use the 35-70 mm zoom .

Q: What about the viewfinder and controls?

G2: larger, brighter viewfinder and more ergonomic control placement. G1: smaller finder and simpler controls — still fine for most shooters, but less comfortable for long sessions.

Q: Does the shutter speed range differ?

G1: ~1/2000 s max top speed — plenty for many situations. G2: up to ~1/6000 s — useful for bright light or fast action.

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Contax g1 vs g2

The Contax G series are premium 35 mm autofocus rangefinder-style cameras built by Kyocera under the Contax brand. They feature titanium bodies, interchangeable Carl Zeiss lenses, and a real-image viewfinder that adjusts for lenses from wide to tele.

Both use the same legendary G-mount lenses with outstanding optical quality.

They were produced in the mid-1990s and discontinued in the 2000s, making them sought-after film cameras

Contax G1 VS G2 — **Image source:** Lapse of the Shutter

Contax G1 vs Contax G2 — Side-by-Side

Feature	Contax G1	Contax G2
Release Year	1994	1996
Autofocus	Passive AF (slower)	Improved AF with faster speed & better low-light
Viewfinder	Smaller	Larger, brighter
Top Shutter Speed	~1/2000 s	Up to ~1/6000 s
Continuous Shooting	~2 fps	~4 fps
Lens Compatibility	Most G lenses (varies by firmware)	All G lenses including 35-70 mm zoom
Ergonomics	Smaller & lighter	Larger body, better control layout
Data Back	Limited	Optional data back available
Price (used)	Lower	Higher

Contax G1 — Best For Simplicity & Value

👍 Key Strengths

Compact & Light: Easier to carry for travel and street.

Excellent Value: Typically much cheaper than a G2 on the used market.
Fantastic Lens Quality: With Carl Zeiss lenses you get superb image quality.
Great for 45 mm: Many shooters report that with the 45 mm Planar, results are indistinguishable from a G2.

⚠️ Limitations

Autofocus Speed: Slower and sometimes struggles under low light.
Viewfinder: Smaller and less comfortable for some photographers.
Lens Limitations: Older G1 releases didn’t support some lenses like the 35-70 mm zoom.

👉 Who it’s for: Photographers prioritizing value, portability, and classic shooting experience.

📸 Contax G2 — Best For Performance & Control

👍 Key Advantages

Superior Autofocus: Faster and more reliable, especially with longer lenses or low light.
Better Viewfinder: Larger and easier to see, with more shooting information.
Advanced Controls: Dual dials and dedicated AF modes (single/continuous/manual).

Faster Shutter & FPS: Up to ~1/6000 s and ~4 fps continuous shooting.
Full Lens Access: Includes the 35-70 mm zoom and all later G lenses.
Data Back & Features: Optional data back and more shooting options.

⚠️ Considerations

Heavier & Bigger: More ergonomic but less discreet.
Higher Cost: A significant premium over the G1 in the used market.

👉 Who it’s for: Photographers wanting best performance, usability, and versatility regardless of cost.

📷 Lenses & Accessories

The Contax G system has some of the most acclaimed film lenses ever made — all with Carl Zeiss T optics*.

Common favorites:

21 mm Biogon – wide landscapes/street
28 mm Biogon – classic wide angle
45 mm Planar – everyday standard
90 mm Sonnar – portraits
35-70 mm Vario-Sonnar – zoom (G2 only)

Both bodies support motorized film transport, TTL metering, automatic loading & rewind, and manual override settings.

🧠 Real-World Shooting

Street & Travel:

G1 is lighter and less conspicuous.
G2 focuses faster and locks quicker when shooting dynamic scenes.

Portraits & Telephoto:

G2’s AF is more confident and accurate with longer lenses.

Low Light:

G2’s more advanced AF and viewfinder give a real advantage.

🧾 Summary & Recommendation

Choose Contax G1 if you want:

✅ Better value for money
✅ Smaller, lighter camera
✅ Classic shooting experience
✅ Great performance with prime lenses like 45 mm

Choose Contax G2 if you want:

✅ Faster, more accurate autofocus
✅ Larger viewfinder & ergonomic controls
✅ Full lens compatibility (including zoom)
✅ Extra features (continuous AF, data back, faster shutter)

FAQs

What’s the real difference between the G1 and the G2?

The G2 is essentially an improved version of the G1 with faster autofocus, a better viewfinder, higher top shutter speed, and quicker continuous shooting — but both use the same Contax G-mount lenses and share the same titanium build quality.

Is autofocus really that different?

Yes — autofocus is the main practical upgrade.
The G2’s system is generally faster and more reliable, especially in lower light and with longer lenses.
The G1’s AF is slower and can hunt more, though many users still find it serviceable for normal shooting

Can both cameras use all Contax G lenses?

G2: supports all G-mount lenses, including the zoom lenses like the 35-70 mm.
G1: early bodies only support a subset of lenses; later “green label” G1s or with a firmware update can use some additional lenses — but no G1 can use the 35-70 mm zoom.

What about the viewfinder and controls?

G2: larger, brighter viewfinder and more ergonomic control placement.
G1: smaller finder and simpler controls — still fine for most shooters, but less comfortable for long sessions.

Does the shutter speed range differ?

G1: ~1/2000 s max top speed — plenty for many situations.
G2: up to ~1/6000 s — useful for bright light or fast action.

Contax G1 VS G2

Table of Contents

Contax G1 vs Contax G2 — Side-by-Side