Have you noticed anything unusual going on with this Contax T2? The seller mentions it hasn't been film tested. Do you think it’s safe to buy, or should I avoid it?
Contax g2 tla 200 flash is really expensive. Is there any other recommendations other than Contax brand ? Appreciate any info on this . Thank you
Hi there, I recently bought a Contax G2 with a few lenses off ebay, and upon shining a bright flashlight through them, I have some concerns. I figured that before I consider touching this glass and potentially worsening anything (and losing my buyer protection) I would consult the community and see if someone wiser than I has some insight. I’m no expert so I could use the help, and with the value of this kit, any advice is appreciated and considered.
I’d like to preface this by noting the listing which said all lenses are free of fog, fungus, scratches, separation, and large dust particles.
Additional Photos: https://imgur.com/a/68NOKRU
If some different photos would prove useful, let me know. I know the pics aren’t the best but it’s what I could manage to show the imperfections.
Firstly, on the 28mm, I can see what appears to be some scratches or cleaning marks on the rear element which is obviously pretty alarming. There also seems to be something internally that I can’t identify (see pics).
Next, on the 45mm, I’m not exactly sure what I am seeing, but the pattern makes me concerned it’s fungus? Maybe a poorly cleaned element?
Lastly, on the 90mm, I can see what looks like a scratch on the front element. With its location, I don’t think it is too big of a concern, but still, it sucks to see this on a lens advertised as nearly flawless.
Just looking for some advice on what to do in this situation. Returning it would suck a little because of the massive import duty I had to pay. Either way, clearly didn’t get what was advertised which is really disappointing and it looks like I’m out of some money regardless.
Thanks for any insight.
History:
Owned this camera for about 10 years, never a single issue. Switched systems to Contax 645 and recently went to use G2.
ISSUES:
Shot roll of film. All good. Loaded new roll. Shot 3 frames. Film counter blinked 03 over and over again. Never seen the number flashing unless “00” to signify the roll has been rewound.
New roll of film. No matter what I seemed to do, the double frame exposure icon appeared even after I toggled the dial.
Kept shooting to test and see what it looked like. Before I could get to the end of the roll, I went to take a picture at night with TLA flash and the shutter closed and would not open. I turned on and off the camera, trying to force a shutter opening but it stayed closed. Tried changing batteries but no LCD would display and no sound of it “waking up”…I believe the shutter curtain is still shut. I noticed the Self Timer LED Light was illuminated and would not go away.
Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated!
Finally got the new lightweight G35-to-M kit out for a spin after two weeks of rain.
The balance is a big improvement—the camera sits flat now instead of tipping forward. Focus feel remains just as smooth as the original brass version.
Took it to the shipyard for a second visit. It’s back in action now, and while the colors are a bit dull with all the aged dust, it’s a dream for B&W. The way the light catches the textures through the dust is just incredible.
Recently got a Contax T and was curious if a part was missing. There appears to be an odd cut out under the film advance lever. Is this normal?
So I just spent three days with a Contax IIa + Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 5cm f/2 on an Agfa APX 100 roll.
First impressions: the handling is unfamiliar – but I genuinely enjoyed it. The camera feels incredibly solid, and yes, it turns heads. People notice this thing.
I finished my first roll feeling pretty good about myself… until I realized I never uncollapsed the lens. Everything was perfectly, artistically blurry. Classic mistake.
No problem, I thought. Day three, fresh roll, I’m not going to let that stop me. First shot of the new roll? Shutter jammed. Dead.
So now I have a beautifully built paperweight and a roll of shame.
10/10 would cry again.
I just ordered a G2 kit with the 28, 45, and 90mm lenses. Considering it’ll be my first time handling one, and the electronic nature of this camera, I was wondering what function tests I should put it through, and what to keep an eye out for, once it arrives. I’d really like to make sure everything fully functional while I’m still in my return window. Any input or ideas will be appreciated!
This thing has been on the fritz recently (miswinding frames, 00 error) and was essentially a paperweight so I was very surprised when these photos actually came out! Not the best at editing photos (all done on the native Apple Photos editing suite), so it would be nice to get some feedback on what could be done differently. Perfect weather up there in the middle of April. Don't want to imagine how bad summer must be.