Hi everyone.
I have had my G2 plus 28/45/90 (Millennium Kit, included the TLA200 and aluminium case) for a little over 18 months now, and now feel that it's time to add my thoughts to this thread.
I purchased the camera as a possible replacement for my Canon SLR system (I was using an EOS 5 with an 85/1.8, an 18/3.5 and the fantastic 28-70/2.8L lens, plus a 50/1.8mkII which is a great and inexpensive lens). On getting the G2, I found few of the problems that many have experienced. Having deliberated over the possible purchase of an M6-TTL with 35/1.4 and 90/2 lenses (which would have cost much more) I plumped for the G2 kit as (a) it was cheaper, (b) it had useful automation which means that it's quicker to use and easier for my non-photographic friends to use (I thought this might be a useful consideration) and (c) I didn't feel that another manual RF was sensible, as my main camera was and remains a Mamiya 7-ii, which these days has the legendary 43/4.5, 65/4, 80/4 and 150/4.5. Now, neither the M6 or the Contax would ever be capable of the results that the MF Mamiya was capable of, so I didn't feel the need to worry about fulfilling the landscape role, as for the slow, considered work I would always use the M7 through choice.
Anyway, I digress. Though I would never claim the G2 to be able to reproduce the visual excellence of the medium format system, I nevertheless expected a lot from the G2, and it delivered. As a compact travel camera, there is little to fault. Sure, it's not perfect, and I really wish the lens wouldn't 'park' between AF, but for my purposes it has been ideal. It's very quick to use, and the results from 35mm are staggering. In fact, it's so good I recently ditched the last of my SLR kit, preferring to use my wife's Canon AE-1 for Macro work and the G2 or Mamiya for all else. Together, the two systems work with great synergy - the G2 is great for travelling light, and the results continue to impress.
My favourite lens is currently the 28 - though the 45 is obviously very special, I am at heart a wide-angle man, and though I wouldn't dream of going any wider with the G2 (the Mamiya 43/4.5 is roughly equivalent to a 21mm in 35mm parlance) the 28mm is a delight to use. The 90 is the least used lens, though I can't really fault it other than its less-impressive AF.
A few weeks ago I added a s/h 35/2, though I haven't actually had a chance to have any of the films I've shot with it developed. I am sure it will be a useful addition, and suspect it will fill the role that the 65/4 does on the Mamiya - in other words, it acts as the 'one lens' for those occasions when I want to travel as light as possible. It's extra speed will also be useful, though I'm disappointed it doesn't stop down beyond f16 - however, with the 1/6000s top shutter of the G2 this won't be as much of a problem as it is on the T2, with its low 1/500s top shutter speed.
I sincerely hope that Contax uses the G2 as its basis for an interchangable lens, compact digital camera. It makes a lot of sense, though it seems that they (Contax) are intent on blowing a golden opportunity to clean up with such a system. I've actually kept my 50/1.8 and 85/1.8 EOS lenses in a case of hedging my bets because my faith in Contax developing a digital G isn't great (though I'd prefer a digital G over a digital EOS given the smaller size and the fact that the lenses are simply much better with the G).
In summary, I really rate my G2 which is a fine camera with outstanding lenses. The ideal hypothetical G3 for me would be digital, with a non-parking AF and that would do nicely...
John
